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Centenary News - Issue three

Royal Navy Centenary Celebrations The highlight of this year’s Centenary of will be the visit to London of the UK’s Strike , HMS Illustrious together with an embarked Air Group for the 100 birthday celebrations and flypast over the ship on Thursday 7 May 2009.

HMS Illustrious will be moored at Greenwich and the flypast of Merlin, Sea King and Lynx and Hawks and Jetstream aircraft will follow the River Thames from east to west passing directly over the ship at midday.

The impressive Balbo formation of aircraft will give spectators the rare opportunity to see a large number of Naval helicopters operating from an Aircraft Carrier against the backdrop of the home of the since Tudor times, the magnificent Old Royal Naval College. HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York KG and Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, will take the salute onboard HMS Illustrious as the aircraft pass overhead.

Operating with the Royal Navy, the Joint Command and , the Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm have never been in greater demand.

“Naval aircraft are making a direct and vital contribution to operations in Afghanistan, , the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of , the Falklands, the North Atlantic, the Far East and the Caribbean” said Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm. “Over 80% of our Squadrons are currently deployed fulfilling defence commitments worldwide.”

HMS Illustrious will be in London for six days as the centrepiece of the Centenary celebrations, hosting a dinner onboard on Thursday 7 May and supporting the Service of Thanksgiving in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 8 May. CENTENARY FLY PAST HMS ILLUSTRIOUS – 7 May 2009 Greenwich, London 12 noon 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:08 Page 2

Raising the Game Centenary Celebrations in London Welcome to the third of our series of Centenary Newsletters. With the help of a hardworking project team, this TAURUS 09 month’s Centenary celebrations are set to be a defining moment for Naval aviation. Merlin helicopters from 820 Squadron and Sea King ASaC aircraft from 857 Squadron, both based at Royal Culdrose and Commando Helicopter Force Sea King Mk 4s A century after the Admiralty ordered its from 845 Squadron and Lynx Mk 7 aircraft from 847 Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station first aircraft on 7 May 1909 it is quite Yeovilton have deployed as a powerful Air Group with the Royal Navy’s Amphibious Task extraordinary to think that within a few Group on Taurus 09 to the Far East. years, air power from the sea would transform naval warfare as radically as the The Royal Navy’s largest amphibious deployment in trip deployment, operating and training with gun and the steam engine. ten years, Taurus 09 aims to strengthen the Navy’s 17 nations. fighting capability, proving their amphibious skills The celebrations with HMS Illustrious in Deploying with a maritime force for by means of landing craft and helicopters and Merlin helicopters onboard the air assault ship London could not be more fitting, or “ prolonged periods, supporting enhancing their ability to carry out combined HMS Ocean took part in rigorous preparations better timed, to commemorate a operations with NATO allies and other nations. earning praise from Rear Admiral Richard MASU amphibious operations and operating in remarkable 100 years. Emerging from difficult environments is what the Fleet Ibbotson, Flag Officer Sea Training. He told the adolescence in the First World War and The Task Group comprises 12 ships including ship’s company that, without exception, everyone Air Arm does best. Taurus 09 is a text Rapid Aviation Support coming to maturity in the Cold War, Naval aviation has developed a core capital ships HMS Bulwark and HMS Ocean, two onboard had raised their game and embraced the expertise and depth of experience in operating at sea that sees us now, on

book example of the projection of sea Royal Navy frigates, a US Navy and a challenge of being ready to embrace amphibious Most people familiar with the Fleet Air Arm will have heard of the brink of a significant step change in capability. Carrier aviation and the

