Firestreak/Red Top
Yes, there were quite a number of 'Live' firings using QRA Aircraft as things began to wind down. Scramble from the shed over to Aberporth range and let 2 Missiles away.
Unfortunately, it became a touch embarrassing when most of the missiles failed to guide and detonate anywhere near the target flares.
I fired 2 well within parameters, both missed by a mile and the same aircraft was rearmed and put back on QRA after recovery.
Almost without doubt it was the aircraft weapons system at fault but the equipment to fully test the system had not been used for quite a time and my suggestion that some investigatory checks should be made was met with looks of horror.
A few years earlier, such an event involving a Lightning QRA aircraft would have generated a Board of Inquiry, probably with a Wg Cdr as President!
lm