RAF Valley through the years

[viscount]

RAF Valley Air Display, 1983

I was at the 1983 Valley Display, my photos are on posts #20 & #21, on page 2 of this thread, and there are excellent 'Avro 748' shots on post #3, page 1. MAS 'Flypast' published both an article and a display list, cross-referenced with AB News's more detailed listing. MAS report credited to Phil Hewitt and Bruce Leatherbarrow, Islander article penned by Phil Hewitt.

RAF Valley Open Day, 13th August 1983

Excellent weather and a fairly good turn out of aircraft made the trip into North Wales well worthwhile. A number of enthusiasts taking the option of flying from Liverpool by Islander. With a flight time of less than one hour it certainly was the best way to beat the traffic 'snarl-ups' on the A55.

An Islander to an Island

Early morning on 13th August at Speke and the Telair desk is in full swing. Islanders G-AXWH and G-AXXH are awaiting their passengers on the ramp.

All passengers are checked-in, weighed-in and ready for flight by 08.15. At 0840 the Telair charters to Valley were called and all passengers were headed to Gate 2 for boarding. G-AXWH was the first, and could be seen from 'XH lifting off 09, as we waited for taxi clearance. A rather bumpy taxi down 17 past the old Viscount to the holding point 09. With no traffic for 09, we were off past the new complex and airborne. A left turn over the Ford factory and climbing to our flight attitude of 2,500'. We followed Aigburth Road until turning over the Mersey near the Garden Festival Hall. Once over the Mersey, the first sight was Prenton Park.

On, out over the Dee Estuary and onto the North Wales coast, in brilliant sunshine and very calm winds. Seals could be seen basking on the sandbanks. Onwards over Rhyl and the Ormes enclosing the Bay of Llandudno.

Puffin Island was soon visible and the Menai Bridges were seen in the distance. We turned over to the north at this time and joined the Valley circuit. The circuit was clear and we landed on 32 after a 37 minute flight. We parked up on the far side along with other visiting civil aircraft.

After paying out entrance fee, we were bussed to the display missing a line-up of 30+ Hawks by going behind the hangar, rather than in front (drat!). A time was arranged for departure and we were soon sampling the delights of the static. The highlights there were the RAE Sea Vixen, Meteor, French Alpha Jet and the Shackleton. The only notable absentee being a Vulcan. The display was superb and possibly the most surprising item were the four West German Alpha Jets, which took everyone unawares.

We were bussed back after the display, again avoiding passing the Hawk line-up. This time a tandem take-off was achieved, with G-AXWH leading G-AXXH down 32. We climbed straight ahead and passed Holyhead before turning right and heading back along the Welsh coast. At 2,500 ft again and 'WH was seen below and to the right. It was quite novel to have 14 aircraft heading for Liverpool at the same time - two Islanders, 10 Hawks and a Hercules.

This time I could see Conway and the traffic on the A55 was incredible, there is only one way to go! On to Liverpool and as we were cleared for a left hand circuit to land 27, the 'Arrows could be seen taxiing into position on 26 below. We landed after a very short finals ahead of 'WH and the Hercules.

Back down 35, and we stopped on the apron outside Gate 2. All too soon it was over, a fantastic experience. It was my first Islander flights and I was surprised by the amount of room inside, while the noise level wasn't too bad. I would like to thank all involved with the organisation of the flight, especially Strata Aviation, Telair and our trusty mount G-AXXH.

As a footnote, I was in the other Islander G-AXWH, and well recall on the way home looking down on the stationary queues of traffic along the A55. Great way to get to an airshow!

Air Display Log, 1983:

Static Aircraft Park:
KF183/3 Harvard IIB, A&AEE, all yellow
VP981 DH.104 Devon C.2/2
WH453/L G.Meteor D.16, RAE Llanbedr
WJ680/CT EE.Canberra TT.18, 100 Sqdn
WL754/54 Avro Shackleton AEW.2, moved from fire dump compound
XF382 H.Hunter F.6A, 1 TWU/79 Sqdn
XL564/4 H.Hunter T.7, ETPS
XP749/DB EE. Lightning F.3, LTF
XR534/65 F.Gnat T.1, kiddies 'photo in the cockpit' mount, former 4 FTS aircraft
XR679/04 H.Jet Provost T.4, 1 TWU
XS587 DH.110 Sea Vixen FAW.2TT, RAE Llanbedr (type usually quoted at the time as a Mk. D.3)
XT901/Y F-4M Phantom FGR.2 56 Sqdn, new pale grey scheme
XV218/218 C-130K Hercules C.1P, LTW
XV245/45 HS.801 Nimrod MR.2, 42 Sqdn
XV471/V F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 92 Sqdn, still in earlier grey/green camouflage scheme
XV726/J WS-58 Wessex HC.2, 72 Sqdn
XV865/865 HS.Buccaneer S.2B, 208 Sqdn
XW430/58 BAe Jet Provost T.5A, 3 FTS
XX242/242 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX299/299 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX327/B BAe.Hawk T.1, 2 TWU/151 Sqdn
XX365/J Sepecat Jaguar GR.1. 41 Sqdn
XX699/30 SA Bulldog T.1, RNEFTS
ZA592/G Tornado GR.1, 9 Sqdn