power over land by means of the air and French Navy frigate, two nuclear powered operations anywhere in the world. Taurus 09 will MASU, Mobile Aircraft Support Unit, or MARTSU, Mobile Aircraft Fleet Air Arm are intrinsically intertwined and the combination of the Queen I know the squadrons“ deployed will take submarines and an embarked force of Royal be split into two phases, phase one will involve Repair Transport and Salvage Unit as it was previously known. Elizabeth class carriers and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter herald an exciting it in their stride. Marines from 40 Commando and 539 Assault amphibious training in the Mediterranean and Historically responsible for the recovery and repair of damaged future – we are getting back in the big carrier game. Squadron . At its height, 3,300 phase two will culminate in a multi-national aircraft the remit of the unit has grown exponentially in recent Rear Admiral Simon Charlier personnel will take part in the 20,400 mile round- training operation in the jungles of . years to meet the exacting demands being made on all UK military It will be a proud moment watching the fly past over HMS Illustrious, but it is aircraft deployed on current operations. important to remember that 80% of the Fleet Air Arm is currently deployed on operations around the world. The Harrier jets of the Naval Strike Wing and Naval helicopters assigned to the Commando Helicopter Force are In 2008 MASU joined forces with all aspects of airworthiness and heavily committed to joint operations in Afghanistan, 815 and 829 Naval Air NAML, the Naval Aircraft Materials advice on the care of aircraft to Squadrons are very active, parenting small ships flights, Merlin helicopters Fleet Air Arm Memorial Laboratory at Fleetlands, Gosport, prevent and manage corrosion, from 814 Naval Air Squadron are conducting ongoing surveillance missions in to form a formidably capable Health Usage Monitoring and A ceremony to dedicate a new memorial to remember and celebrate the service of the many men and women who the and the Naval Air Squadrons embarked with Taurus 09 are forward support organisation Vibration, materials and composite have served in the Fleet Air Arm will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield in Staffordshire on conducting intensive amphibious exercises in the Far East. While our birthday called Fleet Forward Support (Air) evaluation and chemical sampling Friday 11 September 2009. will be a memorable day for the Service, there can be no clearer message of providing the full range of rapid of fuels, oils and lubricants. The the versatility, adaptability and utility of Naval aviation. Over 6,000 men and women have given testament to the enduring importance of In the meantime, funds are still being aviation support to helicopters of unit also assists with in depth their lives in the service of Naval aviation carrier aviation, which in a relatively short sought to finalise the project and ensure all three Services anywhere in the investigations into failures and A highlight of the celebrations will be a visit by HRH The Duke of York KG, over the past 100 years and it is space of history has had such a significant that the dedication service is a fittingly world. accidents. As well as deployable our Commodore-in-Chief, and The Right Honourable John Hutton MP, particularly fitting during this Centenary impact but it holds memories of loved memorable occasion. Donations from teams able to support air Secretary of State for Defence. In addition to our birthday flypast, there will year that their sacrifice should be ones for so many people throughout the individuals or organisations would be very Based in new premises in operations anywhere in the world, be a spectacular firework display over HMS Illustrious on 7 May at 2200 and honoured in the peaceful setting of the country.” welcome and should be sent to the Fleet Naval Base, the the unit currently has a permanent flying displays over the Thames in front of the Old Royal Naval College on National Arboretum. The new memorial, a Air Arm Officers Association, 4 St James organisation is responsible for the detachment in Afghanistan. In the Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May at 1400 each day. Their names sculptured plinth of Portland stone The dedication service will be open to all Square, London, SWIY 4JU. Please make assessment and repair of damaged true spirit of joint operations, it is helicopters, designing and fitting another arena in which the Fleet will live for supporting a granite aircraft carrier, will be and will include an unveiling ceremony, cheques payable to FAAOA and marked Rear Admiral Simon Charlier set amidst ‘hearts of oak’ in an avenue of flypast and a Royal Marines Beat Retreat. on the reverse ‘Memorial’. modifications, providing analysis on Air Arm is leading the way. evermore . . . fine old English oak trees, close to the National Armed Forces Memorial. Callsign GB100FAA The Fleet Air Arm has a ‘battle honours’ The Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society will be operating a special event memorial on the Victoria Embankment in station during May 2009 to broadcast the Centenary celebrations around the London. The new memorial, however, has world. Using the callsign GB100FAA the station based at HMS Collingwood been especially designed to enable initially and then at RNAS Yeovilton will be operated by members of the squadrons, ships and associations to place Society. “We expect to contact Fleet Air Arm veterans all over the world” plaques or wreaths around the base of the said RNARS Chairman, former Chief Radio Supervisor Mick Puttick. “All Naval aircraft carrier allowing the memorial to aviators use wireless communications and the pioneering work of the early become the spiritual property of everyone Naval aviators helped develop the communications that we know today.” The who has served in the Fleet Air Arm. Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society was formed in 1960 to promote Amateur Radio within the Service and as an aid to technical training. Speaking of the new memorial, Chief of Staff Aviation and Carriers, Rear Admiral Operation will be on SSB and CW on the usual RNARS Simon Charlier said, “We are very grateful frequencies, band conditions permitting, and +/- QRM: to the Fleet Air Arm Associations for their SSB – 3740, 7055, 14294/14335, 18150, considerable contribution in raising the 21360, 28940. funds to commission this project. The CW – 3520, 7020, 10118, 14052, Fleet Air Arm design of an aircraft carrier is not only 18087, 21052, 24897, 28052.

www.rnars.org.uk Designed by architect and sculptor, Steve Field, the memorial is being built on a plinth of Portland stone, the traditional material for Naval memorials 1909 - 2009 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:08 Page 4

The Armourers Association Musical Tribute Fleet Air Arm Heroes ‘Hands to Flying Stations’ After attending Nobby’s ‘going outside run’, An inspiring and moving musical tribute to the Fleet Arm Arm, composed Shiner’s 50th birthday party and Bungy’s Honoured especially to celebrate 100 years of Naval aviation and incorporating the ‘promotion do’ and seeing the same people much loved bugle call ‘Hands to Flying Stations’ was performed for the travel from miles around to attend, it was Their work has been described as some of the most demanding flying anywhere first time by The Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the the general feeling that the same lot would in the world, outside war zones. Last month members of the Royal Navy Search Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, London in probably support a Bombheads Reunion. So and Rescue unit HMS Gannet were recognised for their outstanding bravery, with February. in 1989 with the aid of a few Christmas card lists and seventeen a remarkable 8 of the 20 aircrew at the helicopter station in being quids’ worth of postage stamps, the Armourers Association was The new piece of music, composed by national competition. 97 applications honoured in the Operational Honours list. born. former Warrant Officer Royal Marines were made to enter the competition The honours were awarded for Michael McDermott, is called and 16 full scores were submitted. The exceptional courage in dangerous The inaugural meeting was ‘Daedalus’, a name long associated winning composition which was played rescue situations and ranged from in Coventry in 1990. They with the Fleet Air Arm, after the great to accompany a film on 100 years of Queen’s Commendations for Gallantry came from Penzance, they Athenian inventor, Daedalus, who built Naval flying, received a standing ovation in the Air and Commander-in-Chief came from Lossiemouth, artificial wings for himself and his son at the Royal Albert Hall. Left to right: Lt Cdr Martin Lanni decorated with the Air Force Fleet’s Commendations to the Air and all stations in between. Icarus and HMS Daedalus, the Royal Cross, Lt Tony Sherwin, Commander-in-Chief’s Commendation, Force Cross the highest award in They were old, they were Naval Air Station at Lee on Solent, the “It is a truly magnificent tribute” said Leading Aircrewman Kev Regan, Queen’s Commendation for recognition of exemplary gallantry in very old, and they were spiritual home of the Fleet Air Arm. Admiral Terry Loughran, Chairman of Bravery in the Air, Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff the air on non-active operations. ‘Gordon Bennett! Who’d the Fly Navy Heritage Trust. “There was Aviation, Lt Cdr Martin ‘Florry’ Ford, Queen’s Commendation for have thought he’d still be The idea to compose a special musical not a dry eye in the house and we hope Bravery in the Air, Petty Officer Daz Craig, Queen’s Commendation The Flight was also alive.’ Amongst them were tribute to celebrate this year’s ‘Daedalus’ will be played on many for Bravery in the Air and Flight Sargeant Euan Gibson, awarded the prestigious Firmin Sword Police, Prison and Fire Centenary was proposed by the Fly occasions throughout the Centenary Commander-in-Chief’s Commendation. Lt Mike Paulett (not of Peace in recognition of the Officers of all ranks, a Navy Heritage Trust who sponsored a year and for many years to come.” pictured) formerly Gannet SAR Flight and now 854 Squadron was outstanding service provided by HMS Foreign Legionnaire, a also decorated with the Air Force Cross and Lt Olivia Milles (also not Gannet to the local community and Mayor, a town crier, a bloke pictured) received a Commander-in-Chief Fleet’s Commendation. the awarded annually for who breeds racing tadpoles excellence in aviation. and a part time Lancashire Fleet Air Arm Roll of Honour sausage knotter but we all The Fleet Air Arm Roll of HMS Gannet’s area of responsibility in and around the Scottish coastline covers an area of 98,000 had one thing in common – Honour containing the square miles, more than 12 times the size of Wales. The Commanding Officer of HMS Gannet, Lieutenant once a bomb’ead, always a names of the 6,749 Commander Bryan Nicholas said “I am incredibly proud of these men and women and the courage and bomb’ead! determination which they have shown in the face of adversity. They saved lives and risked their own.” and Fleet Air Arm The aim of our Association personnel who have Speaking after the awards ceremony Rear Admiral Simon Charlier said “Whilst there is an ongoing debate about is to preserve the values given their lives in the the future of Search and Rescue, I have nothing but the greatest admiration for Gannet SAR Flight. It is a vibrant and comradeship we all service of Naval aviation and busy part of the Royal Navy doing an absolutely magnificent job. Last year’s record number of call outs enjoyed in the Fleet Air is kept at the Fleet Air amounted to more than the number of days in the year! I am immensely proud of the Flight’s outstanding Arm. You may have no Arm Memorial Church, achievements.” desire to travel to a reunion St Bartholomew’s at but wish to be in contact Royal Naval Air Station with your old oppos. We Yeovilton in Somerset. A are currently in touch with service to celebrate the over 900 ex armourers. The Centenary of Naval annual membership is £5 aviation and dedicate a payable to the Armourers plaque in honour of the Association by standing four Naval aviators order. Please contact Mike awarded the Victoria Holdsworth on Cross will be held at [email protected] St Bart’s on 9 October or tel 01227 832826 for 2009 at 1030. our current newsletter, nominal roll and registration form.

