WIX Archives

Re: Woomera Test Site

Posted by Tim Matthews on Tue Jul 09, 2002 08:34:07 AM

In reply top Woomera Test Site posted by Julian on Tue Jul 09, 2002 07:50:19 AM

: Does anyone know if interesting airframes were ever used a
: s targets at Woomera and, if so, have they been recovered
: or is there still the possibility of anything surviving th
: ere...
:
: Grateful for any info...
:
: Julian
Good instincts, Julian, there were a number of P-51's left on the range during the British A-bomb tests. Presumably the results were dissapointing as during the '60s these were recovered and at least one flown out ( a couple 'a pints of oil and a good kick in the guts - she'll be right , mate ). I believe they were eventually sold to US buyers so there may be a rich American somewhere who can't work out why his Mustang glows in the dark.
The Brits have recently carried out a major decontamination of the Maralinga Test Site, removing the top 20 feet of top soil and we hope allthe radioactive fallout. I would think there wouldn't be as much as a rivet left there, now. There is an interesting museum/ display near the township of Woomera, a Blue Streak rocket ( after it hit the desert ) a Canberra B2 used in the tests and some other bits and pieces. Worth alook if you happen to be passing ...

Regds
Tim

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