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Swords to Plowshares GB / Re: My take on Swords into Ploughshares
« Last post by Jonesthetank on Today at 10:07:02 PM »“The Woofer”
Particularly heavy snow at RCAF Downsview in 1955 resulted in the need for a very heavy duty snowblower. Engineers at the base decided to rig up a jet blower using the fuselage and engine of a redundant DH Vampire Mk3 and an M135 truck. The wings, booms and tail of the Vampire were removed and a cradle was manufactured to support the fuselage pod and engine. This cradle was mounted on the flatbed of an M135 truck, with the jet pipe extending over the back. An extended trunk was fitted to the exhaust, with a wide mouth fitting at the bottom to help spread the heat. After several trials, the snowblower, christened as “The Woofer” was put into use, proving very successful in its role.
Like most equipment, it was only deployed occasionally, so remained in its basic state for many years, as it worked and did not really need improvement.
In 1972 the RCAF opted to purchase purpose built snowploughs for Downsview and the Woofer was offered to for sale. Toronto City Airport bought the Woofer for $500 and refurbished the vehicle for future use. It was used by the airport into the mid 1980s, when the Goblin jet engine finally failed, leading the Woofer to be retired.
Particularly heavy snow at RCAF Downsview in 1955 resulted in the need for a very heavy duty snowblower. Engineers at the base decided to rig up a jet blower using the fuselage and engine of a redundant DH Vampire Mk3 and an M135 truck. The wings, booms and tail of the Vampire were removed and a cradle was manufactured to support the fuselage pod and engine. This cradle was mounted on the flatbed of an M135 truck, with the jet pipe extending over the back. An extended trunk was fitted to the exhaust, with a wide mouth fitting at the bottom to help spread the heat. After several trials, the snowblower, christened as “The Woofer” was put into use, proving very successful in its role.
Like most equipment, it was only deployed occasionally, so remained in its basic state for many years, as it worked and did not really need improvement.
In 1972 the RCAF opted to purchase purpose built snowploughs for Downsview and the Woofer was offered to for sale. Toronto City Airport bought the Woofer for $500 and refurbished the vehicle for future use. It was used by the airport into the mid 1980s, when the Goblin jet engine finally failed, leading the Woofer to be retired.