Probably my final visit to RAF Cottesmore , my hope was to get the special tailed examples as they came back from the Boat. I was treated to some of the best light I have seen here and some of the coldest temperatures as well.
First Launch
Strobetastic
Returning from the Boat, the last British Harriers to go to sea
The 1Sqn Special very kindly pirouetted over the 22 threshold for us. I think he knew what his audience wanted.
The Navy special flew two approached finishing with this nice curved one, makes a change from the side on shots.
What I will miss about Cottesmore is how close to the action one can get at the runway 22 end.
In the afternoon the runway was changed to 04. This made things harder but I persisted in the hope of catching the departure of the Navy jets to Yeovilton. Then as quick as a flash they were gone!
My final ever shot of a flying British Harrier, taken from Cottesmore Cemetery looking over the graves of the airmen killed in World War 2. They will be here long after the Harriers are a distant memory, silently watching.
I am still editing my shots from the day, more to follow here and on my Blog. A big thanks to StevieB for keeping me company and Gareth for wearing the comedy hat. Good to meet Vixen1 as well.
So long Cottesmore!
By: Manonthefence - 19th December 2010 at 19:15
The VAAC Harrier T.4 XW175
.
XW175 is now grounded. Anyone know if any of the Thai AV-8S’ are still flying? If not them then it must the Indian Sea Harriers
By: Arabella-Cox - 19th December 2010 at 19:14
Sort of related to the camoflaged Harrier but what is the oldest Harrier still flying?
The VAAC Harrier T.4 XW175
.
By: me109g4 - 19th December 2010 at 18:31
Seems like a waste of supposedly scarce funds to throw it in the paint shop right before retiring it,,,, classic govt. at work.
By: JP Vieira - 19th December 2010 at 12:02
Great photos: thanks for sharing
By: Arabella-Cox - 18th December 2010 at 11:32
ZD321 not sure if it was in the flypast but it was definately a spare
By: WP840 - 17th December 2010 at 17:37
Sort of related to the camoflaged Harrier but what is the oldest Harrier still flying?
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th December 2010 at 14:47
it was aircraft 77 it went straight into the paint shop after being on the boat, it was well dirty, however some of the primer has already started showing through after the hovering on tuesday and wednesday not that it matters now !!!!!
By: pagen01 - 13th December 2010 at 19:46
Just looked elsewhere to get the serial aswel, Matt mentioned it in post #18:o
By: David Burke - 13th December 2010 at 19:41
Thanks dont know 506 that well !!!
By: pagen01 - 13th December 2010 at 19:39
ZG506
By: David Burke - 13th December 2010 at 19:35
What is the serial number of the camouflaged jet ?
By: Phantom Phil - 13th December 2010 at 18:13
Sweet Harrier
Another photo of the camouflaged Harrier here:
Phil.
By: inkworm - 13th December 2010 at 17:50
Any idea what the schedule is for Wednesday, the weather looks like it will be better than any time in the last few weeks.
Thanks again for all the photos Stacy
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th December 2010 at 16:31
flightline full all slots except 6 occupied, this will soon be a distant memory
By: Arabella-Cox - 13th December 2010 at 15:03
looks like your wish came true 5 ship now landing
By: REF - 12th December 2010 at 17:04
Thanks Stacey24b – I am heading up to Cottesmore tomorrow, its the only day off I have next week so hopefully I may see it.
Cheers
By: WP840 - 11th December 2010 at 14:23
Just thought this would be appropriate here, not just a special tail
Shiny shiny! 😀
By: David Burke - 10th December 2010 at 18:44
Spent many hours in that hanger both with Harriers and Tornados sad that it will just have slumbering Harriers shortly!
By: inkworm - 10th December 2010 at 16:54
One small point, didn’t the roundel have the white ring until it was changed to all over camo with the GR3? Can’t you nip down to the hangar with some tipex Stacy?
I’m intrigued as to what the special tail was but think it will look great as it is.
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th December 2010 at 15:56
ZG506 in special aka GR1 style scheme hopefully the 16 ship lead next week to be flown by harry stace, scheme came off the back of a 1/72 airfix kit, no joke either was due to have a more special tail but it looked naff apparently so they took it back to camo again
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November 25, 2010 at 8:41 pm