Meet Your Navy Joining in the celebrations of 100 years of Naval Naval Strike Wing Aviation, Navy Days 2009 Back Onboard will include a stunning air display, featuring a wide After intensive operations in Afghanistan, the Naval Strike Wing returned to HMS Illustrious range of Naval aircraft. last month for a period of reintegration training to get back up to speed in their core Visitors will also be able to business of carrier aviation. climb aboard the Navy’s A mix of GR7 and GR9 Harrier jets together with fantastic welcoming the jets back on board. The ships and submarines, 12 pilots and 80 support staff and engineers ship comes alive when the flight is busy and witness a dramatic hostage clocked up an impressive 84 sorties in a fortnight we are delivering our primary capability of air rescue demonstration by including a round the clock rigorous deck work- power from the sea.” the Royal Marines, and get up passage which saw 4 new Harrier pilots gain a glimpse of the future in their initial deck landing qualifications and two Lieutenant Simon Rawlings, one of the pilots the ‘Future Navy’ marquee. further pilots re-qualifying. from the Naval Strike Wing embarked in HMS This promises to be an Illustrious, stated “It was great being back incredible day out for the Air combat training was conducted with RAF onboard. The Squadron has spent a lot of time in whole family, so book early Hawk aircraft of 100 Squadron, RAF Leeming and Afghanistan but embarking in a carrier again is for big discounts! the new Typhoon from XI Squadron RAF second nature to us. The whole team works like Coningsby. The Commanding Officer of HMS clockwork.” Illustrious, Captain Ben Key stated “It was

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The Angled

The angled deck started as a ‘doodle’ by Captain, later Rear Admiral Denis Cambell in 1951. Aircraft were getting heavier and faster but they were still being landed on a straight deck along the fore and aft axis of the ship where, to miss the wires, meant certain entry into the barrier or landing in the deck park in the bows – a crash in either case.

Naval Aviation Comes of Age

A significant part of the 100 year history of Naval aviation effectiveness of carrier aviation being able to was occupied by the dark days of the Cold War, which lasted remain on station for considerably longer than The Induction Loop from the late 40s to the late 80s. It was a very important land based aircraft operating out of . time for the Fleet Air Arm, for in addition to maintaining a The Scimitar and Sea Vixen followed and With the quickening pace of jet aviation flight deck personnel were subjected constant front line readiness to engage the massive forces of although never involved in full scale conflict, to deafeningly high noise levels and communicating with personnel in helmets the Warsaw Pact in what could be full scale nuclear war, it both aircraft took part in many operations and protective headgear became increasingly difficult. Radios were not was a period of huge and demanding transition in Naval including campaigns in and Aden. permitted on deck under radio silence conditions so in 1961 the Admiralty aviation capability. The world’s only flying Engineering Laboratory at West Drayton in Middlesex was asked to look into will be taking part in this year’s Centenary the problem of flight deck communications particularly between flight control celebrations flying in 899 Naval Air Squadron and deck crews on aircraft carriers. colours as she was in HMS Eagle in 1971.