A92-664 F.Jindivik, RAE Llanbedr
FA-12 F.16A Fighting Falcon, 350 Sqdn, Belgian Air Force
AT-151 Saab Sk-35XD Draken, Esk 729, Royal Danish Air Force
E.140/314-VV Alpha Jet, GE-314, French Air Force
26+04 F-104G Starfighter, JbG34, WGAF
26+47 F-104G Starfighter, JbG34. WGAF
41+36 Alpha Jet, WS-50, West German Air Force
71+63 Bell UH-1D Iroquois, LTG-61, West German Air Force
68-076/UH F-111E, 55 TFS (blue fin tip), 20th TFW, USAFE
80-157/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 81st TFW, USAFE
81-986/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 81st TFW, USAFE
14637 OV-10A Bronco, 601TCW, USAFE

Hangar Display:
XE874/72 (8582M) DH.115 Vampire T.11, a former 4 FTS aircraft
XR588 WS-58 Wessex HAR.2. 22 Sqdn SAR
XX167/167 BAe. Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX170/170 BAe. Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
While behind screens at the far end: XX161, XX162, XX164, XX171, XX178, XX223, XX225 all 4 FTS badge, XX223 CFS badge.

Pleasure Flights
G-BBNT PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, Northern Executive Aviation
G-TAXI PA-23 Aztec 250, NEA
G-TKHM Agusta-Bell 206B Jet Ranger, Air Kilroe Helicopters, also flew in the display

Flying Display Most operated from various flight lines:
G-BBCL HS.125-600B, BAe - with a display routine described as 'sedate'
G-BBOH & G-OODI Pitts S-1, G-ROLL & G-WREN Pitts S-2A
G-BBSE DHC.1 Chipmunk, parked - did not participate in the flying display
G-BOOM H.Hunter T.7, parked - did not participate in the flying display
G-HUNT H.Hunter F.51
G-OODO Pace Spirit
G-ZSOL Zlin Z.50L
FE992 (G-BDAM) Harvard IIB
PA474/AJ-G Avro Lancaster B.1, BBMF - display only
PM631/AD-C Spitfire PR.XIX, BBMF - display only
PZ865 H.Huricane IIc, BBMF - display only
RR299/HT-E DH.98 Mosquito T.3, BAe - display only
WF791 G.Meteor T.7, CFS Vintage Pair
WL790/90 Avro Shackleton AEW.2, 8 Sqdn - display only
XH304 DH.115 Vampire T.11, CFS Vintage Pair
XP741/DD EE.Lightning F.3, LTF, spare aircraft, did not participate
XP753 EE.Lightning F.3, LTF
XS101 (G-GNAT) F.Gnat T.1
XS734/N HS.125 Dominie T.1, 6 FTS
XT273/D Buccaneer S.2A, 237 OCU
XV182/182 C-130K Hercules C.1, LTW with the 'Falcons' para team
XV307/307 C-130K Hercules C.1, LTW, 'Red Arrows' support a/c, parked did not participate in the display
XV494/M F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 56 Sqdn - display only
XX163, XX169, XX237, XX245, XX290, XX293 all Hawk T.1 of 4 FTS
XX251, XX252, XX253, XX257, XX259, XX260, XX264, XX266, XX304, XX306 all Hawk T.1 of the 'Red Arrows' team
XX824/BH Sepecat Jaguar GR.1, 17 Sqdn
XZ356/BP Sepecat Jaguar GR.1, 17 Sqdn
XZ964/P Harrier GR.3, 233 OCU, spare aircraft did not participate
XZ971/N Harrier GR.3, 233 OCU
40+14, 41+28, 41+38, 41+57 all Alpha Jets, WGAF. Flypast only
80-014/UH F-111E, 20 TFW, USAFE, flypasts only

Resident aircraft on far side
22 Sqdn/SARTU Wessex HAR.2 XR497 (SAR demo during air display), XR501, XR520, XT602 & XV724 (SAR scramble during the show).

