Harrier GR3 RAF SERVICE RECORD
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Harrier GR3 RAF SERVICE RECORD
Hi,
At 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC we have a Harrier GR3 XV752 as our gate guard. We are currentky having a concrete hardstanding constructed so we can display the aircraft properly. As part of this we want to put up some information boards about the Harrier and XV752's service History.
We have some information on the Squadron but it's mainly maintence records and by no means complete. Can any help me by advising where we can get the complete service history for XV752 from?
Many Thanks.
At 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC we have a Harrier GR3 XV752 as our gate guard. We are currentky having a concrete hardstanding constructed so we can display the aircraft properly. As part of this we want to put up some information boards about the Harrier and XV752's service History.
We have some information on the Squadron but it's mainly maintence records and by no means complete. Can any help me by advising where we can get the complete service history for XV752 from?
Many Thanks.
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Pinched from a recent thread in similar vein.
R
Her individual record card will be held by AHB or the National Archive, and it would detail all her moves, mods and changes of ownership.
Pinched from one of my posts, I think!
You could add that '752 (c/n 712015) seems to have been a particularly long-lived GR1/1A/3A, and that she seems to have served with most of the units.
XV752 first flew on 30/5/69 and was delivered on 27/8/69.
I expect that her record card will be crowded!
I know, for example that she was
'M' with 1417 Flight in September 80 (and as such was the subject of a Fujimi plastic kit)
'04' with 1 Squadron by Sept 82 (but was not one of the Falkland jets).
'AG' with 3 Squadron by November 1986.
'G' with 3 Squadron in July 87, and still in November 1988.
'S' with 4 Squadron by May 1990.
and finally (?) 'B' with 3 Squadron.
You could add that '752 (c/n 712015) seems to have been a particularly long-lived GR1/1A/3A, and that she seems to have served with most of the units.
XV752 first flew on 30/5/69 and was delivered on 27/8/69.
I expect that her record card will be crowded!
I know, for example that she was
'M' with 1417 Flight in September 80 (and as such was the subject of a Fujimi plastic kit)
'04' with 1 Squadron by Sept 82 (but was not one of the Falkland jets).
'AG' with 3 Squadron by November 1986.
'G' with 3 Squadron in July 87, and still in November 1988.
'S' with 4 Squadron by May 1990.
and finally (?) 'B' with 3 Squadron.
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Jackonicko.
Thanks for the post. That's great information and really useful.
I have contacted the AHB to see if I get a copy or access to the record card of XV752.
If anyone else has got info on the service record of this aircraft the information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the post. That's great information and really useful.
I have contacted the AHB to see if I get a copy or access to the record card of XV752.
If anyone else has got info on the service record of this aircraft the information will be greatly appreciated.
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'M' with 1417 Flight in September 80
I was on 1417 flt jan to aug 80. At that time we kept the letter allocation from the previous unit The blue 'M' is from 233 ocu.
I was also on 3 sqn up to March 1985 so may have worked on it then.
Found some more info,
Harrier GR.1 XV752 233 OCU '52', Wittering May 1971
harriers
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M / XV752 / B, Royal Air Force Cosford
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M, Royal Air Force
if you do get the unit history please post it here
I was on 1417 flt jan to aug 80. At that time we kept the letter allocation from the previous unit The blue 'M' is from 233 ocu.
I was also on 3 sqn up to March 1985 so may have worked on it then.
Found some more info,
Harrier GR.1 XV752 233 OCU '52', Wittering May 1971
harriers
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M / XV752 / B, Royal Air Force Cosford
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M, Royal Air Force
if you do get the unit history please post it here
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Just to add to my last post after a little research
The key point is that I don't think that your harrier was ever 3 sqn "B"
Useful site is the Gutersloh plane spotters guide.
http://www.sg-etuo.de/pdf
showing airframe used by 3 and 4 sqn. 1982 - 1992
This reinforces the info supplied by Jackonicko
1983 3 sqn
AG XV752 GR3 (ab Jan.) ab=arrive
where it remained until 1989
(Note the prefix A in AG denotes 3 sqn. 4 sqn did not require prefix as if it didn't have a A it must be 4 sqn.)
1989
G XV752 GR3 (bis 21.11.) bis=until
Left 3 to go to 4.
S XV752 GR3 (ab 21.11.)
