At around 1pm yesterday, Bruntingthorpe’s resident Sea Vixen, XJ494 burst into life for the first time in over thirty years.
She was run a second time later in the afternoon (see attached image and note the Nose leg compression)
This marks a huge leap forwards for the team and if we can sort out a few snags, you could well be seeing her taxi at the second of Bruntingthorpe’s open days later in the year.
By: andrewman - 29th March 2004 at 23:04
There are too few of these birds left now, and to have two that actually work!.
In fact this is the 3rd Sea Vixen to come back as XS587 at Gatwick is in full ground running condition and was run up over XMAS.
By: Seafuryfan - 29th March 2004 at 22:06
Great news. I bet you lot worked in some awful conditions for this labour of love – thanks from the many enthusiasts out here. Look forward to seeing her one day.
By: Ant.H - 29th March 2004 at 21:04
Thanks for the info Bucc.In my excitement last night I forgot to congratulate the crew on thier accomplishment,so congratulations to everyone involved! 🙂
And now for a Scimitar perhaps…? 😉
By: JetBlast - 29th March 2004 at 20:44
Because there is a close relationship with De-Havilland Aviation at Bournemouth, the chances are that we will be inviting both Brian Grant and Paul Kingsbury up at some stage to give her a blast up the runway.
If all goes according to plan, once the Vixen and Bucc 894 (the team work on both aircraft) have had their various snags sorted out, the Vixen will be given a repaint in 899 NAS markings. The two aircraft are known to the team as ‘The Naval Pair’ and one day we hope to see both the Vixen & the Bucc taxi together, now there would be a unique photo opportunity, just hope that the Vixen doesn’t leave the Bucc trailling in its wake (but it probably will!!)
Thanks for all your kind messages, and I will be passing them on to Dave and the rest of the Cold but very pleased crew.
By the way Ant, she was run on both engines.
By: TEXANTOMCAT - 29th March 2004 at 17:55
VIXEN
I was there and it was FAB!
DT and Paul and the gang did a GREAT job – we thought we’d be there to catch the fan blades…!
But what they didnt tell you was….the air starter was hooked up and the trolley acc but that they only just twigged that the fuel lines werent connected….in undoing the blanking plates…beautiful clean inhibiting oil spurted forth – when it came out of service the Navy really sorted her out and protected her….connected the hoses and whooooosh! 20′ jet of flame!!!
SUPERB a credit to all concerned….
Ben
By: Firebird - 29th March 2004 at 14:57
Sorry,
Flat Iron was a nickname for the Gloster Javellin
😀
By: Paulish - 29th March 2004 at 13:33
Well Done
Great News-There are too few of these birds left now, and to have two that actually work!. Well Done all
By: Firebird - 29th March 2004 at 10:55
A big pat on the back for the Vixen team. After 30 years dormant that’s a fantastic effort.
Hmmmnnnn……..what chances of getting a ‘Flat Iron’ in the same state I wonder……..??
I would guess the only suitable candidate would be Duxfords, as the last to fly, but they won’t allow her to become live….:(
By: Paul Cushion - 29th March 2004 at 01:59
That’s great!!!! I am so pleased this aircraft is ‘live’ again.
Amazing and well done.
Paul.
By: Peter - 29th March 2004 at 00:01
Excellent news!
Well done Vixen team! Its great to see these historic jets lovingly looked after. I bet she is straining for a jaunt down the runway!
For not running in 30 odd years ime surprised theres no smokey startup like some of the vulcans?
By: Ant.H - 28th March 2004 at 23:53
Absolutely brilliant news Bucc,thanks! Interesting to see the noseleg compression-did they run just the one engine or both?
By: RobAnt - 28th March 2004 at 23:04
Exemplary news.
By: Kye - 28th March 2004 at 22:09
Great news indeed :).
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March 28, 2004 at 8:03 pm