Overseas Experimental Unit

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The Tropical Experimental Unit was based at Khartoum, Sudan. In 1954 it moved to RAF Idris, nr Tripoli, Libya and was renamed the Overseas Experimental Unit. The unit staff consisted of 10 airmen of various trades under the command of an RAF Flt Lt. It supported trials teams from A&AEE Boscombe Down doing "hot and high" and other trials on new to service aircraft. It also supported parachute trials, both fixed and steerable canopies, carried out over the plain of Azizzia south of RAF Idris. I served on the unit from 1964 till it closed in 1966. During my time there, Belfast, Beagle, Buccaneer(prior to handover from Royal Navy to RAF), Comet/Nimrod, Andover and Argosy were among the aircraft we dealt with. During the summer trials season a weekly visitor was the A&AEE Bristol Freighter carrying supplies and trials equipment as well as eggs and meat for the OEU staff and families!

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