The East Midlands airport is where the preservation work started and where both of these Phantom aircraft were moved
The start of two new preservation initiatives in the UK was announced with pleasure by the British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG).
Tiger 360
To start the preservation of F-4J (UK) ZE360, the organization partnered with the 74 Squadron Association (74SA). This aircraft is the only of its kind to still be in the possession of the MOD and was one of just 15 ex-US Navy F-4Js acquired to fill a gap in UK air defense requirements when the government decided to base a squadron of RAF Phantoms there after the 1982 conflict.
ZE360, an ex-74 Squadron aircraft, was retired to RAF Manston in February 1991 rather than being scrapped when the type was taken out of service. When the proposed repair was finished, it was the only complete F-4J (UK) on display in RAF colors anywhere in the world. There are only two remaining full examples of the F-4J (UK), with the second one being on display at Duxford in its former USMC markings.
The airplane, however, has deteriorated significantly over the years from being stored outside. Its function as a supplier of spare parts and its coastal location have both contributed to the deterioration of the airframe. The BPAG and the 74SA were therefore not under any delusion that this was a protracted, challenging, or expensive rehabilitation.
The goal was to restore the aircraft as close to its operational state as feasible, despite the fact that it will never fly or move independently again. A fundraising campaign was underway to cover the costs of the preservation effort.
Donations could be made via bank transfer to
Account Name – Tiger360 Sort Code –n30-96-26 Acct. Number – 53212368
Or via PayPal to phantomerchandise@outlook.com
XT597
The Phantom is one of many aircraft that used the distinctive and eye-catching color scheme of the A&AEE, often known as the “Raspberry Ripple,” throughout their test and development periods. XT597, one of three F-4K prototypes, had its first flight in November 1966. Before finally retiring to the museum at MOD Boscombe Down, it spent many years serving as the testing and evaluation aircraft for the UK’s Phantom fleet, completing the initial deck trials aboard the USS Coral Sea.
The airplane was put up for sale when this facility closed in 2012 and was kept at a private airfield while it waited for a buyer. The BPAG was pleased to announce that a buyer was found and that he was a senior member of the BPAG management team.
The new owner obviously asked the BPAG to manage the aircraft on his behalf, and since it was private property and not a group asset of the BPAG, the owner was responsible for paying all transportation and repair costs. The BPAG supplied the labor force and the facilities needed to complete the preservation work in exchange for the aircraft’s eventual display as a part of the BPAG collection.
Both of these aircraft were moved from their present positions to an airfield in the East Midlands, where preservation work started.
Photo by BPAG, Nigel Hodgson, and Julian Dixon