You can see by the end of 1989 all Harrier GR3 have left 3sqn
A year later 752 leaves 4 sqn
S XV752 GR3 (bis 05.10.)
No sign of it ever returning to 3 Sqn.
Next evidence is a picture taken at Cosford 1995
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M, Royal Air Force
Shows xv752 as 3 sqn "B"
the same as it is still at Blechley
Gallery
But look closely the "B" is in the wrong position to high.
The squadron badge has a yellow border all around.
compare with other 3sqn aircraft yellow border top and bottom
Spotting Group Gütersloh - Der Flugplatz von 1937 bis heute | No3SquadronGR3
My theory is simply that xv752 was repainted while at Cosford and 3 sqn colours were applied as the easiest option. Which it is if you have the dragon stickers available.
The key point is that I don't think that your harrier was ever 3 sqn "B"
Useful site is the Gutersloh plane spotters guide.
http://www.sg-etuo.de/pdf
showing airframe used by 3 and 4 sqn. 1982 - 1992
This reinforces the info supplied by Jackonicko
1983 3 sqn
AG XV752 GR3 (ab Jan.) ab=arrive
where it remained until 1989
(Note the prefix A in AG denotes 3 sqn. 4 sqn did not require prefix as if it didn't have a A it must be 4 sqn.)
1989
G XV752 GR3 (bis 21.11.) bis=until
Left 3 to go to 4.
S XV752 GR3 (ab 21.11.)
You can see by the end of 1989 all Harrier GR3 have left 3sqn
A year later 752 leaves 4 sqn
S XV752 GR3 (bis 05.10.)
No sign of it ever returning to 3 Sqn.
Next evidence is a picture taken at Cosford 1995
BAE Systems Harrier GR3, 9075M, Royal Air Force
Shows xv752 as 3 sqn "B"
the same as it is still at Blechley
Gallery
But look closely the "B" is in the wrong position to high.
The squadron badge has a yellow border all around.
compare with other 3sqn aircraft yellow border top and bottom
Spotting Group Gütersloh - Der Flugplatz von 1937 bis heute | No3SquadronGR3
My theory is simply that xv752 was repainted while at Cosford and 3 sqn colours were applied as the easiest option. Which it is if you have the dragon stickers available.
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Farde17.
Many thanks for the input. This is great information and is really appreciated.
A friend of mine at the RAFM has copied the record cards fo XV752. As soon as I have received them and looked at the content I will post the aircraft's service record on here.
Many thanks for the input. This is great information and is really appreciated.
A friend of mine at the RAFM has copied the record cards fo XV752. As soon as I have received them and looked at the content I will post the aircraft's service record on here.
Last edited by Kilonovember52; 22nd Mar 2010 at 11:28.
Gentleman Aviator
And once you've found out for sure (from the record cards) exactly where it was when, then it may be helpful to get in touch with Sqns (if still going 
) to find out exactly what it did.
Sqns and/or Sqn Associations may also be able to help out with photos of "your" jet doing .... stuff.
) to find out exactly what it did. Sqns and/or Sqn Associations may also be able to help out with photos of "your" jet doing .... stuff.
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I have just received the record cards for XV752 through the post this morning.
Unfortunately the cards are only complete up until April 1986. So thanks to Jackonicko and Farde17 for filling in some of the gaps of the later service of this Harrier.
There are a few acronyms on the cards I don’t understand. Can anyone help decipher them?
They are
H.C.T (Is it possible this is Harrier conversion Team?)
A D A (appears to be related to damage i.e. in 1985 the aircraft suffered a bird strike as was listed ADA)
ROS (relates to a transfer to 71 MU). Incidentally was 71 MU based at Bicester?
Finally does anyone know when 4 Squadron finally retired their GR3’s?
Many Thanks.
Unfortunately the cards are only complete up until April 1986. So thanks to Jackonicko and Farde17 for filling in some of the gaps of the later service of this Harrier.
There are a few acronyms on the cards I don’t understand. Can anyone help decipher them?
They are
H.C.T (Is it possible this is Harrier conversion Team?)
A D A (appears to be related to damage i.e. in 1985 the aircraft suffered a bird strike as was listed ADA)
ROS (relates to a transfer to 71 MU). Incidentally was 71 MU based at Bicester?
Finally does anyone know when 4 Squadron finally retired their GR3’s?
Many Thanks.
