This month’s issue of FlyPast magazine features a whole section dedicated to the Phantom, which includes a 10 page article about F-4J(UK) operations, written by BPAG secretary Tony Clay. In the shops now or available to order from the Key Publishing website- https://shop.keypublishing.com/issue/View/issue/FP487/flypast-february-…
As the Christmas break will soon be upon us, the British Phantom Aviation Group would like to take a moment to send everyone our best wishes for the season. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm during 2021. We will return in 2022, in what is shaping up to be a busy and eventful year. Everyone please stay safe, be careful and have a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
After two long days on the road, another item has now joined the BPAG display collection. We are pleased to say that we have the undercarriage training rig from the Phantom Ground School at RAF Coningsby. On loan to us from Mike Davey, it will join the hydraulic systems trainer rig that BPAG were gifted by Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, which will also be restored as a fully functioning exhibit.
The undercarriage rig was collected from JetArt Aviation in Selby, where it has been stored for several years and transported via an overnight stop in Cheshire down to Cotswold Airport. With the generous assistance of Air Salvage International it was offloaded in some atrocious weather and the ASI forklift driver also shifted the fin and stabilator that were already on site. Thanks to ASI for their help and once again special thanks to Matt Gilby for not only providing the trailer and tow vehicle, but for doing ALL the driving.
The weekend of 27/28th November saw the BPAG back onsite at Manston, continuing the work to prepare ZE360 for relocation. In a stark contrast to the previous visit, the weather was determined to let us know that it was now winter and a biting wind, with rain and hail, made it a challenging day.
The primary task on the aircraft was lowering the trailing edge flaps, which is the position they need to be in for removal. This is necessary before transportation, as the rear half of the flap is of honeycomb construction and therefore quite delicate. With no electrical supply for the hydraulic system available, a previously developed manual system was used. This involves connecting a hand pump to the hydraulic lines to provide the pressure to lower the flaps. This method applies the pressure directly to the actuator. It was a moment of cheer for the team when the flap gradually moved down for the first time since ZE360’s last flight in 1991. The hinges have now been left soaking in penetrating oil, ready for the next visit.
Elsewhere, servicing the universal stand continued. Hydraulic hoses and rams were removed and the decision made to replace the former entirely, for safety reasons, while the rams are going off site for servicing and testing before being refitted. Liberal applications of penetrating oil has now also seen all the hinge points freed off. Once we have the new and refurbished items in hand, we will rebuild the stand ready for the next big task, engine removal. In the meanwhile though, the search for the adaptor frames continues.
Finally, as seen in the pictures, we have obtained a number of aircraft jacks to aid the dismantling process, which are a donation by BPAG management stalwart Mike Davey. These will not be used to raise up the aircraft, but to stabilise and support the fuselage and wing during the engine removal process, the same technique we have used successfully in the past.
Thanks go all our volunteers for braving the conditions at Manston and to Mike Davey for the incredibly generous donation of the jacks.
An interesting pic we unearthed recently. F-4s from 54, 41, 6 Sqns and 228 OCU during a royal visit to Coningsby by Honorary Air Commodore, HRH Princess Margaret in June 1972. 41 Sqn had only been reformed for less than three months and has its colours presented to it by Princess Margaret at this occasion.
A dry and surprising warm weekend of 6th-7th November saw BPAG volunteers continuing work preparing ZE360 for its eventual dismantling. In the past much of the activity has been around the aircraft itself but, as reported recently, the group now owns a universal stand, a vital item needed for the engine removal process which also requires maintenance and repair.
The team were split into two groups each day with the first one focused on the stand, which began with stripping the frame down into its component parts so that repairs and surveys could be made. The hydraulic tank was removed so that a small split can be welded and repaired off site while the rams on the lifting frame were disconnected and inspected. At least one of the rams will require more attention before it will be fully functional but the equalising valves appear to be serviceable, the manual adjustment screw drives are free and the rig front mount can be angled as required, the worm drives require working and lubricating but they are OK and the overall condition of the stand is good. The BPAG are still in the process of locating adaptor frames for this unit, however, and would like to invite anyone with any information to please get in touch.
