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The BPAG were at Manston again last weekend and despite a constant battle against corrosion, good progress was made in three vital areas. Outer wings were both returned to folded positions using a combination of handpump, penetrating fluid, 20 ton jack and brute strength manpower and are now ready to take off next time. Removal of dump masts is necessary to remove ailerons but again corrosion was an issue, forcing the decision to cut away masts as well as drilling out most screw heads. Hinge pin on LH eventually extracted and aileron removed. RH needs more persuading, however. Removal of fuselage access panels started, in order to assess internal structure and to give eventual access to lateral control run and bypass ring areas.

More pics available on the ZE360 Restoration Gallery.

This month’s FlyPast Magazine contains a report on the recent progress with ZE360. Many thanks to Key Publishing and the staff of the magazine for including the aircraft in this latest issue. In the shops now or available to order from the Key Publishing website-

https://flypast.keypublishing.com/the-magazine/back-issues/

A couple of the BPAG team attended Manston again on Monday, primarily to attend to other matters but were also able to put a couple of hours in on the airframe. The aim was to remove D101 L&R panels in order to inspect the hydraulic system, in order to plan withdrawal of the wing lock pins and subsequent removal of the outer wing sections.

Heavy corrosion of the panels unfortunately meant cutting into the wing instead. Opening the wing revealed the extent of the corrosion underneath. Leading edge flap actuator access panels and speedbrake lock and closure panels were also removed. Again, serious corrosion underneath. In conclusion, time well spent that has given us further insight into what we’re up against. More pics available on the ZE30 Restoration Gallery.

As part of our never ending search for Phantom parts, we noticed that a rear canopy was listed for sale on e-bay last week. We are pleased to be able to announce that, in an incredibly selfless gesture, the owner has instead donated it to the BPAG to be fitted to our F-4J(UK), ZE360. Needless to say we are very grateful to the owner, Graham Gilbert, for his generosity.

Incidentially, Graham is a trustee of Bentwaters Cold War Museum which- if you are not familiar with it- is well worth a visit, being the home of FGR.2 XV401 as well as a number of other classic cold war aircraft. More info on the museum can be found here- http://www.bcwm.org.uk