Similar difficulties had been encountered with Driven by Cold War tensions and the need to personnel wearing earmuffs in high noise level penetrate Soviet naval groups and if necessary compartments in surface ships and submarines. deliver a nuclear payload, it was the Navy To give mobility to personnel working in noisy jets of the 60s and 70s, however that compartments and allow them to hear orders transformed carrier aviation capability. The the Admiralty engineers designed transistor long range strike aircraft the Buccaneer, built amplifiers able to detect audio frequency to fly fast and low to avoid detection by signals set up within compartments by enemy and the impressively versatile inductive fields. A cable loop surrounding the fighter, the Phantom were much loved by area was connected to a standard ship’s the men who operated them. amplifier to provide the inductive field and the personnel heard orders via the small detector The Royal Navy operated Phantoms between amplifiers fitted in their headsets. Speaking of those four decades, Captain Michael Rawlinson OBE 1969 and 1978. In 1969, on the fiftieth commented that, “That period took Naval aviation from the anniversary of the first aircraft crossing the Cambell’s solution -‘out of the blue’- to quote “Because audio frequency signals from upper operation of the obsolete propeller driven aircraft, in service during Atlantic by Alcock and Brown, a Royal Navy him was to shift the landing axis ten degrees to deck loops cannot be detected at more than a the Korean War, through to what was the peak of fixed wing Phantom won the Trans Atlantic Air Race port. This would at once give the pilot a clear few hundred metres from the ship it was carrier operations when the Royal Navy eventually acquired the setting a new world air speed record between approach and overshoot path such that if he missed the decided to use similar techniques for flight large, purpose built Fighter and Strike jet aircraft and fixed wing New York and London of 4 hours 46 minutes. wires he would only have to apply power and go round deck communications” said John Le Warne the Anti-Submarine and Airborne Early Warning aircraft that were The Phantom had formidable range and again. Furthermore it would do away with the need for senior engineer on the development team. needed. The day and night operation of these aircraft, in all performance and was capable of carrying barriers, reduce the number of arrester wires required, open up a “However, the steel decking and the large area to be covered reduced signal levels weathers, from relatively small carrier decks was undoubtedly one heavy loads, including air to air missiles and larger deck park and speed up deck operations. towards the centre of the deck entailing the use of specially designed powerful of the most demanding and at the same time professionally nuclear bombs. amplifiers to drive current through the cable around the deck perimeter.” rewarding periods in the history of the Fleet Air Arm. A period The Americans saw the benefits faster than the British, and whilst the when the adrenelin really flowed! Carrier operations have always The early fast jet years were remarkable years. Admiralty were still ‘considering’ the issue, the Americans a little while later sailed one of their carriers, the USS Antietam into the Channel with the wires angled off and a To cope with the weaker signals over the flight deck, the inductive receivers were carried risks, and along the way, in the continuous challenge of It was an era that also generated many slanted centre line at ten degrees to port! This was not only to show us the whole idea designed with more advanced characteristics than those for internal shipboard use. helping to keep the Cold War just that, the Fleet Air Arm sadly lost pioneering innovations including the mirror worked but also a tacit acknowledgement that the Brits had thought of it first. These pocket sized receivers, carried by flight deck personnel and connected by cable to a number of very fine aviators.” landing site, the steam catapult, the angled their helmets enabled direct audio control to be maintained between handlers and flight deck and the ski-jump – all legacies that Commander Graeme Rowan-Thomson flying a Sea Hawk was one of the first Royal Navy pilots told to try it out. pilots. Such was the success of the system, that it still forms an essential part of flight The first jet to enter service with the Royal Navy was the Attacker, made an enormous contribution to the safety It worked magnificently, the Admiralty were convinced and HMS Centaur was the first carrier to be modified. deck communications to this day. followed quickly by the Sea Hawk and Sea Venom. Both the Sea and effectiveness of carrier aviation and have Hawk and Sea Venom were involved in Operation Musketeer, the been standardised by navies around the Throughout the whole development and research period, Cambell was partnered by Lewis Boddington, the civilian Suez Campaign in 1956 where they more than proved the world. technical officer in charge of the Naval Air Division at RAE Farnborough whose contribution to the project was considerable. All carriers operating high performance conventional aircraft have since had angled flight decks and it was only phased out in the Royal Navy after 20 years with the introduction of the VSTOL era. Sponsors of Fly Navy 100 maritime surveillance and battlefield 40 years on the role. reconnaissance of Sea King is still at the forefront winning capability – a testament and helicopter. tribute to this remarkable The Sea King is also universally loved. generations of Naval It has bred aviators – by the mid 90s most of the older than the crews airframes were flying them! “The Sea King has real is character” said one pilot. “There something very dependable, reassuring and and forgiving about it. Its reliability operating fortitude in extreme confidence. For the conditions inspires ‘back seat’ even the steady crew, dripping of hot hydraulic fluid down their necks is comforting and familiar until it stops – then you worry!” As part of the Sea King 40 celebrations 1-7, a static display of each Mk from and will be on show at RNAS Yeovilton Air Days and at the RNAS Culdrose One of Royal International Air Tattoo. the early airframes, XV648 now a HU Mk 5, in the has been repainted original dark blue livery and is flying at RNAS Culdrose with 771 Squadron of the Sea King’s as a daily reminder heritage. longstanding and proud Celebrates Celebrates with the Royal Navy the Royal with making it a natural choice for long the and Rescue. From range Search outset, it has been involved in and saved rescues numerous thousands of lives, not just in emergencies but also in humanitarian relief. rugged dependability The Sea King’s was not lost on the Commando community either. As the need for a emerged, the 5 replacement Wessex Sea King was the obvious choice and moved naturally into the support role. The Sea King Mk4 is now a key component of the Joint Helicopter in working at full stretch Force Afghanistan. one the Sea King has proved day From itself highly adaptable in its ability to and requirements, meet changing roles so much so that some airframes have four or even five, undergone three, the complete metamorphoses. From initial design concept over 50 years have ago, Sikorsky could hardly imagined that in 2009 the Royal Navy would be operating a Sea King with a ‘bag’ it. The Sea King Mk hanging off 7 Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC7)aircraft is an impressive achievement. The mission suite is so technologically advanced and the real so good, that the aircraft time picture demand both in the is in great “ Sea King Sea 40 Service Years The Sea King is a true stalwart of the Fleet Air Arm; from the start it looked right, it felt right on and it is probably going to go flying for ever! and all weather capability strengths is its range, endurance strengths One of the Sea King’s greatest One of the Sea King’s equipment. passive and active ASW increasingly more sophisticated more increasingly upgraded and modified, housing stealthier the Sea King was very well. As submarines became designed for and it did the job was exactly what the aircraft was was exactly what the aircraft spent in the hover – ‘pinging’. It capability. Many a long hour was capability. major component of NATO’s ASW major component of NATO’s King ASW Squadrons provided a provided King ASW Squadrons sonar. In the 70s, six front line Sea front In the 70s, six sonar. “ with search radar and dipping with search Cold War era, the aircraft was fitted era, the aircraft Cold War for the Anti Submarine Role in the Originally designed and equipped been phenomenal. from the arctic to the desert has arctic the from versatility, adaptability and reliability versatility, Afghanistan, the Sea King’s Gulf Wars and current operations in and current Gulf Wars Battle proven in the Falklands, two Battle proven the far reaches of the globe. the far reaches outstanding in military operations in Rescue operations and proved Submarine Warfare and Search and and Search Submarine Warfare King has transformed the UK’s Anti- King has transformed the UK’s Navy on 11 August 1969, the Sea Since entering service with the Royal

versatile, reliable and enduring maritime helicopter in the world. versatile, reliable This year, in the Centenary year of Naval aviation, the helicopter celebrates being in Royal Sea King helicopter celebrates in the Centenary year of Naval aviation, the Westland This year, and securing its place in history as the most Naval service for 40 years, amassing over one million flying hours

