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Gravel pit arrester being tested by RAF
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Gravel pit arrester being tested by RAF
Testing a gravel pit arrester for stopping runaway jets, using an RAF lightning jet fighter. The idea was that an aircraft unable to stop before the end of the runway would be brought quickly and safely to a halt after being steered into a long pit filled with gravel.
1975
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Media ID 14343170
© Mary Evans Picture Library/DAVID LEWIS HODGSON
1975 Arrester Gravel Jets Landing Lightning Runaway Runway Safety Stop Stopping Testing
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In the heart of the 1970s, the Royal Air Force (RAF) took innovative strides in ensuring the safety of their aircraft and personnel by testing a ground-breaking gravel pit arrester. This photograph captures a pivotal moment during the trials, featuring an RAF Lightning jet fighter skillfully maneuvering towards the gravel pit. The concept was simple yet groundbreaking: an aircraft unable to stop before the end of the runway would be brought quickly and safely to a halt after being steered into a long pit filled with gravel. This gravel pit arrester was designed to prevent the catastrophic consequences of a runaway jet, which could potentially cause significant damage to property and loss of life. The RAF team, consisting of dedicated engineers and test pilots, worked diligently to perfect the system. In this image, an RAF Lightning jet fighter, adorned in its iconic red, white, and blue livery, approaches the gravel pit arrester. The men in the foreground, dressed in protective gear and observing intently, are ready to assess the effectiveness of the gravel pit in stopping the jet. The test was a resounding success, as the Lightning jet came to a swift and controlled halt upon entering the gravel pit. This revolutionary technology not only improved safety standards for the RAF but also paved the way for advancements in runway safety for the aviation industry as a whole. This photograph serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and safety within the RAF during the 1970s, a time when the importance of such advancements was more crucial than ever.
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