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Scrapping of Comet 4 XV814 (6407)     copyright   Martin painter 2000

This selection of photographs was taken on August 12th 1997 at Boscombe Down. The DERA Comet XV814 had been retired there from Farnborough to act as a spares aircraft for Canopus the last flying Comet. Deemed surplus in 1997, the Comet was broken up for scrap on a very hot August day, however all was not lost as thr former BOAC Comet G-APDF became the doner for several other Comets. All photographs were taken by myself and must not be used without permission.

                                                        Below, the interior of XV814 during May 1997      

Above, the two last flying Comets await thier fates in May 1997           

Left, the first cut at around 10am and below, within 20 minutes the tail was removed. The tail was sold to BAE Systems at Warton for intake trials for the Nimrod MRA4

Below, with the tail removed the remiaining fuselage could be worked upon

Above right, fuel leaks from the pod tank as the claw starts on the wing