Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

General Aviation Discussion => General Aviation Discussion => Topic started by: Dave on September 30, 2008, 10:58:16 PM

Title: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on September 30, 2008, 10:58:16 PM

I have just got an email from my University about a possible tour around RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters on Thursday, so I presume she will be in Belfast docks on Thursday. The tour is only open to students however just incase anybody wants to see the helicopters or something as they may be flying around.

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server?show=nav.6241&imageIndex=46

RFA Argus used to be a container ship but was converted back in 1988 into a sort of aircraft carrier.

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: casper on October 01, 2008, 09:15:50 AM

This Thursday (02 Oct)?

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on October 01, 2008, 11:15:39 AM

Yup, sorry, I should have mentioned it was indeed this Thursday, the 2nd of October.

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: casper on October 01, 2008, 11:18:20 AM

Will you be going? Be sure to post some photos :)

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on October 01, 2008, 11:37:32 AM

They can only take 40 students and I applied abit late, so I doubt I got on the tour but I will find out later.

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on October 02, 2008, 04:14:31 PM

Well I got a tour around the ship today and unfortunately was unable to get any photographs which was a shame. They had 4 Merlin helicopters underdeck, all folded up. There were 3 side by side which would have made a great photo however it was not to be. Anyhow it was great seeing around the ship and I believe the ship is in dock until next Monday or Tuesday.

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: casper on October 02, 2008, 04:17:58 PM

Quote

and unfortunately was unable to get any photographs which was a shame

You didn't have your camera or you weren't allowed?

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on October 02, 2008, 04:47:35 PM

My particular tour guide wasn't too sure if photos were allowed or not so I had to leave my bag and camera in the meeting room where the tour started and ended. I'm sure they wouldn't have minded me taking pictures of the helicopters below deck but I wasn't going to push things :)

Title: Re: RFA ARGUS and her 4 Merlin ASW Helicopters
Post by: Dave on October 03, 2008, 01:16:47 AM

By the way, I believe the Merlins were from 824 sqn :)