HS Buccaneer S2B Buccaneer Station Garage, Elgin. Moray. Registration XW530. XAV-613
The RAF's hopes for the General Dynamics F-111K to fill their low-level strike requirement were crushed when the British government cancelled the order in early 1968. The RAF was forced to cast about for a replacement that was available and affordable, and reluctantly settled on the Buccaneer. In July 1968, the RAF ordered 26 modified Buccaneer These new-build aircraft were to be fitted for the Martel missile and partly denavalized. They would not be capable of carrier operations. Although they had arresting hook and folding wings, they did not have catapult attachments. The first RAF Buccaneer was delivered in early 1969, and the first operational Buccaneer squadron, Number 12, was formed that year at well. This initial squadron operated out of the UK for maritime strike. Later RAF Buccaneer squadrons were intended for low-level tactical strike and operated mostly in Germany. Tactical strike aircraft were not fitted with refueling probes, as mid-air refueling was not deemed necessary in the Central European operating environment. The RAF also received 64 Buccaneers from the FAA as the Royal Navy's carrier force was largely scrapped. The RAF eventually obtained 19 more new-build Buccaneers, with the last Buccaneer built delivered in October 1977. British Buccaneer strength was at its highest point in 1978, when five RAF and FAA operational squadrons flew the type. In 1972, the Buccaneer was assigned a somewhat confusing series of subvariant designations: : FAA Buccaneers passed on to the RAF that lacked Martel capability. : New-build aircraft for the RAF, all with Martel capability. Some were upgraded to this configuration. : FAA aircraft without Martel capability. : FAA aircraft with Martel capability. * Although the RAF hadn't been very happy with the idea of flying Buccaneers, they rapidly changed their tune as they discovered it was an excellent and effective aircraft. Major updates of the Buccaneer were considered duri
Size: 5288px × 3512px
Location: Buccaneer Station Garage, Elgin. Moray. Grampian Region. Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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