FighterControl

A slightly mixed bag today. A couple of types that had their first flights in the early 1950s and, as seen here in the early 1970s, are rapidly approaching the end of their service lives, little more than 20 years later. These are the only photos I have of these types in active service, although I have since seen the Historic Flight Sea Vixen on a couple of occasions subsequently. Apologies for the poor quality of the photos, such was my equipment, and maybe my technique, at the time.

Sea Vixen X 2 RN FRADU - RAF Kinloss 1973 by Alan M, on Flickr

Sea Vixen RN FRADU Code 753 - RAF Kinloss 1973 by Alan M, on Flickr

Sea Vixen RN FRADU Code 755 - RAF Kinloss 1973 by Alan M, on Flickr

Sea Vixen RN FRADU Code 752 - RAF Kinloss 1973 by Alan M, on Flickr

Gloster Javelin A&AEE Ser XH897 RAF Leuchars BOB Day 1973 by Alan M, on Flickr

Thanks for sharing these, luckily I can remember seeing Sea Vixens in service. My grandparents lived in Wiltshire and that Javelin was seen several times, before it was flown to Duxford for preservation. It was pretty noisy too!

I was wondering if you had shots of these Sea Vixens in colour at Kinloss. I have a few B/W prints but sadly the negatives are lost.

That Javelin now resides @ Duxford, together with a Sea Vixen. The two types were exact contemporaries and competitors. The Javelin was the RAF's 1st all weather fighter, whereas the Navy elected for the Sea Vixen. I do believe that the latter had the higher ceiling.

No apologies necessary Alan, brilliant to see these total classics.
Cheers.

Very special Sea Vixens .

Question. Is there a reason they do not have any squadronmarkings? Just curious.

Absolute classics no matter the quality.

Hi Canberra TT18. I think these were operated by the RN Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit so we're not part of a formal RN squadron ( but I stand by to be corrected on that).

Hi Jabba. Shame about your negatives, maybe they'll turn up some day.

haveblue wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 08, 2022 7:46 pm

Hi Canberra TT18. I think these were operated by the RN Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit so we're not part of a formal RN squadron ( but I stand by to be corrected on that).

Thanks.

Hi Alan

I’m just old enough to remember the ‘Flying Flat Iron’ being in service at Coltishall

Always great to see Sea Vixen shots

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

Fantastic pics (again) - always good to see colour FRU Sea Vixens and that lovely Javelin too - oh how I wish I'd seen that A&AEE Javelin in service...

Super!
I loved watching the Javelins transit Saunton Sands from/to Chivenor and Yeovilton displays were never the same after the Vixen's demise.
Thanks for another great post