Perth auction for planes and helicopters with bids starting at just £200
Planes and helicopters worth tens of thousands of pounds are being sold at auction in Perth.
The aircraft, assets of Air Service Training (Engineering) Ltd, are being put up for sale after no buyer emerged for the company.
The business, fully-owned by UHI Perth, went into administration last month. It has since emerged that the company's debts exceed £1 million.
Administrators from Henderson Loggie have now instructed auctioneers Sweeney Kincaid to sell assets owned by the business.
The unusual auction, which has already captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts, includes several planes and helicopters used by students.
There is just one catch – none of them are currently able to fly.
Lots include a British Aerospace Jetstream 41 turboprop, a Cessna 310 twin engine monoplane and a Cessna f150M airplane. There are also two Augusta A109a helicopters.
Bidding for the aircraft started at £200 for the week-long online auction.
There are a total of 1,198 items up for grabs. Other lots include Rolls Royce engines, power tools and office equipment.
The auction house states: 'All items offered in this auction are strictly sold as non-airworthy and are intended for training, display, or static educational use only.
'These components must not be installed on, or used in connection with, any aircraft that is intended for flight.
'By purchasing, the buyer agrees not to resell or repurpose any item for operational aviation use.'
Bidding on one of the A109a helicopters has already soared, reaching £2,000 but the others remain at a few hundred pounds.
All the auctions run until 11am on Wednesday May 28.
However, the '10-minute extension rule' applies. If a bid is received within 10 minutes of the current closing time, it extends for a further 10 minutes.
A 15% buyer's premium applies to all lots. VAT will also be applied. Payment is due by the end of the auction day.
Sweeney Kincaid said: 'All assets are sold as is, where is. All engines, parts and aircraft are all incomplete to varying degrees. Viewing is advised prior to bidding.
'For all larger items requiring removal via hangar doors, collections must be agreed by Sweeney Kincaid in advance by appointment. In addition, satisfactory Risk Assessment Method Statements and relevant insurance documents must be provided.'
Since its formation, Air Service Training trained more than 190,000 engineers and pilots from approximately 150 countries. The business had 28 members of staff when it went into administration on April 10.
Air Service Training was earmarked for £8m of Tay Cities Deal cash to create a national aviation academy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Workington Chapel Bank Engineering closes with 130 jobs lost
An engineering firm has announced it is to close with the loss of 130 Leonard Curtis have been appointed to Workington Engineering Limited, trading as Chapel Bank Engineering in Workington, Cumbria, after a failure to secure private business on Curwen Road had been trading since 1939 under various ownership and names and offered heavy engineering services in the nuclear, oil, gas and steel administrators said they were working with various parties including the Unite union to ensure employees received all their entitlements. The company, then TSP Engineering, was sold to Workington Engineering in September which was able to protect some contracts and was seeking private investment to help the business recover, the administrators the investment was not "forthcoming" and the company has had to cease trading, they MP Josh MacAlister said on social media the closure was a "devastating blow" and that he was working with the union to get employees into alternative suitable jobs as quickly as possible. Iain Nairn, from Leonard Curtis, said directors at Workington Engineering had "no option" but to close the doors."It's a very sad day for everyone involved," he said."There have been big challenges in the last few years in the steel sector and the inability of the company to raise investment has caused its closure."Workington job centre is holding an open day between 10:00 BST and 16:00 on Wednesday to support affected employees. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Over 200 apply for 30 British Steel apprenticeships in Scunthorpe
More than 200 people have applied for 30 apprenticeship roles at British Steel in Scunthorpe, the firm has company, which is also recruiting for 180 permanent roles, said it was looking to enrol its first apprentices in three comes after plans to make 2,700 workers redundant were scrapped in April after the government took control of the company from its Chinese owner, Bell, the company's interim chief executive, said the number of applications showed "a major vote of confidence in our business". "Our new apprentices will be our next generation of engineers and technical experts and support our journey to becoming a sustainable and profitable business at the heart of the UK economy," he application window for apprenticeships closes on Friday at 23.59 BST. British Steel said it was also recruiting 182 workers in a range of roles, including jobs in engineering, cleaning and workplace government passed an emergency law to take control of British Steel amid accusations that Jingye was planning to switch off two blast furnaces in closure of the furnaces would have left the UK without the capability to produce "virgin" steel, which is used in major construction projects such as new buildings and railways. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Slingshot Rifle : Smashes Through Concrete Like Butter
What if you could harness the raw power of a slingshot to shatter walls or pierce dense materials like concrete? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this is no fantasy. A new engineering project has combined the mechanics of a slingshot and a crossbow with a winch system to create a high-energy device capable of incredible feats. With a target energy output of 1,000 joules—enough to rival some firearms—this invention pushes the boundaries of what's possible with mechanical systems. At its core, this isn't just about brute force; it's a story of precision, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. The result? A slingshot rifle that doesn't just break the mold—it smashes right through it. Mike Shake takes you through the fascinating design and engineering behind this winch-powered slingshot rifle, uncovering how it achieves such extraordinary power. From the ingenious use of elastic bands to the challenges of crafting a durable trigger mechanism, every detail reveals the delicate balance between raw energy and structural integrity. Along the way, you'll discover how this project overcame setbacks like underperforming prototypes and inefficient energy transfer, turning obstacles into opportunities for improvement. Whether you're drawn to the sheer audacity of the concept or the meticulous craftsmanship behind it, this story offers a glimpse into the future of high-energy mechanical systems. Sometimes, the most innovative ideas are the ones that stretch the limits—literally. Winch-Powered Slingshot Rifle How the Design Works The foundation of this project