Laarbruch-based Jaguar GR.I XZ111 of No 2 Squadron on a mission low over Germany near the Dutch border showing the photographic pod hung on the centre-line pylon.

Another view of GR.l XZ111. A total of seven RAF front-line squadrons will have Jaguars, four of these being with the Second Allied Tactical Air Force in Germany.

Jaguar's STOL performance - typified by a landing and take-off run at normal loads of only 1,600 ft - allows it to fly close-support operations from grass-strip airfields of no higher standard than those associated with aero-club flying.

The first reconnaissance Jaguar for use in Germany was delivered to No 2 Squadron early 1976. It is seen here with one of the Phantoms with which the squadron was previously equipped.

The camera ports in XZ111’s centreline reconnaissance pod and the trough for the starboard 30mm Aden cannon are well shown in this view. A pair of 264-gal drop tanks are carried underwing.

Our author (Raymond Baxter) displaying either pre-flight nerves or post-flight relief.

A production Jaguar T.Mk 2 trainer takes off from RAC’s Warton aerodrome.