Looking at MOGWI's picture at #31 reminds me of an occasion in March 1981, when, west of Ireland heading south, my brave Wg Cdr Victor pilot took us to that position on one of the Bears.
The F4 crew that we were supporting told us " I would not go there if I were you"
Shortly after that they told us that the Sonobouy that the Bear had dropped had passed between the fuselage and the tailplane!!!!!
We moved back to echelon on the Bear.
I still remember the first time we got within 100ft of one, and how the noise and vibration we felt was a little concerning. I assume UK Health and Safety Noise Regulations do not apply to them.
When I had the chance to look around one at Fairford I was amazed to see the crew escape system. anybody else wish to describe it?
On a different tack, it was always a good wind up to ask any F4 crews who were wearing a "10 Bear badge" if they knew where we could get a "30 Bear badge" .