Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

COLD WAR ERA PHANTOM FIGHTER JET THAT SET SPEED RECORD ARRIVES BY ROAD AT RAF COSFORD

By Gabriele Barison
Oct 31 2017
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Of all the UK’s Phantom fighters, the airframe which arrived at RAF Cosford is perhaps one of the most iconic, known as ‘Black Mike’ due to its unique paint scheme applied by 111(F) Squadron in the late 1980s

Taken on Oct. 26, 2017 the interesting photos in this post show a Cold-War F-4 Phantom fighter jet arriving at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Following the launch of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018, the F-4 Phantom, known as ‘Black Mike’, was delivered by road to the airfield, in preparation for the Air Show on Sunday 10th June 2018.

Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford
Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

Although the jet was an American design, produced by McDonnell Douglas, the UK’s Phantoms were a special batch built separately and containing a significant amount of British technology including the addition of Rolls-Royce Spey engines.

Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

According to Royal Air Force Cosford Facebook page, of all the UK’s Phantoms, the airframe which arrived at RAF Cosford is perhaps one of the most iconic, known as ‘Black Mike’ due to its unique paint scheme applied by 111(F) Squadron in the late 1980s.

Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

The airframe, now owned by GJD Services Ltd, has been the centre of a campaign by aviation enthusiasts, who plan to restore her to exhibition standard. David Butterfield, from the British Phantom Aviation Group, said, “The British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) are extremely proud and honoured to participate with Phantom XV582 ‘Black Mike’ at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018. Our hardworking, dedicated team of volunteers have shown outstanding knowledge, skills and aptitude to make the move from RAF Leuchars happen. We look forward to working with RAF Cosford over the coming months and we are certain that the aircraft will be a great attraction as part of the RAF100 static displays.”

Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “The Royal Air Force’s Phantoms played a critical role in defending the UK’s airspace during the height of the Cold War. Therefore, having an example of the type was essential as part of our RAF100 static exhibition at the Air Show on Sunday 10th June 2018. It will be the first of many aircraft which will be transported by road to RAF Cosford over the coming months specifically for display at the Air Show.”

As reported by Itv, Black Mike hasn’t flown since 1992, 25 years ago, but it is famous for breaking the speed record from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1989.

Cold War Era Phantom fighter jet that set speed record arrives by road at RAF Cosford

This time it’s been travelling at a slightly more sedate pace.

Photo credit: Crown Copyright


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Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Co-Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. He has flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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