Aeroplane Monthly 1977-12
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News Spotlight
Duxford's two latest arrivals seen together. Nearest is Saab Draken 131-351-75/“40” of the Swedish Air Force, which flew in from Uppsala via Oldenburg and Mansion on August 16, 1977 for official handover to the Duxford Aviation Society on August 21. Behind is Concorde 101 G-AXDN which arrived on August 20.
Panavia Tornado P.04 has now made weapon-carrying trials in West Germany which included the carriage of four Kormoran anti-shipping missiles, two beneath the fuselage and two underwing. P.04 is the first Tornado to fly in the markings of the German Navy.
Photographed recently at Yeovilton, two-seat Sea Fury WG655 was acquired some time ago from Cologne, where the Rhine Flugzeugbau had operated it as a target tug. After complete renovation, WG655 made its maiden flight from Yeovilton on February 17 this year.
Harrier T2A XW175, based at RAE Bedford, is seen during its first special simulated night launch from Bedford's 6° ski jump ramp. The pilot, Sqn Ldr John Bolton, flew the aircraft entirely on instruments under night flying screens, while Flt Lt George Ellis monitored from the front seat.
One of the rare birds flying with the Confederate Air Force at Rebel Field Harlingen, Texas, is this North American F-82B Twin Mustang, N12102/44-65162.
Slowly taking shape at Staverton is the Shuttleworth Collection's Sea Hurricane, Z7015, which a band of volunteers are restoring, hopefully to flying condition. The fuselage frame and centre section are now awaiting non-destructive testing.
One participant at the Aviation Africa '77 display at Lanseria during October 6-10, 1977 was South African Air Force Vampire T.55 276 of TFDC Waterkloof. One of only two airworthy examples left in South Africa, it is scheduled for preservation in the SAAF Museum.