SAAM Question 2 - Identity of Blue Steel, South Australian Aviation Museum

[Brendan Cowan]

The W.100A Blue Steel missile in the SAAM collection is reported to be round 048 which was jettisoned from Victor XL161 on 17 Aug 1962.

Does any one know where to look on the missile for the manufactures C/N?



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[Brendan Cowan]

For our page on Victor XL161 go to http://adf-serials.com.au/victor.htm


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[Brendan Cowan]

And for more of the story of how this round was dropped, go to http://beesoft.soho.on.net/4JSTU/bluesteel.htm


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[Martin Edwards]

I have my doubts that this is the missile that was jettisonned from XL161.
It just doesn't look like it has been dropped from any height and appears to be fairly complete as distinct from the remains in the photos shown on the Blue Steel website

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[Brendan Cowan]

Thanks Martin - Interesting!

Hence the need to find an actual ID within the airframe.

Good pick up.

BC

[jeep1943]

This one apparently went into the water/ mud flats at Port Wakefield.
There is a lot missing from it, and the other remains that came with it have suffered impact damage.
But as you have stated Martin, it seems to be in too good a condition.

I'm sure we have some paperwork on it somewhere.


This post has been edited by jeep1943 on Aug 10 2013, 08:54 PM

[Rod Farquhar]

I'm with Martin on this one, the pics of the one at Pt Wakefield show all the characteristics of being jettisoned and catching fire, they just don't bounce.

The text in the story says "a"missile body has been given to SAAM, not specifically the jettisoned one.

Rod