Specialist component manufactures help RAF maintain vintage aircraft

An RAF engineer recently spoke out about keeping planes in the air that are included in the Battle of Britain Memorial. 

Part of a dedicated team of over 40 technicians and engineers at Lincolnshire’s RAF Coningsby base, Sergeant Rob Taylor, commented that he is using skills from a time gone by, and the support of specialist manufacturers.

Together, Sergeant (Sgt) Taylor and his crew are charged with securing vintage aircraft fit for commemorative events and displays. These include Hurricanes, Spitfires, Chipmunks, a Dakota and a Lancaster bomber. In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, these planes played a critical role, defending the nation against Germany’s Luftwaffe.

Sgt Taylor said that engineers had to rely on manuals that dated back to 1945 that assumed a level of experience and knowledge that were not taught anymore. Regarding components, he joked that the team couldn’t simply go to Halfords to collect the parts they needed.

Many of the aircraft were constructed by hand. This means that, in many cases, modern replacement parts cannot be installed. He added that sometimes, it is extremely time-consuming and frustrating, as the companies that made the original parts no longer exist.

To make sure the planes are operational, the RAF engineers work to refurbish the original parts or trust specialist manufacturers. Expert UK companies can create custom made springs, clamps and other components employed in aircraft from different eras. The Lancaster Bomber includes thousands of springs of different types including compression, tension, coil and leaf.

Commenting on his role, Taylor added that even with the frustrations, he loved the work and it was the reason why he joined the RAF.