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The weather gods smiled on the BPAG at Manston last weekend. Further progress made with stripping out D22 but there’s still a long way to go there. Front cockpit was relieved of its remaining parts, including the main panel and instruments. The latter have gone off site to be refurbished. Elsewhere, both full sets of engine doors are now lowered and engine disconnection has started. Lateral control runs, hydraulic lines, electrical looms and left hand leading edge BLC duct have been removed. Access was also gained to the trailing edge flap actuators and these are scheduled to be removed at the next visit. More pics can be seen in the ZE360 Restoration Gallery.

This weekend’s vital task was the removal of the centreline tank, as when installed it prevents both the opening of the engine bays and work progressing along the centre of the lower wing. Despite having been untouched for decades, the tank actually released as it was designed to. Cue much celebration from the BPAG Chairman. With the tank out of the way, we now have clear access to the engine bays doors.

Other volunteers removed the remaining speedbrake and preparation work continued inside Door 22, which needs to be cleared to gain access to the wingtank/front fuselage joints. Also disconnection of the inboard undercarriage doors was started. Highlight of the day was opening the rear most engine doors for the first time in 3 decades. More pics can be seen in the ZE360 Restoration Gallery.

The BPAG are pleased to announce that on 15/08/2020, ZE360 was towed away from an area of waste ground, where it has sat since 2015, and back onto hardstanding elsewhere within the facility. This event has been delayed by the current Covid-19 pandemic and follows the recent replacement of the main wheels and nose wheels by the BPAG engineering team.

A jubilant Paul Wright (BPAG Chairman) commented “Saturday was a major milestone in 360’s journey back to full restoration. I’d like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the day’s event. Thanks guys you’re stars!!”

More pics can be seen in the ZE360 Restoration Gallery.

A busy weekend for the BPAG. With one team occupied with ZE360 at Manston, it was up to a separate small detachment to collect the fin of XV494 from Brenzett Aeronautical Museum.

This piece was surplus to museum requirements and space is needed for a new items. The BPAG have gratefully made it part of their collection and another piece of British F-4 history has been secured for future display.