Then, of course, we had the Javelin Mk. 9R (with refuelling probes). No 64 disbanded just as I get there, being replaced by No. 74 with the Lightning ... No. 60 soldiered on for a bit longer, giving us TWO Air Defence sqns with vastly different capabilities.
At the end of their Service life, the Javelins exhibited 2 particular characteristics. The first was on start-up, when a blocked vent from the Avpin (?) starter system would result in a huge bang, and the 2 large slipper-tanks (240 gal?) crashing onto the dispersal. The second was the failure of the u/c down-lock, due to wear ... basically a large hook which held the main gear in place. This would result in a graceful fold of the offending mainwheel, leading to an inelgant excursion onto the grass after landing. We used to get one or the other almost (literally) every week, and was a specific brief for new Local Controllers who may never have hit the Crash Alarm in their previous careers!
No. 64’s aircraft, post-disbandment, were deposited in F Dispersal, in front of the Officers Mess. Occasionally No. 60 would send a tug across to collect a ‘better one’ to replace one of their victims!