Sea King ASaC Mk7 ASaC King Sea

Sea King HC Mk4 HC King Sea

Sea King AEW Mk2 AEW King Sea

Sea King HAS Mk2 HAS King Sea

Sea King HAS/HU Mk5 HAS/HU King Sea

Sea King HAS Mk1 HAS King Sea Sea King HAS/HU/CR Mk6 HAS/HU/CR King Sea Photograph with kind permission of the Photograph with kind permission of the Fleet Winston S Churchill “ Pray congratulate the pilots and Pray aircrews concerned on this most brilliant feat of arms so serviceable to the Royal Navy and to the whole world cause. “ incapable of putting to sea for several months. While incapable of putting to sea for several with the been credited the attack has never really it deserves, it was the success of the Fleet recognition routes kept the Air Arm tactics that effectively light to the D-Day landings. open and gave the green of lost in the attacks, 2 as a result were 4 aircraft enemy fire, the loss of 8 lives. with Fly Navy, the view from a Jungly Cockpit 1958- the view from Fly Navy, 2008, covers fifty years of Jungly exploits from combat to cock-ups, bravery to bravado and work pranks to pianos. Compiled by John Beattie and it is a side splitting ‘Kick the edited by Rick Jolly, both moving and read, Light the Fires’ Tyres, every hilariously funny with stories of the ordinary outstanding crashes, machinery breaking, day, by post gallantry and tea and medals. Available the Royal Navy Historic Flight, RNAS Yeovilton, from Price £10.99 plus Somerset BA22 8HT. Ilchester, £2.00 post and packaging. Please make cheques payable to ‘RN Historic Flight.’ Operation

IAN GARDINER Codenamed Operation Tungsten, and led by Lt Cdr Codenamed Operation Tungsten, RN, DSC Roy Baker-Falkner attack was organised the dive each of 20 Barracuda in two waves of 60 aircraft, Wildcatsbombers and 40 escort fighters, Corsairs, and carriers the fleet Hellcats launched an hour apart from HMS Victorious and HMS Furious and four escort carriers. The Tirpitz was subjected to two closely coordinated and fearlessly executed dive-bombing and 12 Naval Air from attacks with 200 Naval aircrew and giving their all in a tightly orchestrated Squadrons plan. For many of them it was their first synchronised of the attack experience of enemy action. As a result heavy losses and was rendered the Tirpitz suffered 65th Anniversary of 65th Anniversary Sixty five years ago, on 3 April 1944 the Fleet Air Arm launched one of the largest and most The target wasconcerted naval air strikes ever undertaken. Kaafjord, the German Tirpitz in in critically removing of the attack seriously disabled her, and the force Northern , the she posedsignificant threat to the crucial D-Day landings. co uk pen and sword www T. 0113 261 2853 E. [email protected] T. www.fleetairarmoa.org The Fleet Air Arm Officers Association Aviation The Fleet Air Arm Officers aims to encourage young people Scholarship Trust in between 16 and 19 to consider a career gliding aviation. The Association has awarded than 1000 students over training courses to more have gone on the last 20 years and many of them Royal Navy. to become pilots and observers in the of a accommodated in the Wardroom Students are cadets Royal Naval Air Station as potential officer instruction and attend an intensive 8 day gliding also get course leading to a solo flight. Students of the Fleet Air Arm experience in an aircraft and many get the opportunity to attend Squadron in a interested further advanced training. If you are at the gliding scholarship, details can be found and website below under the link to scholarships is a charity and receives grants. The Trust industry and sponsorship and donations from individuals. If you would like to help sponsor young men and women or simply make a donation, Scholarship Aviation please contact: The FAAOA 8 Oaklands Close, Adel, Leeds LS16 8NS Trust, The Royal Navy’s struggle with for air supremacy in the First World War in the First World struggle with Zeppelins for air supremacy The Royal Navy’s in which a fleet of airships in the Air’ his science fiction thriller ‘The War wrote In 1908, HG Wells with in 1914, many people in out When war broke Atlantic and devastated New York. the crossed would be laid waste by German story would come true and that London Britain believed that HG Wells’ airships. Zeppelins also meant that the Royal Navy could do nothing in the without being spotted. the British Government to form the Royal could match it – which spurred It was this ‘menace’ – no aircraft Flying Corps, and which led Winston and the Royal Navy to set about bombing these airships on the Churchill pioneered in 1914. Thus it was that the Royal Naval Air Service with IKEA style flatpack aeroplanes, ground strategic bombing which eventually led to the Blitz, and the massive air raids on Germany during the second the Dusseldorf, The Flatpack tells the story of the first bombing raids in history, War. World Friedrichshafen and Cuxhaven Raids, Royal Navy achievements that have been in the long grass of history for widely known. too long. These ripping yarns of early Naval aviation deserve to be more Aviation Scholarships Aviation 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:08 Page 8 Page 12:08 21/4/09 1 9498:Layout 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:09 Page 10

