BBMF temp grounded

[angry turnip]

Hopefully this is not some over zealous knee jerk reaction to the recent tragic accident.
The RAF took the decision themselves, which could suggest they already have a possible cause.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-69065857

Safety is always paramount of course,proper investigations and checks need to be carried out,I just hope the media don`t jump on the " let`s scare the general public about airshows " bandwagon.

[rookie]

Was the spitfire that went down a griffon engine variant or merlin?

Its strange as the BBMF grounded all merlin engine aircraft last year due to an unknown engine issue.

[JasonT1981]

Was the spitfire that went down a griffon engine variant or merlin?

Its strange as the BBMF grounded all merlin engine aircraft last year due to an unknown engine issue.

MK356 was a Merlin engined Spitfire.

[angry turnip]

From what I understand, ( as of 2018 ), the BBMF flight use a restricted number of Merlin engine types.
The Spitfire Mks II & V have the Merlin 35, Mk.IX & XVI the Packard Merlin 266 (which actually turns the Mk.IX into a high back Mk.XVI) the Hurricanes and Lancaster are fitted with Merlin 25, 255 or 500 engines.

The BBMF do not use Merlin types that were originally fitted to the aircraft in their 'as delivered' state but it does mean that engines are more interchangeable and therfore a smaller stock can be held.
The total pool of Merlins & Griffon engines within BBMF is normally 14 to 18 complete engines.As little as two spare engines at any one time when all aircraft are serviceable (Merlins 4 Spitfires, 2 Hurricanes, Lancaster 4, Griffon Spitfires 2 = 12)
There are also a number of engines under going rebuilds outsourced with specialists.

[Jimi182]

I'm not surprised at this decision and think it's the right one. Although hopefully things get back up and running soon.

[angry turnip]

I`m glad that the RAF have control over this, because if it was a CAA directive, it would be a very different story.
The RAF BBMF engineers know the aircraft inside out,and likely have a good idea what may have caused the alleged engine failure.

[sneaky_nikon]

I thought their Merlin maintenance was subcontracted?

[angry turnip]

I`m not sure what the current situation is with the BBMF Merlin engines. The info I have is several years out of date.
I would suspect that the BBMF do their own servicing, but rebuilds and major overhauls may be subcontracted out.

One thing some varients of the Merlin were known for,was the supercharger suddenly failing, if that happened at takeoff, well it would be very messy, but I don`t want to get into speculation.

[sneaky_nikon]

I just recall a previous grounding being something to do with a contractor having to work to CAA rather than Service standards... Or I think I do, I really don't know any more.

Hope they make to France next weekend, but little to be done if they can't.