New home found for Phantom
Just received this . . .
An historic aircraft that faced the scrapheap after being stranded at RAF Fairford following its participation in the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2003, has finally been offered a new home.
Phantom XV408 originally served with 6, 19, 23, and 29 squadrons before retiring to RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire where it was put on display on the parade ground. The Royal Air Force brought the aircraft to the Air Tattoo from RAF Halton more than two years ago to take part in its critically-acclaimed 100 Years of Flight display. However, following its departure from RAF Halton, the Phantom’s position on the parade ground was taken by a more modern RAF Tornado.
Since that time, the Royal Air Force and the Ministry of Defence have been in discussion with a number of parties to secure a future for this fighter aircraft.
Now, much to the delight of aircraft enthusiasts, arrangements have been made for the RAF to gift Phantom XV408 to the RAF Museum at Hendon. It, in turn, has agreed to loan the aircraft to the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, situated on the site of a famous Battle of Britain airfield in West Sussex, where it will go on permanent display. RAFCTE Chief Executive Tim Prince said he was delighted that the aircraft had been saved.
“Having featured prominently in the 100 Years of Flight display it would have been a tragedy if this aircraft had then had to be scrapped. We are delighted not only that a home has been found but that it has been found at such an historic site.”
USAF Installation Commander 420th Air Base Group at RAF Fairford Col Paul Wuebold said: “The Phantom will be missed. It was nice to know that on any given day, there would be a jet on the airfield. I am quite pleased that this old warrior has found an appropriate and fitting new home."