Tuesday 5th was Press Preview day at RNAS Yeovilton for its Air Day, and a large crowd gathered in the lane for the planned arrival of the Vulcan.
The weather forecast was poor, but the rain did hold off… until the flying display was due to commence mid-morning!
(1 to 4) Undeterred, the Royal Navy Historic Flight (RNHF) put up the Swordfish for the benefit of the small pack of press on the north-side of the airfield.
She looked fantastic in the air.
(5) Lt Cdr Gotke then got airborne in VX281, and put on the best Sea Fury display I’d seen at Yeovilton since Steve Noujaim brought FB.11 WH588 ‘Baby Gorilla’ down for Air Day in 1998.
I only photographed the aeroplane taking off, as I decided to stand back to watch the routine, like most others down the lane.
I made the right decision.
(6 to 7) Team Viper contributed a solo Hunter, with PR11 WT723 nominated for the role in the hands of owner Andy Gillett.
A former Yeovilton airframe, it makes its first appearance at a Station Air Day this weekend since 2002.
(8) Another excellent routine followed…
(9)… before it was taxied back to south dispersal to join its other two Team Viper compatriots (both of which are former FRADU airframes!).
(10) With the Press event concluded and the Vulcan arrival officially postponed, the resident NFSF(FW) Hawks departed for a sortie.
My thanks to Dave and Dave for their company during the morning.
Comments welcome and thanks for looking.
Best wishes,
By: me109g4 - 7th July 2011 at 22:49
Love that black Hunter!!!!
By: pagen01 - 7th July 2011 at 18:42
Shame as it appears confirmed for another show on the 23rd, I guess it must be being worked on or something.
Great pictures by the way, especially of the Swordfish.:)
By: stringbag - 7th July 2011 at 18:26
According to a reliable RNHF source last month, it may make the static display but will not fly.
It hopes to have it back on the airshow circuit proper later this year.
By: pagen01 - 7th July 2011 at 09:31
Inkworm the Swordfish is doing both shows, they usually share some aircraft during the events, such as the Seafire last year.
Am I misreading the info in the RNHF link, but looks like no Sea Hawk for the VL show?
By: AMB - 7th July 2011 at 08:58
I am very pleasantly surprised that the old string bag will be at Duxford
I don’t think Mark is that old?;)
By: inkworm - 7th July 2011 at 07:59
I am very pleasantly surprised that the old string bag will be at Duxford but thought that with it being Yeovilton as well this weekend the RNHF stuff would be staying at home for the local crowds.
By: AdlerTag - 6th July 2011 at 21:33
Thanks mate. Why didn’t I check the RNHF website myself?? Coz I’m a twit…:D
By: stringbag - 6th July 2011 at 21:29
Excellent stuff Stringbag, thanks for these. That black Hunter certainly looks the biz, although that fuselage roundal needs a bit of PritStick! 😀
Do you happen to know if the Swordfish will be chugging her way to Duxford at any point over the weekend?
As far as I am aware, and according to the RNHF site, she will indeed make the journey.
By: AlanR - 6th July 2011 at 19:24
Lovely pictures 😉
By: AdlerTag - 6th July 2011 at 18:38
Excellent stuff Stringbag, thanks for these. That black Hunter certainly looks the biz, although that fuselage roundal needs a bit of PritStick! 😀
Do you happen to know if the Swordfish will be chugging her way to Duxford at any point over the weekend?
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July 6, 2011 at 5:35 pm