The ‘Y’ pylon was discussed in the early 70’s and initially considered 4 x Firestreak/Redtop. The idea was rejected due to the limited services in the weapons pack; subsequent proposals were for 4 x AIM 9 (‘Y’ pylon) with an option of 2 more under the wing (IWI and STCMPC inputs), but this was rejected by the ministry as uneconomic!
Also from STCPMC (a bit dated) a Sea Vixen photo-tank was mounted on a Lightning pylon to seek a solution for weapons firing photography (close formation); it was never flown.
For a massed take-off, I recall the AOC’s ‘display and fly past’ at Coltishall circa 1971/72 involved 26 aircraft (6x4 ship, plus aeros, plus spare); this might take some beating. Particularly as the weather closed in during the low level sector into the N Sea, and that first aircraft to return took the barrier (OC-F).
The day’s events resulted in some notable quotes:
“Red 4 lost contact, but I can see a singleton … … that’s the aeros guy, he only doing his flat show so follow him”.
“Have we passed the turn back point … thought so, just seen the Dutch Islands”
“Yellow 3, understand that you are using HEFOE code and are short of fuel ... we are diverting to Marham”
Me? Green 4, diverted to Wattisham; heard at Wattisham “are you some the 16 Buccaneers we are expecting, returning from off the coast at Coltishall … err no ???????