4 FTS/CFS Hawk T.1s
All in the same scheme: white top and fin, red lower sides and underneath, grey wings, with red outer panels, last three on nose in black and smaller on tail in black, small unit crest on tail.

Visiting aircraft park on far side
G-ARMP Cessna 172B, Southport & Merseyside Flying Club
G-AVKG Cessna 172
G-AXJV PA-28 Cherokee
G-AXWH BN-2A Islander, Telair
G-AXXH BN-2A Islander, Telair
G-BAMM PA-28 Cherokee
G-BCGH Nord NC.854S
G-BECA MS Rallye 100ST
G-BEDH Rockwell Commander 114
G-BJCA PA-28 Cherokee
G-MARK Cessna 337
G-OJCW PA-32RT Cherokee
G-TIMK PA-28 Cherokee, Air Kilroe
EI-AOD Cessna 182
EI-AOK Cessna 172
EI-AVC Cessna 337, Iona International
EI-BAS Cessna 150, Iona International
EI-BEO Cessna 310, Iona International
EI-BGH Cessna 172, Iona International
EI-BMK Cessna 310, Iona International
EI-BNR AA-5 Traveler

Fire Dump
XL392 Avro Vulcan B.2, formerly 35 Sqdn

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

RAF Valley Open Day 17.8.85

Autumn 1985 saw the final issue of the MAS magazine 'Flypast', possibly as a result no report for the Valley Air Display was published. This report comes from AB News - but unfortunately covers only the military aircraft present. I might eventually locate my personal log, as I was there - by road in 1985 as Telair with their Islanders had ceased operations. 1985 was notable as the last appearance of the Vulcan at a Valley Show. A selection of photos are on the five of the subsequent six posts

Static Display Arena
WA662 G.Meteor T.7, RAE Llanbedr
WH453/L G.Meteor D.16, RAE Llanbedr
WH734 Canberra B.2(mod), RAE Llanbedr, target tug black/yellow diagonals on underside
WP974/N DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10, 3 AEF
XA880 DH.104 Devon C.2, RAE Llanbedr
XE874/61 (8582M) DH.115 Vampire T.11, formerly 4 FTS
XR534/65 (8578M) F.Gnat T.1, formerly 4 FTS
XS711/L HS.125 Dominie T.1, 6 FTS
XT597 F-4K Phantom FG.1, A&AEE
XV248/48 HS.801 Nimrod MR.2P, Kinloss Wing
XV482/C F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 56 Sqdn
XW415/53 Jet Provost T.5A, CFS
XW527/GF Buccaneer S.2B, 12 Sqdn
XX150/AX Sepecat Jaguar T.2, 14 Sqdn
XX241/241 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX249/249 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX240/250 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX310/310 BAe.Hawk T.1, CFS
XX382/M Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
XX495/C HP.137 Jetstream T.1, 6 FTS
XZ731/AP Sepecat Jaguar GR.1, 14 Sqdn
ZD791/CC Tornado GR.1, 17 Sqdn

104747 Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, 1st CAG, Canadian Air Force
AT-154 Saab Sk-35XD Draken, Esk.725, Royal Danish Air Force
E.86/314-LN Alpha Jet, GE-314, French Air Force
38+67 F-4F Phantom, JG-71, WGAF
40+15 Alpha Jet, JbG-41, West German Air Force
43+07/G-26 Tornado, TTTE, WGAF
mm54507/55 MB.339A, SVBIA, AMI/Italian Air Force
mm54511/61 MB.339A, SVBIA, AMI/Italian Air Force
69-5797 HH-53C Jolly Green Giant, 67th ARRS, USAFE
90006/BT, F-15D Eagle, 36th TFW, USAFE
90062/BT, F-15C Eagle, 36th TFW, USAFE

Display Hangar
XR588 WS-58 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn SAR
XX169/169 BAe.Hawk T.1A, 4 FTS
XX183/183 BAe.Hawk T.1A, 4 FTS
XX233/233 BAe.Hawk T.1A, 4 FTS
ZE453 Chukar D.2, FTG
Behind a partition were 4 FTS Hawk T.1s:
XX162, XX163, XX168, XX170, XX173, XX175, XX184, XX235, XX295, XX307 (primered parts and minus fin), XX309, XX313 (minus tail fin), XX338, XX339, along with CFS badged XX181, XX224 (a T.1A).