Meanwhile, the other group continued the preparation work on ZE360. Most of the last remaining pipe work and cabling were removed from D22 bay, D42 left and right were accessed and the engine side mounts released and D54 left and right were also opened and the side mounts surveyed. The generator bay, RAT and chaff dispenser compartments were also accessed. Generator bay will need some structural repair works but the other two compartments are in good condition. However, the chaff dispenser tray is missing (which would be expected anyway) as is the RAT itself, which we didn’t expect but the example we salvaged from XV411 should be a direct replacement. Finally, ZE360’s somewhat bent AOA probe can now be changed for a pristine example, courtesy of our volunteer Peter Partridge, who kindly sourced and donated a replacement.
We have now reached a point where the removal of the engines and trailing edge flaps are all that is needed before the fuselage and wing can be split and the aircraft readied for transport. We will therefore be appealing for volunteers with exact skill sets over the coming months but will look forward to welcoming other volunteers again once the aircraft reaches Cotswold Airport. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more details.
Thanks go to our volunteers for their time, energy and assistance over the weekend and to Polar Helicopters and Manston Airport for their support and time in allowing preparation work to continue onsite.
As some of you may know from personal experience, aircraft preservation is an expensive business. Therefore, as you have no doubt noticed, we continually fundraise to support this work. Whether it is via special campaigns like the recent crowdfunder and the current print offer by our friends at the 74SA or ongoing methods such as the webstore and our regular online auctions, the proceeds go to fund our activities and we are very grateful to everyone for your support. We really couldn’t do this without you. So, we thought you may like to see a few examples of the kind of thing that your contributions have helped us to buy recently.
Firstly, a vital piece of ground equipment, without which ZE360 isn’t going anywhere. The Universal Stand has, as its name suggests, a variety of uses. In the case of the F4-J it was used with adaptor frames to remove and fit engines, which is exactly what we will need it to do in the very near future but it will also prove useful for lifting operations through the restoration process of all three of our aircraft. We have had this particular example on loan from its previous owner for some time but have recently been given the opportunity to purchase it outright. Having been stood outside for many years before we obtained it, it needs some remedial work to bring it back into service, which will be carried out by our volunteers in due course. We are now urgently searching for a pair of adaptor frames (the yellow items in the second pic) which we will need to allow us to remove the engines from ZE360, as we cannot split the fuselage/wing with engines fitted. Any leads anyone may have on these items will be much appreciated, please feel free to get in touch.
The two smaller items are both Ebay purchases and are a good illustration of what is still hiding away in garages, sheds, containers and storage units around the country. The light units are taxy lamps, one of which fits into the forward nose landing gear door. As you can see these are in new-old-stock condition with no damage or discolouration. These were spotted and brought to our attention by one of our eagle eyed supporters, for which we are grateful. The other item is a wing tank fuel quantity sender. As you can see, it is effectively brand new, despite being 49 years old. This unit fits into the aircraft wing tank and feeds information into the aircraft fuel gauging system. Items like this are not generally kept as ‘man-cave’ items, so it’s nice to find them still around, particularly one that has never been used.
Purchases like these, as well as the generous donations of parts and other Phantom related items we regularly receive, are a valuable part of our preservation efforts and contribute greatly to our ultimate goal of having three fully restored Phantoms preserved for posterity and on show to the public at the world’s only dedicated F-4 Phantom museum. Thanks to everybody who helps us take another step, however small, toward the day when this finally becomes a reality.
The 21st of September saw a special event at Duxford’s American Air Museum, when three former 74(F) Squadron commanding officers reunited for a signing ceremony to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of Phantom F-4J(UK) ZE360.
The 74(F) ‘Tiger’ Squadron Association brought together retired Air Marshall Cliff Spink and former Group Captains Dick Northcote and Graham Clarke to add their signatures to a run of limited edition reproductions of an original painting by Rob Johnson depicting ZE360 and ZE359 overflying RAF Wattisham. The backdrop for the event was provided by ZE359 itself, which although presently displayed in US Navy colours, was part of 74(F) Sqn for the whole of the aircraft’s time in UK service.
