Phantoms. Where and when?

Harrier XW175

Currently the oldest flying Harrier (unless any of the Thai AV-8As are older), still flying as the VAAC at Boscombe…

Yes Bedford it is. The first is XT596 a pre production RN F4K
The second is XT597 on the Naval Air Department’s (NAD) steam catapult.
Under the aircraft just aft of the extended nose oleo is a WW2 jeep still in use after being left on the airfield after the 306 BG left.
The last is actually not on the steam catapult but on the cordite catapult carrying out trials on foam arresting systems. As stated the ‘aircraft’ was a full scale mock up made of steel.
I guess from the replies there are some other ex RAE Bedford people out there.
I worked in the Aircraft Servicing Section (ASS/H1) and Aeroflight Section (H3) from 74-79.
Best memories were those involving Sea Vixens and Ski Jump Trials with Harrier XW175.
Cheers.

Have to agree with Bedford, the third photo is definitely at Bedford, the strange looking F-4K was a full-scale mock-up used to test the compatability of the the F-4K with the BXS4 steam catapult, the odd looking tail is actually an enormous hook which engages the raised wire visible in the picture to slow the aircraft to a halt after ‘launch’.

-Dazza

The last pic looks strange … where is the tail fin? The undercarriage? Partially censored? Foam from fire extinguishers? How to scrap Phantoms, Vol.1?

I second that – RAE Bedford around 1968.

Looks very much like RAE Bedford in the late 60’s.

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