Fly Past Over Eastchurch Making Sure The Beginning of the Beginning

This year’s Centenary will get off to a flying start on 1 May 2009 with a the Past ceremony at the Pioneer Memorial at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey followed by a spectacular flypast of Harrier GR7 and GR9 jets, Hawks and Falcon aircraft and a historic Sea Vixen, paying tribute to the first home of has a British and Naval aviation. Future “Sheppey was the cradle of aviation in this country and the budding Naval The Royal Navy Historic Flight based at Royal Naval Air Station aviators found themselves immersed in Yeovilton in Somerset is a living memorial to all those who the wealth of pioneering aeronautical continue to serve or have served in the Fleet Air Arm. It is a thin technology and endeavour being built Eurocopter wishes the Fleet Air Arm slice of Naval aviation history, representing not only the aircraft up there. The memorial was dedicated many congratulations on the but also the people who flew, maintained and supported the 200 in recognition of the spirit of innovation Centenary of Naval Aviation The memorial at Eastchurch and adventure of the early pioneer different aircraft types that have shaped our Naval aviation and continued success as leaders in the field heritage over the past 100 years. commemorates the historic events airmen and that spirit lives on in the which took place on the Isle of Fleet Air Arm today.” Every time a historic Naval aircraft flies it is a salute to The Royal Navy Historic Flight is manned by ex service Chairman of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, Admiral Eurocopter UK limited Sheppey during the formative years of oxford airport the memory of those who valiantly gave their lives in personnel who no longer have to do battle in far off Terry Loughran said “Increasing our support base is a aviation in Great Britain between 1908 The names of the first four Naval kidlington the defence of their country. Today the Fleet Air Arm lands, but they do have to do battle with ageing key target for the Centenary year. There are nearly oxford OX5 1QZ and 1911. The Short Brothers aviators who trained at Eastchurch are tel: 01865 852400 is very much in the front line, particularly in machinery, lack of spares and the need to comply 6,000 serving members of the Fleet Air Arm and established the first factory in the world inscribed on the memorial together Afghanistan, getting the job done despite the with modern regulations and testing procedures that currently only 600 on the Supporters list. We must for the production of aircraft at with twelve Royal Naval Air Service privations and severe conditions. Maintaining the were not extant when the aircraft were in service. In remember that in addition to providing funds for the Shellbeach in 1909, moving production technical ratings. The first Naval aircraft aircraft and achieving good operational results has these days of stringent budget constraints and the Historic Flight, the Trust supports all the Heritage, to Eastchurch in 1910. The first four were also built at Eastchurch. never been more important. The men and women of need to ensure that defence expenditure provides including the Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Memorial Photograph by David Holman Royal Navy pilots learned to fly at the Fleet Air Arm today continue to employ our front line forces with the best possible Church and the Fleet Air Arm more widely.” Eastchurch in 1911 and in the same Guest of Honour at the event will be ingenuity, invention and innovation tempered with equipment we can afford, there is limited MOD year Eastchurch became the first Royal Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo KCB who common sense and good practice just as their funding left for heritage projects. Only the core A standing order of just £20 a year means a Naval Air Station. will take the salute with Rear Admiral predecessors did. manpower of the Royal Navy Historic Flight is paid significant amount to the Trust and will help Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff Aviation for by the Royal Navy. All repairs and running costs assure the future of YOUR Heritage. Maintain the “The historical importance of and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm as the The folklore of the past, such as stripping and are financed either by the Fly Navy Heritage Trust ideals of Service and Sacrifice embodied in Eastchurch in the early development of flypast passes overhead. The service will rebuilding the broken Pegasus engine of a Swordfish through private donations and sponsorship, or by our VC winners and the heroes of recent conflicts. Naval aviation is immense,” said be attended by current and former on a beach in 1940 prior to flying it across the close links from Industry. The present economic For further information and a supporters joining Commander Sue Eagles, serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, Mediterranean to North Africa, lives on with downturn only increases the challenge which is why form please contact the Fly Navy Heritage Trust Communications Director Fly Navy 100. veterans, guests and local residents. numerous present day parallels in motivation and the Trust needs your continued support. on 01935 842005 or email [email protected] dedication.

www.culdroseairday.co.uk Classic Fleet Air Arm Fighter The Royal Navy’s Operational Training Partner joins Centenary Celebrations

An historic Royal Navy 1950s fighter, the Sea Vixen, will be taking to the skies at all the major airshows this year to support the Centenary of Naval aviation. In a generous gesture by de Havilland Aviation, the aircraft painted in 899 Naval Air Squadron colours from HMS Eagle in 1971, has been loaned to the Royal Navy for the Centenary year.

The Sea Vixen FAW1 (fighter all- known in the Service as the ‘coal weather) entered service with the hole’ has given the Sea Vixen a Cobham Aviation Services is pleased to be a Fleet Air Arm in 1959 replacing the tremendous following amongst major sponsor of Fly Navy 100, helping to Sea Venom. The Fleet Air Arm had aircrew and enthusiasts alike. raise the profile of Naval aviation in this over 100 Sea Vixens and throughout important Centenary year. The Sea Vixen taking part in this Royal Naval Air Station the 60s and early 70s they were continuously on operations. The first year’s celebrations will be flown by a Cobham has a close working relationship with British aircraft to be solely armed current serving Royal Navy pilot, the Royal Navy and the company’s Falcon jets, with missiles, rockets and bombs, Sea Lieutenant Commander Matt Culdrose flown by ex Royal Navy pilots, will be Whitfield. Speaking after his first Vixens, flying off HMS Centaur in participating in the Fly Navy 100 displays at 1964 took part in the successful flight he said “It is extraordinary to Eastchurch, the Royal International Air Tattoo operation to restore stability in the think that without dual controls or and RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose Air East African state of Tanganyika. In modern day simulators, a young pilot Air Day Days. of only 20 or 21 years old would 1961 and 1964, Sea Vixens saw service in the Persian Gulf and later in receive ground instruction from his Wednesday 29th July Cobham plc was founded by aviation pioneer Sir the 1960s they played a crucial role senior pilot and then get in one of Alan Cobham who, in 1926, flew from England Open 0900 on Beira Patrol preventing oil these aircraft and fly it on and off to and back in a DH50 aircraft. Landing on the River Thames in reaching landlocked Rhodesia. In an aircraft carrier! The technology front of the Houses of Parliament before an audience of one million, he was For more information 1967 Sea Vixens also helped cover in the cockpit alone, must knighted for his pioneering efforts. Today Cobham provides aircraft for contact your local the withdrawal from Aden. have been pretty Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire Fighters warfare training for the Royal Navy, with regular ‘Thursday war’ exercises daunting.” Tourist Information Centre carried out against both UK and foreign fleets. RNAS Culdrose delivers highly capable Naval Air and Flight Deck Crews. The air base is also the home The aircraft’s distinctive design with a Squadrons specialising in Anti Submarine Warfare, of 771 Search and Rescue Squadron, on constant Pleased to support the Centenary of Naval Aviation twin-boom tail, which was extended Anti Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and alert 365 days a year to respond to emergencies www.cobham.com forward in the FAW2 version, and the Control. Frontline Squadrons from Culdrose deploy throughout the South West region. Observer housed within the fuselage, aircraft in support of operations all round the world. RNAS Culdrose also provides intensive training for

