'Black Mike' XV582 update...
 

Black Mike is now disassembled and ready for it's move south to Cosford, where it will be reassembled for inclusion in the RAF's centenary celebrations next year, after that it will be disassembled again before moving to it's new permanent home, which is still undergoing final negotiations, where it will then undergo a full and complete restoration over time and funds permitting.
Details and updates can be found on the following facebook groups, there is also a twitter feed for those who so inclined and a new website is also being set up...

http://www.facebook.com/groups/bf4pag/

http://www.facebook.com/groups/345309428932536/

-RP

Links are no good for those without a Facebook account.(Like me)
So what type is '582; what is its history?

What happened to the gate guardian NHS at Leuchars, the one that held the record for flying the length of the country?

XV582 is an F4 Phantom

I don't do facebook either. So can't view the update.

it would be helpful if you posted the info here in plain english perhaps!

Or you could Google it - lots of info available

Of the 3 Phantoms that were at Leuchars

The one in the 43 Sqn HAS Site is now at Yeovilton back in RN colours. The other two were put up for tender.

Of these, the ex gate guardian is now being returned to RN colours over with the Ulster Aviation Society

That leaves Black Mike XV582 which did the record flight when on 43 which is due to go by road today.

Ulsters Phantom move detailed here

http://www.pprune.org/military-aviat...-movement.html

Repaint photo

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Location...n_Ireland.html

Yeoviltons at the Airday ( Photo from https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk )

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media...2CFCA0A3A8EEFA



https://forum.keypublishing.com/show...r-Future/page3



..

Beautiful Bird, thanks for the picture. :ok: Does a heart good.

New website 'coming soon', there is an email address if you wish to contact BPAG for more info...
The British F4 Phantom Aviation Group
Latest pictures on the facebook groups show the fuselage and outer wing panel/s on one low loader, the Speys mounted in modified RR Conway transport frames loaded on a curtain sided trailer and the main wings being prep'd for loading onto another low loader...

-RP

Anyone still wondering what Black Mike looks like, well here it is...
(image credit & copyright - Ian Black)

http://www.globalaviationresource.co...ck-mike/BM.jpg

-RP

Rhino P, which one of the pair is Black Mike?

Oh,...... ��

Actually seen her several times in the Leuchars' 'VASS' hangar many years ago.

You know you could have got Spey stands here, though probably Grimrods ones

http://jetenginetrader.co.uk/product...engine-frames/

Indeed, but I believe the Conway stands may well have been provided by GJD Services, i.e. no cost, they're providing the transport for the move too, which should take place tomorrow (wednesday), latest images show pretty much everything loaded up ready for the journey south...

-RP

Friend of mine has been instrumental in the modification of the equipment and the design of other items involved to dismantle and transport Black Mike. He has done a fantastic job to do so. After Cosford have finished with Black Mike, I am sure the owner will decide where he wishes his air frame to go and that will have priority over what anybody else thinks.

Not sure why you felt the need to add that slightly barbed comment, since no one has suggested anything to the contrary...

-RP

Over the years 'Black Mike' must have done nearly as many miles on the ground getting towed around Leuchars as it did in the air flying...

It never seemed to be in the same hanger/has twice. I swear some joker was playing hide and seek with it! I last saw it in the corner of the wash hanger

Black Mike has now arrived safely at Cosford, some video clips of the convoy leaving the HAS and Leuchars and some en route pics on the facebook groups...

-RP

Good morning all,

Firstly, thank you all for your interest in Black Mike and the group's activities.

As noted above, the aircraft arrived at Cosford on Wednesday (25th) and is now safely inside the hangar. Restoration work will continue once our hard working engineering team take a well deserved short rest...

In the meantime though, here also is the official press release from RAF Cosford-

"HISTORIC PHANTOM ARRIVES AT RAF COSFORD IN PREPARATION FOR RAF100 AIR SHOW

Following last week’s launch of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018, today cold-war era F-4 Phantom aircraft, known as ‘Black Mike’, was delivered by road to the airfield, in preparation for the Air Show on Sunday 10th June 2018.

Official statement from BPAG.

The British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) are extremely proud and honoured to be asked to participate in the RAF Cosford 100 Airshow with XV582 'Black Mike'. Since our inception in 2013, as a small band of enthusiasts, we have worked towards providing a future for the aircraft and last week's events would not have been possible without the contributions of various persons, all of whom deserve credit and thanks.

Many thanks again to you all.

David Butterfield
Chairman BPAG.

For persons without access to social media- we have images to share with you, when the new member rules are lifted. Standby.