HCT could be Harrier Conversion Team - especially if it's early - eg before 233 OCU stood up.
71 MU were at one time the crash and smash people, recovering aircraft rather than storing or maintaining them. They were at Bicester. The role passed (IIRC) to Abingdon.
71 MU were at one time the crash and smash people, recovering aircraft rather than storing or maintaining them. They were at Bicester. The role passed (IIRC) to Abingdon.
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Many thanks to all those who have had an input to this. Your help is really appreciated.
For those interested. Detailed below is the service history of Harrier XV752 as far as we can piece it together as the info after 1986 is a little sketchy. We are still awaiting info from 1 Sqn RAF and the IV (AC) Sqn association so this is still awork in progress.
SERVICE HISTORY HARRIER GR3 XV752
30/05/1969 First flight Harrier GR1 XV752 (c/n 712015)
27/08/1969 Delivery from Hawker Siddeley Aviation Dunsfold to R.A.F
Wittering.
28/08/1968 Harrier Conversion Team (HCT)
30/12/1969 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
13/05/1970 HCU / 233 OCU. Coded ‘52’
05/10/1972 Upgraded to GR1A.
08/11/1972 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
30/04/1974 Upgraded to GR3.
26/02/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc.
Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
07/03/1975 71 MU R.A.F Bicester "Salvage and Transportation flight"
31/03/1975 Transferred to No 2 School of Technical Training R.A.F
Cosford as a ground instructional airframe.
22/05/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc. Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
Sept 1975 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F.Wittering.
04/05/1977 ADA Cat 3S i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications.
07/07/1977 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
23/12/1977 ADA Cat 3FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance
or receiving modifications. Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base.
06/09/1978 1F Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
15/06/1979 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
17/06/1980 1417 Flight Belize on rotation. Aircraft coded ‘M’.
29/05/1981 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
30/06/1981 ADA Cat 3 i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance
or receiving modifications. Repaired on site (ROS) by
another unit or contractor.
08/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
28/09/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
29/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
19/11/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
04.03/1982 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
12/03/1982 1 (F)Squadron R.A.F Wittering. Aircraft Coded ‘04’
Attended Leuchars air show September 4, 1982. Coded ’04’
04/07/1983 3 Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
05/071983 IV (AC) Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
08/07/1983 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering.
17/08/1983 Transferred to R.A.F St Athan for a major service.
24/05/1984 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering
19/12/1982 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany.
17/12/1985 ADA Cat 3 Temporarily out of service for repair following a
bird strike.
03/04/1986 Returned to service after repair with 3 Squadron,
R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘AG’
July 1987 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘G’
Attended the Leeuwarden Netherlands air show July
10, 1987 Coded ‘G’.
1988 Attended the Aalborg Denmark air show November 3, 1988 Coded ‘G’
21/11/1989 IV (AC) Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’
Dec 1990 Retired from operational service with IV (AC)
Squadron,R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’.
1990 Transferred to SoTT R.A.F Cosford as a ground instructional
airframe 9078M.
1995 On display in the Static park at the R.A.F Cosford air show.
Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B’
2002 Displayed on the deck next to the ski ramp of H.M.S
Invincible as part of the events to mark the 20th anniversary of
the Falklands conflict. Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded
‘B’
2005 Attended the RIAT R.A.F Fairford UK - England, July 16 & 17, 2005.
The Harrier was displayed in the static park on a low loader to
demonstrate the work of RAF recovery teams.
Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B’
18/07/2005 Delivered to 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC for
ground instructional and gate guard duties.
Aircraft in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B.
Ground instructional airframe 9078M.
For those interested. Detailed below is the service history of Harrier XV752 as far as we can piece it together as the info after 1986 is a little sketchy. We are still awaiting info from 1 Sqn RAF and the IV (AC) Sqn association so this is still awork in progress.
SERVICE HISTORY HARRIER GR3 XV752
30/05/1969 First flight Harrier GR1 XV752 (c/n 712015)
27/08/1969 Delivery from Hawker Siddeley Aviation Dunsfold to R.A.F
Wittering.
28/08/1968 Harrier Conversion Team (HCT)
30/12/1969 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
13/05/1970 HCU / 233 OCU. Coded ‘52’
05/10/1972 Upgraded to GR1A.
08/11/1972 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
30/04/1974 Upgraded to GR3.
26/02/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc.
Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
07/03/1975 71 MU R.A.F Bicester "Salvage and Transportation flight"
31/03/1975 Transferred to No 2 School of Technical Training R.A.F
Cosford as a ground instructional airframe.
22/05/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc. Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
Sept 1975 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F.Wittering.
04/05/1977 ADA Cat 3S i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications.
07/07/1977 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
23/12/1977 ADA Cat 3FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance
or receiving modifications. Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base.
06/09/1978 1F Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
15/06/1979 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
17/06/1980 1417 Flight Belize on rotation. Aircraft coded ‘M’.
29/05/1981 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
30/06/1981 ADA Cat 3 i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance
or receiving modifications. Repaired on site (ROS) by
another unit or contractor.
08/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
28/09/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
29/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
19/11/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
04.03/1982 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
12/03/1982 1 (F)Squadron R.A.F Wittering. Aircraft Coded ‘04’
Attended Leuchars air show September 4, 1982. Coded ’04’
04/07/1983 3 Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
05/071983 IV (AC) Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
08/07/1983 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering.
17/08/1983 Transferred to R.A.F St Athan for a major service.
24/05/1984 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering
19/12/1982 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany.
17/12/1985 ADA Cat 3 Temporarily out of service for repair following a
bird strike.
03/04/1986 Returned to service after repair with 3 Squadron,
R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘AG’
July 1987 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘G’
Attended the Leeuwarden Netherlands air show July
10, 1987 Coded ‘G’.
1988 Attended the Aalborg Denmark air show November 3, 1988 Coded ‘G’
21/11/1989 IV (AC) Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’
Dec 1990 Retired from operational service with IV (AC)
Squadron,R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’.
1990 Transferred to SoTT R.A.F Cosford as a ground instructional
airframe 9078M.
1995 On display in the Static park at the R.A.F Cosford air show.
Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B’
2002 Displayed on the deck next to the ski ramp of H.M.S
Invincible as part of the events to mark the 20th anniversary of
the Falklands conflict. Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded
‘B’
2005 Attended the RIAT R.A.F Fairford UK - England, July 16 & 17, 2005.
The Harrier was displayed in the static park on a low loader to
demonstrate the work of RAF recovery teams.
Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B’
18/07/2005 Delivered to 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC for
ground instructional and gate guard duties.
Aircraft in 3 Squadron colours coded ‘B.
Ground instructional airframe 9078M.
Last edited by Kilonovember52; 24th Mar 2010 at 23:30.
This may be a little too much detail for you, and pose yet more questions.
My log book shows that I first flew XV752 on September 16th 1975 on 1 (F) Squadron, doing night flying. My last record of flying it was on 23rd January 1990 from Gütersloh, on an affiliation sortie against some Pumas. There are many sorties on various units in between. For the last flight, I'm not sure whose books it was on at the time. I seem to have flown 3 (F) Squadron's last GR3 sortie on 29th November 1989, IV (AC) Squadron's last GR3 on 24th January 1991, followed by their last T4 flight on the 29th. The 3 Sqn flight was memorable, leading 8 GR5s against a T4 on a 9v1 SAP followed by a flypast in the GR3, XZ991, as the GR5s hovered along the runway, thus completing my 3000th Harrier hour. The IV Sqn last GR3 was rather more prosaic. ZD669 had ended what should have been its last flight diverting to Leeming after a birdstrike. Following its repair, I collected it and took it to Wittering. The T4 was on airtest before it was handed over to the Station Flight.
I'll see if I have any more detail to fill gaps between 75 and 90.
Look after the old jet, won't you?
My log book shows that I first flew XV752 on September 16th 1975 on 1 (F) Squadron, doing night flying. My last record of flying it was on 23rd January 1990 from Gütersloh, on an affiliation sortie against some Pumas. There are many sorties on various units in between. For the last flight, I'm not sure whose books it was on at the time. I seem to have flown 3 (F) Squadron's last GR3 sortie on 29th November 1989, IV (AC) Squadron's last GR3 on 24th January 1991, followed by their last T4 flight on the 29th. The 3 Sqn flight was memorable, leading 8 GR5s against a T4 on a 9v1 SAP followed by a flypast in the GR3, XZ991, as the GR5s hovered along the runway, thus completing my 3000th Harrier hour. The IV Sqn last GR3 was rather more prosaic. ZD669 had ended what should have been its last flight diverting to Leeming after a birdstrike. Following its repair, I collected it and took it to Wittering. The T4 was on airtest before it was handed over to the Station Flight.