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Programme of Events 2009

Telegraphist Air Gunners Association Memorial Service and Lunch, HMS Collingwood Sunday 17 May 2009

Opening of ‘One Hundred Years of Naval Flying’ Exhibition and Veterans Reception, Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton Thursday 2 July 2009

Jungly Cocktail Party, Hazlegrove House, Sparkford, Somerset Saturday 4 July 2009

Royal Garden Party Buckingham Palace Thursday 9 July 2009

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day Saturday 11 July 2009

Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire Fly Navy 100 Centenary flypast Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 July 2009 Do You Know the Names of the RNAS Culdrose Air Day Three Naval Aviators in this Photograph? Wednesday 29 July 2009 Are You One of Them? Dedication of Channel Dash Memorial, Manston Saturday 29 August 2009 Penguin books are giving away Channel Dash Association dedication of a Swordfish Memorial in memory of ten signed copies of their recently the unsurpassed bravery of the Channel Dash Heroes. published paperback, Joint Force Navy Days 2009 – Devonport Naval Base Harrier by Commander Ade Saturday 5 September – Sunday 6 September 2009 Orchard for the first ten correct entries of the competition. Joint Force Harrier, a Dedication of Fleet Air Arm Memorial, National Aboretum, Staffordshire vivid insight into flying and fighting with Friday 11 September 2009 a frontline Harrier Squadron in Afghanistan, has been described as ‘one Centenary Service, Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, St Bartholomew’s of the finest books about air warfare ever Friday 9 October 2009 written’. This gripping first hand account The Britannia Centenary of Naval Aviation Dinner of the Royal Navy pilots of 800 Naval Air Friday 16 October 2009 Squadron supporting troops on the Fly Navy Heritage Trust dinner onboard the former HMY Britannia in Leith. ground with danger close, pin-point attacks pressed home from the air, Fly Past and Reception HMS Illustrious in provides an exhilarating and revealing Friday 23 October 2009 look at today’s fixed wing Fleet Air Arm. Joint Force Harrier is available price £6.99 Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, Royal Albert Hall from all good book shops. Answers to: [email protected] Saturday 7 November 2009

Royal Centenary Gala Dinner, Old Royal Naval College Greenwich Thursday 10 December 2009 Editor’s Note

Thank you for your numerous letters, emails and Published in association with photographs in response to our Centenary the Royal Navy, 100 Years of Newsletters. While every care is taken to provide Naval Aviation, by Christopher a comprehensive balance of news and Shores, is an eloquent and well information, past, present and future, inevitably in researched account of the the limited space available there have been some history of the early Royal Naval omissions for which I apologise. Many of you Air Service and Fleet Air Arm kindly wrote about the 65th Anniversary of through to the present day. It Operation Tungsten, which is included in this chronicles Naval aviators’ issue. Your dashes of biographical colour and stories of bravery and survival involvement in two World remind me daily of the sweep of history our Centenary embraces and the Wars and other conflicts ethos on which the Fleet Air Arm is founded. worldwide, and the crucial developments in the The principal aim of this Centenary year is to raise the profile of the technology of ships, aircraft Fleet Air Arm and highlight the achievements of Naval aviation and and weaponry that made your constructive and helpful suggestions serve as another timely victory possible. Price £35.00 reminder of the increasing need to capture our roll-call of from all good bookshops, the distinguished service, history and experience for the Fleet Air Arm Museum or benefit of future generations. direct from www.haynes.co.uk. Commander Sue Eagles QVRM, RD Royal Navy

Fly Navy 100, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8HT Tel: +44 (0)1935 456150 or 456530 Email: [email protected] royalnavy.mod.uk/flynavy100 1909 - 2009

Designed and Printed by Shelleys 01935 815364 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:09 Page 13

HMS Illustrious in London 6 - 11 May 2009

HMS Illustrious, the Nation’s current Strike Carrier will be paying a high profile visit to the city of London from 6 – 11 May 2009 as the centrepiece of the Royal Navy’s celebrations to mark the Centenary of Naval aviation.

The ship, which will be moored at Greenwich, will be taking part in a busy programme of events, the highlight of which will be a Centenary Flypast over the carrier at midday on 7 May 2009.

The Admiralty ordered its first aircraft, His Majesty’s Airship 1, on 7 May 1909 and the Centenary celebrations mark the introduction of Naval aviation, a radical new capability that was to have a far reaching influence on military strategy Fly Navy 100 is a fantastic and operations to this day. “opportunity for the Royal Navy to celebrate and promote the HMS Illustrious, which operates Harrier contribution that Naval aviation has jets and helicopters, will have aircraft from a number of different squadrons made and will continue to make to

embarked. The Duke of York KG, our nation’s security. It is an honour

Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air for HMS Illustrious to be in our Arm, will take the Royal Salute on the affiliated city“ of London to support flight deck as the flypast passes overhead. the occasion. He will also meet members of the ship’s The Centenary celebrations will include company and current and former serving a spectacular firework display to music Fleet Air Arm personnel. Captain Ben Key over HMS Illustrious on 7 May at 2200 Commanding Officer HMS Illustrious 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:10 Page 14 Centenary Fly Past in London

