Salvaging of Blackburn Skua, L2896 Orkdalsfjorden

[haralny]

Hi everyone.
I'm a masters student on my forth year, studying on Underwater technology at NTNU Trondheim. In this semester we are salvaging more of the wreckage from the Blackburn Skua L2896 in Orkdalsfjorden. The main goal of the operation is to salvage the engine and propeller. We will also get more of the aircraft, if we have the time and resources to do so. The salvaged parts is to be sent to Bodø for preservation.
We are working on gathering all the information possible about the engine and the propeller. Many sources inform us that the engine is a Bristol Perseus XII, 9- cylinder, air- cooled, sleave valve, one row, radial engine.
We are wondering now witch materials they used in this engine? It’s pretty hard to estimate from the pictures. Anyone have an idea or a source? Perhaps someone have the drawings maybe from Bristol Engine Company or a datasheet?
We also encountered some problems confirming the pre- crash situation. Did the plain experience engine problems and hand to set down in the water, or was it shot down?
The operation will take place on 3. March (search) and 17. March (Salvage).
Thanx!
Harald

[haralny]

I just discovered that the plain was shot down. Check the link:

Page 1:
http://home.online.no/~oela/Casson%20article%201.jpg

Page 2:
http://home.online.no/~oela/Casson%20article%202.jpg

Still wondering about the engine though...

[Peter Cornwell]

Harald,

Every success to you with the recovery operation. Does anyone know if the serial number of this aircraft has ever been confirmed ? Some sources suggest that it may have been L2991. Many thanks.

[haralny]

Thank you Peter!

This was written after det last recovery in 2007 by the recoveryteam.

Check also the link to this thread. I bet you can get more confimation by contacting Norsk Luftfartsmuseum in Bodø.

The link to the thread:
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...ighlight=l2896

ATCCbengt
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 10



Re: Skua rescue in Norway
Hello all.
Just returned from Trondheim after dismantling and preparing the Skua for the journey to Bodo.
We found the serialnumber L2896 written on the fueltank in the nose, below the cockpit floor and on the pilot seat. In addition, painted on the usual place on the fuselage, allthough the last digit was partly missing due to extensive damage to the tail. L289 is clear and easy to read. The last digit, the '6', is damaged and difficult to read but it looks like the '9' turned up-side down. This in mind, and the fact that we found it written on to seperate items, is good enough for me. When we start preserving all the details and parts in Bodo next week, we will of course have a keen eye for the serialnumber.

Regards
Bengt
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Do you know anything about the engine materials Peter? Or anyone I can contact for this info? Thanx!

[Peter Cornwell]

Bengt,

Many thanks for removing any lingering doubts on the serial number. I should have checked for earlier threads. Unfortunately, I am no expert on engine materials but would have expected someone visiting this forum to know. Perhaps the FAA Museum could provide the answer ? Thanks again.

[haralny]

The Blackburn Skua L2896 rescue mission with NTNU, R/V GUNNERUS
Hi, we found the engine today at 367,5 meters depth with ROV! Pretty fantastic actually! An attempt to raise the engine will be done 17. March
I'm sure ROV video will be uploaded on the net soon.

It seemed like the engine was in good condition. The Engine sat in the mud with its propeller standing whole and right up, pointing to the sky. I saw two or three totally corroded cylinders and two that looked fine. We didn’t have much time to examine the findings, but we recorded the position and will be back in two weeks to fetch itJ
It was an amazing sight!
Harald