Flightline Majority took part in the air display
LB375/G-AHGW Taylorcraft Plus D
RR299/HT-E DH.98 Mosquito T.3, BAe
WA669 G.Meteor T.7, CFS Vintage Pair
WW397/N-E (G-BKHP) P.56 Provost T.1
XH304 DH.115 Vampire T.11, CFS Vintage Pair
XL426 Avro Vulcan B.2, VDF (Vulcan Display Flight)
XR503, XR524, XT601, XT602, XT604 all Wessex HAR.2 22 Sqdn/SARTU
XS101 (G-GNAT) F.Gnat T.1
XV411/Q F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 92 Sqdn
XV475/Z F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 92 Sqdn
XW295 BAe.Jet Provost T.5A, 1 FTS
XW320 BAe.Jet Provost T.5A, 1 FTS
XX161, XX174, XX179, XX225, XX226, XX232, XX239, XX242, XX291, XX294, XX311, XX347 all Hawk T.1s of 4 FTS
plus the Hawk T.1s of the 'Red Arrows'
also parked by hangar near flightline: XX164, XX176, XX178, XX185, XX223, XX234 (CFS), XX245, XX266 (CFS, still in Red Arrows colours), XX290, XX296 - all 4 FTS unless stated - plus around 8 others.
ZB627/A Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
ZD932/AM Tornado F.2, 229 OCU
ZD935/AF Tornado F.2, 229 OCU

70+89 Bell UH-1D Iroquois, LTG-61, WGAF
95796 HH-53C Jolly Green Giant, 67th ARRS, USAFE
00272/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 81st TFW, USAFE
10985/WR A.10A Thunderbolt II, 81st TFW, USAFE
90036/BT F-15C Eagle, 36th TFW, USAFE
90042/BT F-15C Eagle, 36th TFW, USAFE

Flying only
P7350/EB-Z Spitfire IIa, BBMF
PA474/SR-D Lancaster B.1, BBMF
PZ865 H.Hurricane IIc, BBMF
80063/UH F-111E, 20th TFW, USAFE

Elsewhere - Dump
WL754/54 (8665M) Shackleton AEW.2
XL392/8745M Avro Vulcan B.2
plus an unidentified Hawk T.1

Elsewhere - Gate Guard
XP361/8731M WS-55 Whirlwind HAR.10, yellow ASR colours

N.B. This display report is not complete, as it omits all civilian marked aircraft!

[Beemer]

These Fuji transparencies (dust and all) have been scanned and digitised by Beemer on behalf of forum member Brian Jones.

Images from the 1985 RAF Valley Open Day

RAF Valley held former 4 FTS Vampire and Gnat for a number of years.


RAE Llanbedr's Meteor T.7 WA662 had attended a number of Valley Air Shows, but in 1985 appeared in a new colour scheme.


RAE Llanbedr used DH.104 Devon C.2 XA880 for communications duties


Making a rare public appearance at the 1985 show was RAE's Canberra B.2 (mod) WH734, clearly wearing the yellow/black underside diagonals of a Target Tug.


Another aircraft making limited public appearances was the A&AEE's Phantom FG.1 XT597 in pleasing 'Raspberry Ripple' scheme.


XV482/C Phantom FGR.2 of 56 Sqdn


38+67 F-4F Phantom of fighter unit JG-71 from the West German Air Force


XW527/GF a RAF Buccaneer of 12 Sqdn


XV248/48 Nimrod MR.2P from the Kinloss Wing

[Beemer]

Further photos from the Brian Jones collection of the 1985 Valley Air Show. Digitised and posted thanks to Beemer.

Jaguar pair from 14 Sqdn. XZ731/AP a GR.1 with XX150/AX a T.2 twin seater.


A British Tornado GR.1 ZD791/CC of 17 Sqdn


A German Tornado 43+07/G-26 from the TTTE


Canadian CF-104 Starfighter 104747 alongside Danish Draken AT-154


Pair of Alpha Jets, one West German, the other French.


Another pair of trainers, these being Macchi MB.339s from the Italian Air Force


Not frequently seen at displays around Britain, a performance by UH-1D Iroquois 70+89 of the West German Air Force


While the pairing of a Spitfire and Tornado has been seen around the Air Displays of 2010, the concept is not new, here back in 1985 is the same combination.


Rather an odd sight is a US pre War coloured Ryan trainer.

[viscount]

R.A.F.Valley Air Show, 15th August 1987

I was abroad at the time of the 1987 Valley Air Display, so have no photos to post. The report in Air Britain (Merseyside) Branch's magazine 'North West Air News' lacks any introductory comment, so little is known about the weather (likely good as the Balloon Fiesta at Bristol got launches away). Clearly an interesting line up of aircraft from our NATO Allies. No RAE Llanbedr aircraft listed. 1985 was the last year of the RAF Lightning.