I'll see if I have any more detail to fill gaps between 75 and 90.
Look after the old jet, won't you?
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Noprobs. Thanks for the info that's great. 
The info you have given does pose some questions about the accurancy of some of the data on the record card, but that's ok. We would rather get this as accurate as possible. If you have any more info please do let me know.
We are trying to look after XV752 and we have an ongoing Sqn project to refurbish XV752 and put her on a more permanent display at Bletchley Park. She has already had a new set of hard filled tyres fitted. We are in the process of having a permanent concrete pad constructed outside the Sqn HQ which she will go onto.
This will be surrounded by barrier fencing to keep public access retricted.
Hopefully, we will get to spruce her up this summer with a new paint job.
Once this has been done the aircraft will be used as a training / teaching aid for the cadets as they progress through their classification training.
The info you have given does pose some questions about the accurancy of some of the data on the record card, but that's ok. We would rather get this as accurate as possible. If you have any more info please do let me know.
We are trying to look after XV752 and we have an ongoing Sqn project to refurbish XV752 and put her on a more permanent display at Bletchley Park. She has already had a new set of hard filled tyres fitted. We are in the process of having a permanent concrete pad constructed outside the Sqn HQ which she will go onto.
This will be surrounded by barrier fencing to keep public access retricted.
Hopefully, we will get to spruce her up this summer with a new paint job.
Once this has been done the aircraft will be used as a training / teaching aid for the cadets as they progress through their classification training.
Last edited by Kilonovember52; 24th Mar 2010 at 23:24.
XV752
Hello KN52
I first flew XV752 on 1(F) 10 Oct 74 and many times more up to 2 Mar 77. It travelled widely being in Deci in Dec 75, Norway Mar 75, deployed to Belize via Goose and Bermuda on the 6 Nov 75 - flown by Bob Holliday. It stayed in Belize into 76 but was back in UK by the 13 May 76. Whilst your cards say it was out of service from the end of Feb 75 to Sep 75, that would appear incorrect, as I flew the aircraft in March, May, June, July and August that year.
Good luck with all your efforts to preserve her.
I first flew XV752 on 1(F) 10 Oct 74 and many times more up to 2 Mar 77. It travelled widely being in Deci in Dec 75, Norway Mar 75, deployed to Belize via Goose and Bermuda on the 6 Nov 75 - flown by Bob Holliday. It stayed in Belize into 76 but was back in UK by the 13 May 76. Whilst your cards say it was out of service from the end of Feb 75 to Sep 75, that would appear incorrect, as I flew the aircraft in March, May, June, July and August that year.
Good luck with all your efforts to preserve her.
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bonajet.
Many thanks for your great info. I will update the aircraft history accordingly.
I have a few of questions for you.
As she deployed to Belize in Nov 75 how /why did she get to Deci in Dec 75?
When XV752 returned to the UK 13 May 76. Where did she return to and what Sqn was she allocated to?
The flights you undertook in XV752 in March, May, June, July and August 1975 whicy Sqn / Flt was that with?
Many thanks for your great info. I will update the aircraft history accordingly.
I have a few of questions for you.
As she deployed to Belize in Nov 75 how /why did she get to Deci in Dec 75?
When XV752 returned to the UK 13 May 76. Where did she return to and what Sqn was she allocated to?
The flights you undertook in XV752 in March, May, June, July and August 1975 whicy Sqn / Flt was that with?
I flew 752 in Sardinia (Decimomannu APC), and also UK, in October 75. I was then in Belize in November of that year, but didn't fly 752 there until 5th January 76. That time, we all came back to UK after 6 months, before returning to Belize in July 77, when I flew 778 on the transit. I flew 752 again on 1 Sqn back in UK on 25th May 76, then in Norway (Ørland) in September. I often flew it through 75-78, all with 1 Sqn. On 2nd March 1977, it suffered a birdstrike, so I landed after 15 minutes. I don't recall the damage, but it seems that I may have caused that period of non-flying. Sorry! I didn't fly it again until 2nd November, when I managed 3 hours (with AAR).
