Jet Provost photos & "The Blades"
 

Hello,

I am currently working on a new Jet Provost project, and am on the look-out for any related material that may help.
Can I enquire whether any posters on this board have any photographs of Jet Provosts that they could possibly send me?
Full credit and acknowledgement will be given of course.

Also on a related note - does anyone remember the Jet Provost team "The Blades" from 1FTS, Linton-on-Ouse?
If anyone has photos of this team or its individual aircraft I would very much like to hear from you!

Thanks in advance and for your time,

Mark Russell
e-mail: [email protected]

Am I right in thinking that the JP was operated by more RAF formation aerobatic teams/duos than any other type? Off the top of my head I can recall a dozen or so JP teams.

Dunno about a dozen teams, but the official ones were "The Sparrows" formed in 1957. "The Redskins" took over in 1958 and "The Pelicans" were formed in 1959. There were, however, other duo's and such flying the JP.

"The Pelicans" carried on through to 1973. During which time they spent 1964 displaying with "The Yellowjacks" in their Gnats, and became the RAF's official team. "The Red Arrows" were in fact lurking in the background until they took over the mantle of the official team in 1974(ish).

I think the (Red?) Pelicans were going as a four-ship until at least the mid-70s as I can recall seeing them at Greenham Common - must have been '76. I've also heard of the Macaws who flew JPs I think...

The Poachers were a JP team from Cranwell in the mid-70s

http://www.sidneyfenemore.com/Phisdi...gesA/AH204.gif

http://www.classicjetairshow.co.uk/jetprovost.html

Wub, you're right, it was the Poachers I saw at Greenham, not the Pelicans...

There was also a two-ship which IIRC started out called "The Gemini Pair" which was later shortened to just "Gemini"?. Can't remember where they were based.
Think Saudis had a Strikemaster team also.

Thanks for the replies guys.
At the moment I have the following as JP teams, if there are any that I haven't listed, please fill in the gaps :)

Central Flying School (CFS)
The Sparrows
The Pelicans and later Red Pelicans

No.1 Flying Training School (1FTS)
Gin Four
Linton Gin
The Blades

2FTS
The Vipers

3FTS
Gemini Pair
The Swords

RAF College, Cranwell
Cranwell Poachers, later renamed "The Poachers"

College of Air Warfare (CAW), Manby
The Magistrates
The Macaws


Thanks for all your help so far :)

You have forgotton "The Redskins" in 1958.

If you want to see & photo JPs, why not come up to North Weald? The next Fly-in is 21st/22nd June (I think, pm me for a phone no. to check) and I would think that most of the resident ones will be on show.

I was lucky enough to be offered a flight in a JP 5 from 1 FTS in its last month of service with the RAF. I was given the choice of JP or Tucano and plumped for the jet. Sadly, FRADU, my camera was deemed too bulky to go with me so I didn't manage to get any pics. Shame.

Hey K, does that mean you will be late for the bash? :eek:

No PP-P, I'll be at the Bash! My a/c is based at North Weald anyway, so it would be a drive-in for me anyway.