As I see it, it was built for one purpose only. To intercept incoming Russian bombers.
In that role, it would have probably performed quite well.

As an added bonus, it was very fast and made lots of noise 🙂

A couple of more pictures. The Spitfire and parachutist pictures didn’t come out well, as I camera
on wrong settings. 🙁

It turned out to be a great day. Weather was nigh on perfect.

A couple of passes from BBMF Spitfire TE311 Mk XVI, A couple of low circuits by a Wattisham based Sea King,
then a pass by a Tornado GR4. Shame it could only do one pass, as I didn’t even manage a picture.
There was also a nice display by a three man Parachute Regiment team.
Also had a nice chat with the chap with the Shackleton Cockpit display. Didn’t get to look inside, as there was an
endless queue of kids.

TE311 AS “SPITFIRE-96” , was at the Rayleigh Armed Forces day.

Only a couple of passes, due to microlight traffic in the area.

In the programme for Saturday, they say there is going to be a Shackleton cockpit on display. Or to be more accurate, a Shackleton “bomber” 🙂

Anyone know where this will come from ?

No display times yet 🙁

I remember it well. Fascinating and ground breaking programme of it’s era.

Around the same time, there was Armand and Michaela Denis, who made the wildlife documentaries.

There’s a more detailed event diary online I’ve seen before, in the appearance of an Excel database.
Can’t seem to be able to find it now. It gives timings for displays, routes, and aircraft taking part.