By: kodak - 16th February 2004 at 09:53
These beasts may well be “weapons of war” but the whole idea of tiger meets, exchanges, TLPs , unit anniversaries etc is to mark a special occasion. To improve morale, the “esprit d’corps”, for a squadron to take pride in their equipment and have a “bit of a show”. The RAF have always suffered from typical stiff upper lip, stuck up nose attitude and as a result we now have one of the most de-motivated demoralised air forces we’ve ever had!
The Germans on the other hand or the French or Italians paint a special scheme at the drop of a hat and whats more allow the interested tax payers to see them and become part of the occasion – after all it is the public’s Air Force!
I’m always shocked by the complete lack of interest most RAF brass show towards this kind of event. The low point for me was last years dambuster raid anniversary.Easily one the most famous wartime acts that boiled over with great British inventions, bravery, technological achievement and bloody hard work! And what did the RAF do to mark this prostigious event ? a crappy crest on a dull grey Tornado – crap!
How about a Tonka camouflaged like a Lanc? aka the superb Polish Bryza painted in martitme colours!? Nah why bother!?
If all RAF and RN Phantoms had to be destroyed why are there still extant examples? That tigered F4M would have looked great on 74s ramp at Valley while they still existed, just as the 23 sqn example does at Waddo
By: coanda - 15th February 2004 at 14:49
because the terms of sale meant that they had to be destroyed at the end of their days
By: Red Beast - 15th February 2004 at 14:05
Err…
Answers to all questions above “Because it was a weapon of war.” :rolleyes:
I think we sometimes overlook the original purpose of these artifacts we are all interested in…
“I’ll destroy my toys of war if you destroy yours” was the blue cross sale’s reason…
Some C/Os feel that camoflage (however ropey!) is there for a purpose…
Toodle pip!
By: Paul Cushion - 15th February 2004 at 07:29
Actually, the Phantom was already on the dump. The CO was not prepared to have a flying example painted up, so that one was wheeled back from the dump, cosmetically restored and painted up.
It was on the scrap heap anyway.
Still a shame though. Quite why he could’nt have had a flying example painted up like that is beyond me.
Paul.
By: Chris Broad - 15th February 2004 at 04:06
That’s bloody awful. Such a beautiful aircraft reduced in such an undignified way. Shame on you MoD.:mad: 😡
By: Dazza - 14th February 2004 at 20:36
I need a drink after seeing that second picture, horrible way for an airframe (especially a Phantom!) to end its days.
-Dazza
By: PerfectPic Co. - 14th February 2004 at 18:54
Tiger Phantom
and then same aircraft having left 74 Sqn and transfered to the care of the MoD accounts branch at Stocks April 1994
Sign In
February 14, 2004 at 6:48 pm