Centenary Service in St Paul’s A service of Thanksgiving will take place in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 8 May 2009 to celebrate the Centenary The Royal Navy will celebrate the Centenary of Naval aviation with a Flypast of Naval aviation and pay tribute to the courage, over HMS Illustrious at Greenwich on 7 May. The Balbo formation will be led commitment and professionalism of everyone who has by four Merlin helicopters, the Royal Navy’s newest state-of-the-art served with the Royal Naval Air Service or Fleet Air Arm helicopter followed by a line-up of current Fleet Air Arm fixed wing aircraft over the past 100 years. and helicopters including the fast, agile Lynx Maritime Attack helicopter, many variants of the venerable Sea King helicopter, Hawks and Jetstream Their Royal Highnesses The training aircraft. The aircraft will fly East to West over London, passing over Prince of Wales, the Duchess the ship at exactly midday. of Cornwall and the Commodore-in-Chief of the Commander Mark Deller, Commander (Air) HMS Illustrious, said “We always get a Fleet Air Arm, The Duke of fantastic welcome in London and we are particularly looking forward to visiting our York will be in attendance, affiliated City and to supporting such a significant anniversary in Naval aviation.” Royal Navy Static Display Park alongside dignitaries from the City of London, the Carrier aviation is an important part of that A static park of Royal Navy aircraft, including a The best place to view the Fly Past is from the Commander-in-Chief Fleet heritage and as the UK’s High Readiness Strike Sea Harrier, a Sea King, a Lynx and a Gazelle, Old Royal Naval College. The grounds are open Admiral Sir Carrier, HMS Illustrious is a crucial element of together with a Merlin Flight Simulator and a daily from 0800 to 1800 and can be entered and 2,000 current serving members of the Fleet Air Arm, together national security. “With most of our Squadrons Royal Navy hot air balloon will be on display in from Cutty Sark Gardens, College Approach, with veterans and families. currently deployed, the flypast is only a small the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. Royal Gate and Park Row. Car parking is very representation of our capability,” said Flying demonstrations will also take place on limited. To plan your journey visit the Transport The service will remember the 6,749 Royal Naval Air Service and Commander Deller. “We recently welcomed our Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, over the for London Journey Planner website stating you Fleet Air Arm personnel who have given their lives in 100 years of Harrier jets back onboard after being on operations in Afghanistan. They have been Thames in front of the Old Royal Naval College are travelling to the Old Royal Naval College Naval aviation. The perils of flying at sea are much greater than deployed almost continuously over the past 5 years. There can be no greater at 1400 to 1430. SE10 9LW. flying over land resulting historically in many more Naval air demonstration of the versatility and expeditionary nature of Naval aviation.” casualties from accidents than from combat. During the service the traditional Royal Navy bosun’s call will pipe the ‘still’ as the Books of Remembrance are laid on the altar in a poignant replica of a The Royal Navy at burial at sea. One of the readings during the service will be read by the Greenwich internationally acclaimed actress, Kristin Scott Thomas whose father, a Fleet Air Arm pilot died in a Sea Vixen in 1967. Her mother remarried but tragically was widowed a second time. The Royal Navy has been closely associated with Hind’ passing up river to Deptford, after his three year College provided advanced strategic, scientific and Kristin’s step father, another Fleet Air Arm pilot died in a Greenwich since Tudor times. The Old Royal Naval voyage of circumnavigation. technical training for thousands of Naval officers. Phantom accident in 1971. College, on the south bank of the River Thames After the service HRH The Prince of Wales will take the Royal at Greenwich is the centrepiece of Maritime The Greenwich Hospital was founded in 1694 as the The custom for all ships of war to fire a salute when salute as the Guard from HMS Illustrious, servicemen and veterans Greenwich, now a World Heritage Site managed Royal Naval Hospital for sailors. The pensioned sailors passing Greenwich was instituted in Henry VIII’s reign. march past the Cathedral. HMS Illustrious is affiliated to the by the Greenwich Foundation. wore blue uniforms similar to the red ones of the In 1588 the order to resist the Armada was made at City of London and members of the ship’s company Chelsea Pensioners. On 5 January 1806 Lord Nelson’s Greenwich. Sir Walter Raleigh was often at Greenwich will be supporting the service, lining the steps It was from the windows of Greenwich Palace that body was laid in state in the Painted Hall of the and it was at Greenwich that this famous explorer and of St Paul’s as guests arrive. Receptions Queen Elizabeth watched the famous explorer and Greenwich Hospital before being taken up the River sailor of Queen Elizabeth’s reign made his dramatic will be held after the service in The Admiral, Martin Frobisher, with two small ships, start Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral for a State funeral. gesture of spreading his cloak over a ‘splashy place’ for Guildhall, Merchant Taylors’ down the river for his voyage to discover the North the Queen to step on. Hall and Skinners’ Hall. West passage. It was also from Greenwich Palace that From 1873 to 1998 Wren’s magnificent buildings the Queen watched Drake’s famous ship the ‘Golden became the home of the Royal Navy. The Royal Naval www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College

The Royal Navy gratefully acknowledges DBR Building Restoration and Conservation for their assistance. Tel: 020 7277 7775 www.dbrlimited.com 1909 - 2009 ‘Making sure the past has a future’ 9498:Layout 1 21/4/09 12:10 Page 16

ROYAL NAVY PILOT: JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE OFFICE

The ‘office’ just happens to be the cockpit of the Sea King Mk 4. Like any office it’s got a view, except this is more like a penthouse suite.

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Successful Trials The new Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) F35 Joint Strike Fighter is another step closer following successful trials of the aircraft’s advanced flight control software which will enable pilots to land onboard ship in all weathers, day and night with ‘centimetric accuracy’.

The trials, carried out onboard HMS Illustrious using a veteran two seat Harrier airframe, the Vectored-thrust Aircraft Advanced Flight Control (VAAC) Harrier, put the new system to the test. The Harrier has been heavily modified with a conventional control arrangement in the front cockpit and the rear being connected instead into an experimental fly- by-wire system using left and right hand interceptors to manoeuvre the aircraft and simulate the way the new Joint Strike Fighter will fly and respond to different inputs. 66 running landings and recoveries were achieved in varying sea states up to and including sea state 6, with New outstanding results. Joint Strike Fighter The test aircraft, XW175 is the oldest flying two seat Harrier in the world. Commander Kieron O’Brien, the Air Engineering Officer, HMS Illustrious said “The VAAC Harrier provided an ideal facility to trial the Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing (SRVL) techniques that will be utilised The UK has historically been in the forefront of by the Joint Strike Fighter in the new carriers. It worked brilliantly. “ innovation in carrier technology. The development XW175 represents an incredible link between the past and the future of of Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing techniques

the Fleet Air Arm.” could well be next – enabling the Joint Strike

XW175 Harrier T2 (VAAC) Fighter to recover with a significantly greater fraction of weapons and fuel“ than achievable using a vertical recovery.

Rear Admiral Simon Charlier

1909 - 2009

Photography contributed by HMS ILLUSTRIOUS Photographic Section and other Royal Navy Units Designed and Printed by Shelleys 01935 815364