yep super sonic is right. She’s europe’s only supersonic civilian aircraft.

Can anyone please clarifyconfirm this? My understanding from speaking with former Sea Vixen pilots is that due to the transonic characteristics of the Vixen, they were never able to exceed Mach 1.0 in level flight. However, Mach 1.2 was normally achievable in a dive of approx 30 degrees.

The bad news is if we can’t move to the other hanger the collection
will have to be broken up which would be a shame.the volunteer’s have
put so much into the museum to make it what it is today. all that hard
work would be lost for good.plus the owners of the flying aircraft will
have to find new homes.

I feel so sad about this and I’m just a supporter of Bournemouth Aviation Museum. Heaven knows how the volunteers must be feeling right now – absolutely gutted I imagine. The impending closure of the Museum is nothing short of cultural vandalism.

How have things ended up like this? Manchester Airport Group who own Bournemouth Airport have much to answer for. It seems that the way in which they have treated Bournemouth Aviation Museum is in marked contrast to the excellent Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park where they continue to actively help and develop a first class museum.

A statement on the Museum’s website at http://www.aviation-museum.co.uk/frameset.htm is pretty stark stating that “The Museum will close permanently on the evening of Sunday 16th December as the alternative accommodation offered and future costs are not considered financially sustainable”.

I hope that some meaningful disucssions are still going on in the background but at the moment it looks very very bleak.:(

Seeing Sea Vixen XP924 flying again. Fingers crossed that a sponsor can be found soon.

Sea Vixen v Phantom

I’ve also just bought Tony Buttler’s Sea Vixen Book. Whilst Air-Britain publications are far from cheap this to me is an absolute must and I can’t recommend it enough. Particularly the chapter of detailed first hand accounts by former pilots and observers.

In the hands of experienced aircrew the Sea Vixen, with its GEC AI Mk 18 radar, was a genuine world beater. One compelling account in Tony’s book describes how a Sea Vixen FAW2 beat two Phantom FG1s (F-4K) during a simulated dog fight off Lands End. Both Phantoms, flying on re-heat, ran low on fuel before either could lock their Sparrow missiles on the Vixen. Meanwhile the Vixen’s excellent Red Top missile system with its ‘head on’ capability, had successfully locked onto the lead Phantom as it approached at supersonic speed approx 13 miles away. When the dogfight was called off the Vixen still had sufficient fuel on board for a further 15 minutes of full combat and the crew rubbed ‘salt in the wound’ by returning to base at RNAS Yeovilton at ‘full chat’ and asking how many sugars the Phantom crews wanted in their tea!

One can only speculate just what would have happened had the Sea Vixen gone to war in anger.

A fantastic aircraft!:)

Cheers,

Mark

http://www.air-britain.com/

I was over at Hurn last Sunday. Whilst no one from De Havilland Engineering was around a couple of volunteers from the Bournemouth Aviation Museum staff informed me that sponsorship to cover the insurance for XP924 has now been secured. ‘All’ that is now needed are plenty of generous bookings to help cover the fuel and other running costs.

So no official announcement yet but cause for optimism I believe. Certainly in the past the Museum staff have between them been well informed.

The Vixen was parked outside, cockpit covered up but otherwise she looked very well (see attached). Certainly not tucked away on the grass where incidentally the Sea Prince WP321 was receiving some much needed love and attention.

Fingers crossed that ‘Foxy Lady’ will be flying at Yeovilton Air Day 2007!

Cheers,

Mark

I think XP924 looks marvellous in her new authentic colours and I can’t wait to see her. Any news on potential sponsors to help keep her flying?

Cheers,

Mark
🙂