McDonnell Douglas F-4M Phantom FGR2, XV497 / 3454, Royal Air Force
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: XV497
Construction Number: 3454
Code Number: W
Military Unit: 74 Squadron
Model McDonnell Douglas F-4M Phantom FGR2
Operator: Royal Air Force
Airport: RAF Mildenhall (MHZ / EGUN), UK - England
Airshow: Mildenhall - Air Fete - 1992
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 23/05/1992
Date Submitted: 29/05/2010
Originally delivered to the RAF on the 22nd September 1969 this Phantom first served with 41 Squadron at Coningsby before moving to 228 OCU in April 1973. She then moved to RAF Germany with 17 Squadron at Bruggen before returning to the OCU in February 1976. Very soon afterwards, in March, saw her move to Wattisham, with first 56 Squadron, then 23 Squadron. It was back to Germany in October 1978 with 92 Squadron, then 19 Squadron at Wildenrath. In 1985 she was painted in the new barley grey scheme and returned to Coningsby for a brief spell with 29 Squadron before going back to to Wildenrath. In March 1988 she flew down to Mount Pleasant on The Falkland Islands and she remained there with 1435 Flight until 1991 before returning to the UK for the last time and service with 74 Squadron. On the 31st October 1992, together with XV460, she was one of the last two Phantoms to leave Wattisham, flying direct to Coninsgby, '497 landed last so she had the honour of making the last landing of an operational RAF Phantom. She was one of three 74 Squadron Phantoms on display at Air Fete 92, the others being XT914/Z and XV393/Q which flew in the flying display and wore dual 74/56 Squadron Markings. XV497 is now the 'gate guard' for 23 squadron at Wattisham and is displayed in 1435 Flight colours.
Picture ID:1234400