The F-4J(UK) was a modified version of the American F-4J and was exclusively operated by 74(F) Sqn at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk between 1985 and 1991. All were ex-US Navy or Marine Corps machines, refurbished and configured to Royal Air Force specifications at NARF North Island, California. The aircraft became a vital part of the UK air defence network as well as participating in many exercises across Europe with NATO allies. Cliff, Dick and Graham were the only officers to command the squadron during its time with the F-4J(UK) and were brought back together in support of the ZE360 Restoration Fund.
They were also joined on the day by 74 Squadron Association committee members Rhod Smart and Bob Cossey, BPAG Chairman Paul Wright and BPAG Secretary/ZE360 Project Manager/74SA Webmaster Tony Clay and artwork commissioner John Gray. Many thanks to all the aforementioned for attending and to the staff at Duxford’s AAM for granting permission and making arrangements for the event.
A small number of these prints are still available and standard, non-signed versions will be offered soon. Contact Tony Clay at webmaster74tigersquadron@yahoo.com for more details.
L-R Graham Clarke, Dick Northcote, John Grey (artwork commissioner) and Cliff Spink.
Cliff, Dick and Graham with BPAG Chairman Paul Wright (left) and BPAG Secretary/ZE360 Project/74SA Webmaster Tony Clay (right)
While the focus of recent attention has been the relocation of XT597 and XT905 and the associated activity at BPAG’s new home at Cotswold Airport, the last few weeks have also seen work restart on ZE360 at Manston.
Following on from the aircraft’s initial arrival at the airport in April 2021, on 11th September ZE360 was relocated to the Y-Pan to allow the working parties regular access and extra space. Engineering work subsequently recommenced with the process of clearing the wing and fuselage boundary in preparation for the wing/fuselage split.
Access to the D22 bay where a majority of the work is required is cramped and confined. With limited space to move around, this task only required a small crew to attend over the weekend of 9/10th October. Gaining access to the structure joining the fuselage to the wing was obtained by clearing a multitude of hydraulic and fuel lines and their associated valves while the removal of both the leading edge ducts and airbrake closure panels were finally completed- frustrating but vital tasks. The latter now means that hydraulic pipework can be accessed at a later date to drop the flaps. The weekend finished with minor maintenance on both of the trolleys currently stored on site, releasing three wheels that had seized up.
With plenty more to do before the aircraft will be ready take its turn to move to Cotswold Airport, we’d like to invite anyone who may be interested in gaining some hands-on time and becoming involved with ZE360 to email the group at bpagvolunteers@gmail.com
Special thanks go all our volunteers for their time, energy and assistance over the last few weeks. An honorable mention in dispatches goes to Sean Kemsley for supplying a towing vehicle at short notice. We’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Polar Helicopters and Manston Airport for their involvement and help in setting up 360’s new temporary home.
Saturday the 18th of September saw the BPAG roadshow roll into Cotswold Airport to attend the Battle Of Britain Vintage Fly-in. Although fielding a slightly stripped down version of our stand at Abingdon, the more intimate nature of the event, the quality of the display and a favourable location all meant our volunteers were kept busy. Despite much lower attendance than the last two events, we had a very successful day, enjoyed some great conversations with members of the public who were all very interested in our plans and happy to support us by purchasing merchandise. Thank you to everyone who stopped by.
Another useful aspect of these events is the chance to meet new, potential volunteers and this one did not disappoint on that front. It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic people who want to give up their time and talents to help restore and preserve our aircraft, we took many contact details and will be in touch in the near future. However, whilst not wishing to detract from anyone else we spoke to, one person does warrant special mention. The gentleman stood next to the seat is former Group Captain Laurie Hilditch, who- among his many other achievements- holds the distinction of being the last man to fly a Spey powered Phantom, when XT597 made its final flight on 28th January 1994. Mr Hilditch still has a great affection for 597 and will be working closely with us in the future. Watch this space.
