Harrier GR3 XV752 is currently located at Bletchley Park under the care of 2366sqn ATC. Unfortunately the sqn has received a communication from Bletchley Park, today that states as far as the park are concerned the Harrier will play no part in their long term project as the park will be solely dedicated to WWII. Hence a timetable has to be defined and arrangements have to be made for 752 to be removed from BP’s grounds. The sqn feel very strongly that as she is quite an historic airframe if at all possible 752 should be preserved and therefore feel that a new home should be found sooner rather than later. 752 is still an MOD assett. Therefore, ultimately the MOD will decide the aircrafts fate. However, we will try and do whatever we can to influence that decision to try and ensure that if at all possible she goes to a museum. She does need some refurbishment i.e corrosion work and a repaint.Therefore, if there are any museums out there who are interested in taking 752 on please PM me and we will try and put you in touch with the relevant people. There are no guarantees. It’s very early days with this, but we will do our best to ensure 752 can be preserved .
As 752 will be going the sqn is looking for a replacement airframe. Ideally a composite WW2 aircraft that can better stand up to the rigors of outside display would be best. So if any museums are interested in a swop also PM me
By: inkworm - 27th November 2011 at 17:00
Good news and hope the move goes smoothly
By: Kilonovember52 - 27th November 2011 at 16:40
XV752 will be dismantled at Bletchley Park i.e wing off and loaded to a lo-loader over the weekend of 3rd-4th Dec 2011. She will depart for her new home on 5th Dec2011. All we need now is a replica of a Spit or Hurri to replace her !!!!
By: pagen01 - 11th October 2011 at 17:32
Yeah, kind of like that…
By: TonyT - 11th October 2011 at 17:13
You mean like when I inhibited all those Serviceable Avons at RAF Halton with a sledgehammer, fire axes and large GS screwdrivers ?
They were tough b***ers to smash
By: pagen01 - 11th October 2011 at 17:09
I think KN means inhibited from action, as in items rendered unusable such as as engine mounts etc, rather than inhibiting systems for future running.
Great news about XV752 though, looks like good news for her future.
By: TonyT - 11th October 2011 at 16:32
XV752 is certainly not runnable and never was. All systems were inhibited by the RAF prior to delivery.
If they were inhibited then it would have possibly been potentially runnable, the inhibiting is actually to preserve the systems, not to prevent their use at a later date. A plus point in the overall outlook for her…..
By: Kilonovember52 - 11th October 2011 at 13:30
As I understand it agreement has almost been reached for 752 to go into presevation at a museum. However please don’t ask where as I am not at liberty to divulge that information! Thanks to all who showed an interest and support.
By: Kilonovember52 - 20th September 2011 at 16:17
XV752 is certainly not runnable and never was. All systems were inhibited by the RAF prior to delivery.
By: Arabella-Cox - 20th September 2011 at 07:25
Sounds good. Which museum are you thinking of?
Aeroventure
.
By: Paul Cushion - 19th September 2011 at 23:03
I am certain that it was this Harrier that when reported in Flypast that the ATC had taken it on charge a few years, that it was claimed to be ‘runnable’. Is this the case, or am I mistaken?
I certainly remember feeling rather disappointed that a potentially runnable Harrier was no longer to be so for reasons unknown!
By: AJP76 - 19th September 2011 at 21:35
Sounds good. Which museum are you thinking of?
By: David Burke - 19th September 2011 at 21:24
There is no chance of the Mod scrapping the Harrier. The Harrier would be in the care of a local unit and accessible and undercover and not duplicate another example of the same breed !
By: AJP76 - 19th September 2011 at 20:39
. . . . . and remain in the care of a local Air Cadet Sqn?
Ultimately, it don’t think it matters which museum XV752 goes to just so long as it avoids being scrapped.
It would however, not only be nice for the Air Cadets to remain involved in it’s care but as mentioned their continued involvement may be key to allowing it to be relocated in the fist place.
By: David Burke - 19th September 2011 at 18:57
I can think immediately of another museum which I am sure would offer it undercover accomodation and where it would compliment an existing display very well!
By: TwinOtter23 - 19th September 2011 at 14:23
…If 1237Sqn were able to take on XV752 do you think Newark Air Museum would be willing to provide a home for it?
I would never presume to offer a definitive ‘online decision’ without speaking to my fellow museum trustees first – however Newark Air Museum enjoys, and benefits from an excellent relationship with the North Hykeham ATC Squadron and I would hope that any decision (if it were required) would reflect those good experiences.
However as indicated by others, ultimately it may not be Newark’s decision to make.
At the moment I am however mindful of constantly changing situations as work starts on the development of the Southfield Site at Newark. Why only this morning have changes been made regarding the temporary relocation of one of the MiGs to allow some ground works to commence!
By: Thunderbird167 - 19th September 2011 at 13:26
I think that what ever the wishes of the respective ATC units that the decision will rest with MOD Disposals as these airframes are generally only loaned to the ATC unit and are parented by an RAF Unit.
I can think of a number of ex-ATC airframes that had to be sent through the disposal route even when the desire was for them to be preserved.
By: AJP76 - 19th September 2011 at 12:19
Firstly, congratulations to 2366Sqn ATC on reaching their 50th anniversary last weekend; quite a milestone.
Twin Otter thanks for responding (sounds like you had a pleasant Friday). I agree that liberating aircraft from the ATC is unlikely to prove successful any longer. However, in this particular instance the aircraft would actually be remaining with the ATC, which is why I believe the idea has legs.
If 1237Sqn were able to take on XV752 do you think Newark Air Museum would be willing to provide a home for it?
Hopefully, Kilonovember will update us on whether this idea is in reality feasible and if so whether he or 2366Sqn has made contact with either 1237Sqn or the ATC Sqn near Bruntingthorpe.
However, I have to agree with David Burke that it would best if the aircraft could be keep undercover. To that end the 1237Sqn/Newark Air Museum route holds the best prospect of this in the long term, particularly with the exciting potential of the south field site (More power to your elbow NAM!).
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September 12, 2011 at 9:19 pm