Based in Germany for the next few years, I didn't fly 752 again until March 82, when I had joined 233 OCU. That was a 1-off flight, perhaps confirming its move to 1(F). It next appears in my log book in June 86, when I was on 3(F) Sqn in Germany. I then flew it often in Germany, and in January 87 in Sardinia, this time on the ACMI (the last sortie a 6 v 2xF15). That leads us on to my last flight in it, as previously recounted above.
Based in Germany for the next few years, I didn't fly 752 again until March 82, when I had joined 233 OCU. That was a 1-off flight, perhaps confirming its move to 1(F). It next appears in my log book in June 86, when I was on 3(F) Sqn in Germany. I then flew it often in Germany, and in January 87 in Sardinia, this time on the ACMI (the last sortie a 6 v 2xF15). That leads us on to my last flight in it, as previously recounted above.
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Once again many thanks to all those who have had an input to this. Your help is really appreciated. After further research detailed below is the revised service history of Harrier XV752 as far as we can piece it together.
In doing this we have come across a mystery as to why XV752 is in it's current 3 Sqn colour scheme.
When 752 left R.A.F sqn service she was in the colours of IV (AC) Sqn. We have pictures of 752 in her last days with IV (AC) Sqn in 1990 and at the SoTT Cosford in August 1991 in the colours of IV (AC) Sqn. However, move on to the 1995 an there is another picture of 752 at the Cosford airshow and 752 is in a 3 Sqn livery coded 'B' with the pilots name Wg Cdr Profit on the starboard side of the canopy.
The mystery is this. When with 3 Sqn 752 was coded 'AG' and 'G'. There is no evidence of her ever being coded 'B'. Also, although Wg Cdr G R Profit AFC OBE was CO of 3 sqn between Oct 1977 and Mar 1981 there is no evidence of 752 being on strength with 3 Sqn during this time.
Therefore, was there and special celebration or events for 3 Sqn between 1991 and 1995 that would have result in 752 being put into her current paint scheme?
Is there any special significance to this paint scheme.
Any information anyone can give us would be really appreciated.
SERVICE HISTORY XV752
30/05/1969 First flight Harrier GR1 XV752 (c/n 712015) flown by
Duncan Simpson.
27/08/1969 Delivery from Hawker Siddeley Aviation Dunsfold to R.A.F Wittering.
28/08/1968 Harrier Conversion Team (HCT)
30/12/1969 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
13/05/1970 HCU / 233 OCU. Coded ‘52’
05/10/1972 Upgraded to GR1A.
08/11/1972 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
30/04/1974 Upgraded to GR3.
26/02/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc.
Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can bearranged for repair at its normal base
07/03/1975 71 MU R.A.F Bicester "Salvage and Transportation flight"
22/05/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc. Post- categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
Sept 1975 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F.Wittering.
1 (F) Sqn night flying.16th Sept 1975
Decimomannu Armament Practice Camp Sardinia Oct 1975.
Deployed to Belize via Goose bay and Bermuda flown by Bob Holliday 6th Nov 1975
13/05/1976 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
Deployed Norway (Ørland), Sept 1976
Suffered a bird strike, so I landed after 15 minutes,
2nd March 1977.
04/05/1977 ADA Cat 3S i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications.
07/07/1977 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
3 hours sortie including AAR. 2nd Nov 1977
23/12/1977 ADA Cat 3 FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance or receiving modifications. Post- categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base.
06/09/1978 1F Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
15/06/1979 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
17/06/1980 1417 Flight Belize on rotation. Aircraft coded ‘M’.
Aircraft code blue "M" is from OCU. 1417 flt kept the original units code letter at this time.
29/05/1981 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
30/06/1981 ADA Cat 3 i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance or receiving modifications. Repaired on site (ROS) by another unit or contractor.
AC ex 1417 Flt tended to suffer cat 3 damage that would be detected on their return. E.g. Tail structure damage due to engine runs without a proper tie down pan. Fuel leaks due to the effect of heat and humidity on the fuel tanks.
08/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
28/09/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
29/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
19/11/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
04.03/1982 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
12/03/1982 1 (F)Squadron R.A.F Wittering. Aircraft Coded ‘04’
Attended Leuchars air show September 4, 1982. Coded ’04’
04/07/1983 3 Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
05/07/1983 IV (AC) Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
08/07/1983 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering.
17/08/1983 Transferred to R.A.F St Athan for a major service.
24/05/1984 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering
19/12/1984 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany.
