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.
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.
According to the 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.
The airframe, now owned by GJD Services Ltd, has been the center 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 honored to participate with Phantom XV582 ‘Black Mike’ at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018. Our hardworking, dedicated team of volunteers has 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.”
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.
This time it’s been traveling at a slightly more sedate pace.
Photo by Crown Copyright