Originally Posted by
BEagle
The original JP5s were mostly converted to JP5A in around 1974-5. A few JP5s were allocated to Finningley for navigator training; these were fitted with tip tanks, the moustache strakes were removed as was the roughened material on the wing leading edges. These were the only JP5s left in service and were never officially designated JP5B.
Spotters persisted in referring to them as JP5B, just as they referred to the F-4J(UK) as the 'Phantom F3' - but neither were officially used.
That makes sense, they remained JP5s!
Just to add to the fun, there were 5 replacement JP5A aircraft delivered in the late 80s which had the strakes removed and the tip tanks fitted!
Always thought the T5 with tip tanks looked more 'warlike' even in red and white!