17/12/1985 ADA Cat 3 Temporarily out of service for repair following a bird strike.
03/04/1986 Returned to service after repair with 3 Squadron,
R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘AG’
Deployed Sardinia for ACMI training, January 1987.
Last sortie was a 6 vs x2 F15.
July 1987 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘G’
Attended the Leeuwarden Netherlands air show July 10, 1987 Coded ‘G’.
1988 Attended the Aalborg Denmark air show November 3, 1988 Coded ‘G’
21/11/1989 IV (AC) Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’
Affiliation sortie from Gütersloh against some Pumas 23rd January 1990
October 1990 Retired from operational service with IV (AC) Squadron,R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’.
1990 Transferred to SoTT R.A.F Cosford as a ground instructional airframe 9078M.
1995 On display in the Static park at the R.A.F Cosford
air show. Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colors
coded ‘B’
2002 Displayed on the deck next to the ski ramp of H.M.S
Invincible as part of the events to mark the 20th
anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Aircraft
painted in 3 Squadron colors coded ‘B’
2005 Attended RIAT, R.A.F Fairford UK - England, July
16 & 17, 2005. The Harrier was displayed in the
static park on a lowloader to demonstrate the work
of RAF recovery teams. Aircraft painted in 3
Squadron colors coded ‘B’
18/07/2005 Delivered to 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC for
ground instructional and gate guard duties.
Aircraft in 3 Squadron colors coded ‘B.
Ground instructional airframe 9078M.
In doing this we have come across a mystery as to why XV752 is in it's current 3 Sqn colour scheme.
When 752 left R.A.F sqn service she was in the colours of IV (AC) Sqn. We have pictures of 752 in her last days with IV (AC) Sqn in 1990 and at the SoTT Cosford in August 1991 in the colours of IV (AC) Sqn. However, move on to the 1995 an there is another picture of 752 at the Cosford airshow and 752 is in a 3 Sqn livery coded 'B' with the pilots name Wg Cdr Profit on the starboard side of the canopy.
The mystery is this. When with 3 Sqn 752 was coded 'AG' and 'G'. There is no evidence of her ever being coded 'B'. Also, although Wg Cdr G R Profit AFC OBE was CO of 3 sqn between Oct 1977 and Mar 1981 there is no evidence of 752 being on strength with 3 Sqn during this time.
Therefore, was there and special celebration or events for 3 Sqn between 1991 and 1995 that would have result in 752 being put into her current paint scheme?
Is there any special significance to this paint scheme.
Any information anyone can give us would be really appreciated.
SERVICE HISTORY XV752
30/05/1969 First flight Harrier GR1 XV752 (c/n 712015) flown by
Duncan Simpson.
27/08/1969 Delivery from Hawker Siddeley Aviation Dunsfold to R.A.F Wittering.
28/08/1968 Harrier Conversion Team (HCT)
30/12/1969 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
13/05/1970 HCU / 233 OCU. Coded ‘52’
05/10/1972 Upgraded to GR1A.
08/11/1972 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
30/04/1974 Upgraded to GR3.
26/02/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc.
Post-categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can bearranged for repair at its normal base
07/03/1975 71 MU R.A.F Bicester "Salvage and Transportation flight"
22/05/1975 ADA Cat 3R FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications etc. Post- categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base
Sept 1975 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F.Wittering.
1 (F) Sqn night flying.16th Sept 1975
Decimomannu Armament Practice Camp Sardinia Oct 1975.
Deployed to Belize via Goose bay and Bermuda flown by Bob Holliday 6th Nov 1975
13/05/1976 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
Deployed Norway (Ørland), Sept 1976
Suffered a bird strike, so I landed after 15 minutes,
2nd March 1977.
04/05/1977 ADA Cat 3S i.e. Temporarily out of service, on
maintenance or receiving modifications.
07/07/1977 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
3 hours sortie including AAR. 2nd Nov 1977
23/12/1977 ADA Cat 3 FLY i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance or receiving modifications. Post- categorization, the aircraft may be flown (or may have temporary repairs effected so that it can be flown), if necessary under special conditions, either to another site for repair or until a suitable date can be arranged for repair at its normal base.
06/09/1978 1F Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
15/06/1979 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
17/06/1980 1417 Flight Belize on rotation. Aircraft coded ‘M’.