This event will be our last public appearance for 2021, but we will be back next year, bigger and better. Once again, thank you to everyone who came and talked to us, offered their services or parted with their money to help us fund our projects. Finally, many thanks to our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Good afternoon all. Here is the final crowdfunder update, now that the campaign has ended. The total raised was £16,558. Although short of the target, this is enough to ensure that the majority of the preparation work at Cotswold Airport can go ahead. We have other fundraising sources to pursue in the meantime, and we are confident that we can make up the shortfall. With a slight juggling of the timeframe, we will still achieve our aim.
Huge thanks go out to everyone who contributed, your generosity has ensured that the UK Phantom Heritage Centre is on its way to becoming a reality and we are grateful for your faith in the BPAG. We will start fulfilling the rewards over the next couple of weeks, so if you claimed you should be hearing from us via crowdfunder soon.
Once again, our sincerest thanks to you all.
Good afternoon everyone. The final 24 hours of the British Phantom Aviation Group’s 2021 Crowdfunder campaign is finally upon us. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, your support is very much appreciated. The amount raised currently stands at £14,896. At noon tomorrow, we will automatically be unable to accept any more pledges or donations.
The aim of this campaign is to fund the construction work needed at Cotswold Airport, as part of the establishment of the UK Phantom Heritage Centre. This will be the BPAG’s headquarters and workshops but the intention is also for it to be a lot more. It will also be a museum, a meeting place, a venue, a school and a repository of knowledge. It will be the only place in the world where examples of all three marques of the UK version of the F-4 Phantom can be seen together. It will also be the only place in the world where a F-4J(UK) is on display in its original RAF colours.
In addition, it will be home to two other British Phantom cockpit sections and will also form a display space for our growing collection of Phantom parts, components, related equipment and supplies, uniforms, memorabilia, rarities and much more. We intend to support enthusiasts, fans, researchers, students and just the plain curious in their quest for knowledge of the UK F-4 and classic jets. We particularly look forward to welcoming veterans of the forces and respecting and celebrating the past and their traditions, honouring those who have served and remembering those lost. The BPAG will also work in co-operation with other restoration groups to share and preserve all existing mechanical skills, provide technical support and advice and offer training to a new generation of engineers interested in STEMS, modern and general aviation and heritage jets.
All this is feasible and within our grasp but there is much to do to make it happen. If you love classic jets and would like to see them restored and on display for all to enjoy, please consider supporting our cause. Head over to our crowdfunder page to help- http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/uk-phantom-heritage-centre There are still a number of desirable rewards to be claimed.
Thank you.
Our crowdfunder total currently stands at a shade under £14,000 with four days to go.
There is one final place available on our private tour of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the RAF Museum, Cosford, which takes place on 3rd December 2021. The facility is not usually a public part of the museum, so this is a rare chance to see behind the scenes. Furthermore, our tour will be personally conducted by Conservation Centre Manager Darren Priday.
You can claim the last available place on this exclusive tour by pledging a £70 donation to our crowdfunder campaign. Your donation will also entitle you to certificate, signed by the BPAG chairman, acknowledging your contribution to the campaign as well as an entry into a prize draw with a chance to win one of many Phantom related prizes.
Just follow this link to take part- http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/uk-phantom-heritage-centre
Hello everyone. So this is the final week of our crowdfunder, the campaign ends at noon on 13th September and the total raised currently stands at £13,040. Huge thanks to everyone who has pledged or donated so far, you are a vital part of what we are trying to achieve and you can be justifiably proud of your role in helping to preserve these examples of the UK’s aviation history.
There are still some excellent rewards to be claimed during the next seven days, including the last two places on our exclusive private tour of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the RAF Cosford Museum on 3rd December 2021, a chance to have your name enshrined on a genuine F-4 fin forever, signed prints, patches and we can even help with your holiday plans for 2022- a week’s accommodation at a private apartment in Calpe, Spain is on offer at a third off the usual price.
To sign up for any of our remaining rewards, head over to our crowdfunder page here- http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/uk-phantom-heritage-centre
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