Phantom gone

[44rhodesia]

There was a lot of people around the main gate today and the phantom was removed by tractor from the main gate. Don't know where to?

[theplanespotter]

Sad to hear about that. I think that it has gone to East fortune, Black Mike to Bruntingthorpe, Tornado to crash gate 9, lighting (can't remember)

[venom]

There was a lynx an couple 6sq typhoons on Tuesday.bud
Colin

[Calum1991]

The Phantom from the gate is off to the Ulster aviation museum, lightning to Bruntingthorpe along with Black Mike and the F3 is to stay where it is on the main entrance. Hope this helps.

[rh226]

Can I assume that the 1 Sqdn Spitfire went to Lossiemouth??

[Unknown74]

Bit disappointed that neither of the Phantoms are staying in Scotland, the example at East Fortune isn't exactly an RAF Phantom.

[one nil]

864 has been moved to HAS 27, the first working party should be over next weekend to start dismantling. A short video of the move is on the Ulster Aviation Socities facebook page.

[DrDraken]

Hello everyone

XV864 is indeed going to the Ulster Aviation Society.
The have a collection of aircraft housed at the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn in Northern Ireland. The collection was first called the Ulster Aviation Heritage Centre, when it was kept at Langford Lodge, until 10 years ago. It's now usually called the Ulster Aviation Societies Collection by most. Sadly there's no such place or organisation as the Ulster Aviation Museum

Personally I thought the aircraft should have stayed in Scotland. And I believe the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum also have made enquiries in the past to acquire an example.

While Phantoms have a specific connection with Northern Ireland, with the first example delivered to the RAF handed over at Aldergrove, and 23MU subsequently carrying out work on them. I don't see a strong enough connection with this example which was as you all know, was initially a Royal Navy aircraft. However I guess the UAS view is a Phantom is a Phantom and the provenance isn't the deal breaker. Maybe that's the same train of thought at East Fortune.

And purely speculation, but in a scenario where XT891 at Coningsby was ever to be disposed of, I feel that would have been the perfect aircraft for preservation in Northern Ireland. Being the first example delivered to the RAF through Aldergrove.

But it's saved for the time being and I guess that's a good thing.

Incidentally, it's also the third aircraft the UAS have acquired in the past year. They don't seem to be short of a bob or two!

[Unknown74]

I see from Ulster Aviation Societies video that the No. 1 Sqdn Spitfire is still at Leuchars ready for the Moray Move.

[venom]

If I stayed in ulster I would love to volunteer. To the museum.
Colin

[cj9ru]

Glad you clarified that Colin.
Drove past the entrance yesterday. Indeed it is very sad to see it gone.
Still hard to believe that all fast jets based here are gone.

Chris

[one nil]

UAS team on site Thus - Sun starting the breakdown of 864.

[one nil]

UAS team removed all weapons and the tail during Januarys visit. The team are back on site 19 -23 Feb.

[balamorybuzzed]

Thanks for the update one nil.

Cheers,

Mikey

[jock]

Great shame Black Mike didn't stay in Scotland with her heritage, can't help think England has enough, but at least she is safe. Would like the Lightning to have gone to East Fortuneas as well, but again at least its future is assured

[lazybinman]

Black Mike is still at Leuchars at the moment. Other 'legal' issues are taking place. Not saying any more

[one nil]

Pleased to report that the wing has now been separated from the fuselage on 864, big well done to the UAS team six visits, lots of hard work. Now we need to plan the move back to NI.

[one nil]

The fuselage of 864 is due to leave on Sunday for the ferry home.

[one nil]

Just a quick note to say that the wing for XT864 has finally left Leuchars completing the removal, and has now safely arrived at the UAS hangar, now for the rebuild!

[balamorybuzzed]

Thank you for all the updates one nil, best wishes with the rebuild!