Aircraft code blue "M" is from OCU. 1417 flt kept the original units code letter at this time.
29/05/1981 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
30/06/1981 ADA Cat 3 i.e. Temporarily out of service, on maintenance or receiving modifications. Repaired on site (ROS) by another unit or contractor.
AC ex 1417 Flt tended to suffer cat 3 damage that would be detected on their return. E.g. Tail structure damage due to engine runs without a proper tie down pan. Fuel leaks due to the effect of heat and humidity on the fuel tanks.
08/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
28/09/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
29/09/1981 233 OCU R.A.F. Wittering
19/11/1981 1 (F) Squadron R.A.F Wittering.
04.03/1982 233 OCU R.A.F Wittering.
12/03/1982 1 (F)Squadron R.A.F Wittering. Aircraft Coded ‘04’
Attended Leuchars air show September 4, 1982. Coded ’04’
04/07/1983 3 Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
05/07/1983 IV (AC) Squadron R.A.F Gutersloh, West Germany.
08/07/1983 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering.
17/08/1983 Transferred to R.A.F St Athan for a major service.
24/05/1984 1 (F) Squadron, R.A.F Wittering
19/12/1984 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany.
17/12/1985 ADA Cat 3 Temporarily out of service for repair following a bird strike.
03/04/1986 Returned to service after repair with 3 Squadron,
R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘AG’
Deployed Sardinia for ACMI training, January 1987.
Last sortie was a 6 vs x2 F15.
July 1987 3 Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘G’
Attended the Leeuwarden Netherlands air show July 10, 1987 Coded ‘G’.
1988 Attended the Aalborg Denmark air show November 3, 1988 Coded ‘G’
21/11/1989 IV (AC) Squadron, R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’
Affiliation sortie from Gütersloh against some Pumas 23rd January 1990
October 1990 Retired from operational service with IV (AC) Squadron,R.A.F.Gutersloh West Germany. Coded ‘S’.
1990 Transferred to SoTT R.A.F Cosford as a ground instructional airframe 9078M.
1995 On display in the Static park at the R.A.F Cosford
air show. Aircraft painted in 3 Squadron colors
coded ‘B’
2002 Displayed on the deck next to the ski ramp of H.M.S
Invincible as part of the events to mark the 20th
anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Aircraft
painted in 3 Squadron colors coded ‘B’
2005 Attended RIAT, R.A.F Fairford UK - England, July
16 & 17, 2005. The Harrier was displayed in the
static park on a lowloader to demonstrate the work
of RAF recovery teams. Aircraft painted in 3
Squadron colors coded ‘B’
18/07/2005 Delivered to 2366 (Bletchley Park) Squadron ATC for
ground instructional and gate guard duties.
Aircraft in 3 Squadron colors coded ‘B.
Ground instructional airframe 9078M.
Last edited by Kilonovember52; 27th Mar 2010 at 12:39.
XV752
I'm sorry KN52 but it was a mistake - the Deci flight was 13 Jan 75. All my flying in XV752 was on 1(F) Sqn from Oct 74 to Mar 77. The time the aircraft was in Belize 75/6, it was a 1(F) Sqn detachment; not a Flight number as in later years. I am not sure when 752 returned to the UK from Belize, all I can see from my logbook is that I flew it on the 2nd Feb 76 in Belize and next in UK, on 1(F), on the 13th May 76. My list of 3(F) Sqn aircraft from Mar 77 to May 80 doesn't include 752, so its 3(F) days were after May 80.
I do have a tiny speck of 752 in a scenery shot with a Victor on the letdown into Bermuda 75 - it's not good but if you haven't got any other airborne shots....PM me if you want a scan.
noprobs...BM?
I do have a tiny speck of 752 in a scenery shot with a Victor on the letdown into Bermuda 75 - it's not good but if you haven't got any other airborne shots....PM me if you want a scan.
noprobs...BM?
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Hi,
I'm a tour guide at Bletchley and have to say that the Harrier gets more interest than the rest of the tour, if only because it doesn't fit in, although kids love it.
I'm a tour guide at Bletchley and have to say that the Harrier gets more interest than the rest of the tour, if only because it doesn't fit in, although kids love it.
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Once we get it repositioned on it's nice new concrete pad and have the appropriate access steps in place I think the plan will be to occassionally open it up so that visitors to BP can sit in the cockpit.