lies in merging two mechanical systems: the slingshot and the crossbow. A winch mechanism is the key innovation, allowing you to overcome the physical limitations of traditional high-draw weight devices. By using the winch to stretch elastic bands to their maximum tension, the system stores and transfers significant energy to the projectile. This mechanism allows for the generation of far greater force than a conventional slingshot or crossbow could achieve on its own. The goal is to launch steel ball projectiles with enough force to penetrate tough materials like concrete. Achieving this requires a careful balance of power, precision, and structural integrity. Every component, from the frame to the trigger, plays a critical role in making sure the system functions efficiently under extreme stress. The design emphasizes durability and energy efficiency, making sure that the rifle can withstand repeated use without compromising performance. Engineering the Prototype Bringing this concept to life required meticulous planning, advanced fabrication techniques, and a deep understanding of mechanical principles. The slingshot rifle consists of several key components, each designed to maximize energy transfer and ensure reliability: Frame: The stainless steel frame provides the structural strength needed to endure the high stresses generated during operation. Its rigidity ensures that energy is not lost to unnecessary vibrations or flexing. The stainless steel frame provides the structural strength needed to endure the high stresses generated during operation. Its rigidity ensures that energy is not lost to unnecessary vibrations or flexing. Winch and Pulley System: This system is the heart of the design, allowing for the controlled stretching of the elastic bands. By minimizing mechanical losses, the winch ensures that the maximum possible energy is transferred to the projectile. This system is the heart of the design, allowing for the controlled stretching of the elastic bands. By minimizing mechanical losses, the winch ensures that the maximum possible energy is transferred to the projectile. Trigger Mechanism: Engineered to handle high draw weights, the trigger incorporates roller bearings for smooth operation and enhanced reliability under extreme conditions. Engineered to handle high draw weights, the trigger incorporates roller bearings for smooth operation and enhanced reliability under extreme conditions. Elastic Bands: These bands are carefully selected for their energy storage capacity. They serve as the primary source of power, converting stored potential energy into kinetic energy upon release. Precision was critical during the prototyping phase. Advanced tools such as 3D modeling software and CNC machining were used to ensure that each component fit together seamlessly. This level of precision minimized inefficiencies and maximized the rifle's overall performance. 1,000 Joule Slingshot Rifle Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in slingshots by checking out these recommendations. Overcoming Challenges Developing a high-energy system like this slingshot rifle inevitably presented a range of challenges. Each obstacle required innovative solutions and iterative testing to refine the design. Some of the most significant challenges included: Draw Weight Calibration: Early tests revealed that the initial configuration of the winch and elastic bands resulted in underperformance. Adjustments were made to optimize the draw weight and improve energy transfer. Early tests revealed that the initial configuration of the winch and elastic bands resulted in underperformance. Adjustments were made to optimize the draw weight and improve energy transfer. Trigger Redesign: The original trigger mechanism struggled to handle the high draw weights required for this system. A redesigned trigger with enhanced durability and smoother operation resolved this issue. The original trigger mechanism struggled to handle the high draw weights required for this system. A redesigned trigger with enhanced durability and smoother operation resolved this issue. Energy Efficiency: The process of pulling the winch proved time-consuming and inefficient. Modifications to the winch and pulley system streamlined this process, reducing the effort required to prepare the rifle for firing. These challenges underscored the importance of adaptability in engineering. Each setback provided an opportunity to learn and improve, ultimately resulting in a more robust and efficient design. Testing the Prototype The final prototype demonstrated impressive capabilities, achieving an energy output of 337.6 joules. While this falls short of the ambitious 1,000-joule target, it represents a significant step forward in the development process. Testing revealed the rifle's ability to: Penetrate materials such as sandbags and watermelons with ease, showcasing its destructive power. Launch steel ball projectiles at high speeds with remarkable accuracy, highlighting its potential for precision applications. These results validate the core design principles and provide a strong foundation for future improvements. The prototype's performance demonstrates the feasibility of the concept and offers valuable insights into areas where further optimization is needed. Future Development and Lessons Learned The journey to achieving the 1,000-joule energy goal is far from over. Future efforts will focus on refining the system to enhance its performance and efficiency. Key areas for improvement include: Elastic Bands: Exploring new materials and configurations to increase energy storage and transfer capabilities. Exploring new materials and configurations to increase energy storage and transfer capabilities. Trigger Mechanism: Upgrading the trigger to ensure even greater reliability and ease of use under extreme conditions. Upgrading the trigger to ensure even greater reliability and ease of use under extreme conditions. Material Optimization: Investigating alternative materials for the frame and components to reduce weight without compromising strength. Upcoming tests will involve more challenging targets, such as ballistic dummies, to further evaluate the rifle's capabilities. These tests will provide additional data to guide future design iterations and bring the project closer to its ultimate goal. This project highlights the value of persistence, creativity, and hands-on experimentation in engineering. Each challenge and setback offered valuable lessons about mechanical design, energy optimization, and the importance of iterative prototyping. The process not only resulted in a powerful prototype but also deepened understanding of the principles behind high-energy systems. The winch-powered slingshot rifle stands as a testament to what can be achieved through innovative engineering and precision fabrication. While the 1,000-joule target remains a work in progress, the progress made so far demonstrates the potential for high-energy projectile systems to achieve extraordinary results. With continued refinement, this project could redefine the possibilities of mechanical design and energy transfer systems. Media Credit: Mike Shake Filed Under: Design News, DIY Projects, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
