h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

>> "Caramba!! How big is ze Aircraft Carrier???" <<

That does raise the question of where the Vulcan's were based.

Not that many RAF bases big enough for Vulcan's are within range of the Falklands.
Those grass runways in the Caribbean wouldn't suit. And South Africa wasn't all that
friendly in those days.

So, I offer ten Brownie Points to anyone who can enlighten me.


~jwf~

In-flight refuelling, as I recall...

Uhm... and the tankers were based where?

See what I mean?


~jwf~

The aircraft carrier was 90 square miles in the South Atlantic. The locals call it Ascension Island.

Hi ~jwf~

The Vulcans were based at Ascension.

The flight to Falkland was accomplished by a number of Victor tankers, including tanker-to-tanker refuellings. Quite a logistics nightmare, but thre RAF pulled it off!!


GT

Tanker to tanker!
I'd never have thought of that.


The Falklands really are in the middle of nowhere.
Even Ascension Island is way off.

I've read some old naval, whaling and sealing histories that explain just how remote and isolated the south Atlantic islands are. The logistics of the war must have been a nightmare indeed. For both naval and air forces. It's no wonder the Argentinians never expected to get slapped down for their invasion.

The single most impressive memory I have of that conflict is a scene aboard the aircraft carrier as the flotilla gets close enough for air recons and they dump a piano overboard to clear all decks for action.

Thanks all!
~jwf~

I hereby claim by 10 Brownie pionts!!!!



GT

(Ex RAF)

Nay, gt. I claim 3.5 of them

What about Jack? He said Ascenion Island and even measured it
as 90 square miles (whatever that is in kilometers).

So how about we split the ten equally, three ways.
That's 3.3333333333333333333333333333 each.
I'll keep the itsy bit left over and pud it on my
(wait for it)... pie.


~jwf~

I appeal. I thought at claim time that I was being over generous.

Let those others, whoever they are, the followeers, share 5.8 points (and good luck to 'em).
Over to you, wings.

Now, now chaps!

No need to argue!!

I will give up my share up as I am the in this QI!



GT

OK!

51 Posts to reach 4 answers, and only one Klaxon triped!!

Ho-hum.

Here be the points.

Teaswill Post 14 A-Bomb -5

Jack Warlock Post 17 Vulcan Correct +3
Reddyfreddy Post 24 Stanley Airfield Correct +3
van-smelter Post 37 (1) May 1982 Correct +3
Jack Warlock Post 38 Operation Black Buck Correct +3



GT

the shock and awe part was the effect on morale of the argie soldiers

a lot of the troops were from northern argentina and if the british could launch bombing raids all the way down to the falklands then their home towns and citys were in easy range of the british bombs

Errrr Yeah!!!

What would have happened if the RAF decided to lay a few eggs on Buenos Aires????




GT