From Liverpool some enthusiasts flew with Air Atlantique on Dakota G-AMPY. However this aircraft went 'tech' at Valley during pleasure flying, so the Liverpool passengers were brought home on G-AMSV, which then returned to Valley for its own Coventry destined passengers.

Anyone illustrate ?

The Static Display:
G-ARVO PA-18 Super Cub 95
G-BGEH Monnett Sonerai II
WP974/N DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10, 3 AEF
XN500/80 Jet Provost T.3A, 7 FTS
XR753/BP Lightning F.6, 11 Sqdn
XV297/297 C-130K Hercules C.1, LTW
XV332 Buccaneer S.2, 237 OCU
XV789/07 Harrier GR.3, 1 Sqdn
XW418/126 Jet Provost T.5A, 7 FTS
XX143/GS Jaguar GR.1A, 54 Sqdn
XX161/161 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS - 'have your photo taken in a cockpit' aircraft
XX185/185 BAe.Hawk T.1, 4 FTS - 'have your photo yaken in a cockpit' aircraft
XX315 BAe.Hawk T.1A, 1 TWU/234 Sqdn
XX713/6 Bulldog T.1, CFS
XZ968/01 Harrier GR.3, 1 Sqdn
ZA149/H VC-10, K.3, 101 Sqdn
ZB615 Jaguar T.2, Institute of Aviation Medicine
ZD579/126 Sea Harrier FRS.1, 800 Sqdn, RN
ZE354/R F-4J Phantom F.3, 74 Sqdn

BR10 Mirage VBR, 42 Sm, Belgian AF
FA18 F-16A, 350 Sm, Belgian AF, special scheme
MT36 Fouga Magister, 9 Sm, Belgian AF
188729 CF-18A Hornet, 1 CAG, Canadian Armed Forces
188755 CF-18A Hornet, 1 CAG, CAF
E-600 F-16A, Esk 723, Royal Danish Air Force
ET-614 F-16B, Esk 723, RDanAF
mm7007/I-94 Tornado, TTTE, Italian Air Force
J-633 F-16A, 306 Sqdn, Royal Netherlands Air Force
23+01 F-104G Starfighter, JbG-34,
26+47 F-104G Starfighter, JbG-34
41+07 Alpha Jet, JbG-49
79-045/BT F-15C Eagle, 525th TFS/36th TFW, USAFE
82-656/WR Fairchild A-10A, 92nd TFS/81st TFW, USAFE

Hangar Displays
XT606 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn
XX182/182 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX184/184 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
Behind screens: XX163, XX170, XX173, XX176, XX224, XX231, XX234, XX236, XX239, XX240, XX242, XX291, XX292, XX294, XX295, XX299, XX307 (without tail), XX309, XX311 & XX338.

Pleasure Flights
G-AMPY C-47 Dakota, Air Atlantique
G-AMSV C-47 Dakota, Air Atlantique
G-BFNC AS.350B Ecureuil, Dollar Helicopters
Also Mona FLying Club offered 'Trial Lessons' in G-AXJV & G-AYPJ Cherokees and G-BCZN Cessna F150M.

Main Display Flightline: (* shows participated in the air display)
XP741/AR Lightning F.3, 5 Sqdn
XR716/AQ Lightning F.3, 5 Sqdn
XS101 (G-GNAT) F.Gnat T.1
XW323 Jet Provost T.5A, RAFC
XW374 Jet Provost T.5A, RAFC
XW862/D* Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
XX172 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX238 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX227, XX243, XX252, XX253, XX259, XX260, XX264, XX266, XX304, XX308 all Hawk T.1As of the *'Red Arrows'
XX500/H* Jetstream T.1, 6 FTS
XZ930 Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
ZA595/595* Tonado GR.1, TWCU
ZD614/124* Sea Harrier FRS.1, 800 Sqdn RN
ZD713/713 Tornado GR.1T, TWCU/45 Sqdn
ZE350/T F-4J Phantom F.3, 74 Sqdn
ZE351/I F-4J Phantom F.3, 74 Sqdn

FA12 F-16A, 350 Sm, Belgian AF
FA44* F-16A, 350 Sm, Belgian AF
J-651 F-16B, 311 Sqdn, RNethAF
J-877* F-16A, 312 Sqdn, RNethAF
68-077/UH* F-111E, 77th TFS/20th TFW, USAFE
79-055/BT F-15C Eagle, 525 TFS/36 TFW, USAFE
79-077/BT* F-15C Eagle, 53 TFS/36 TFW, USAFE
81-952/WR* A-10A, 510th TFS/81st TFW, USAFE
81-967/WR A-10A, 511th TFS/81st TFW, USAFE

Flightline and visiting aircraft (STCAAME Area):
EX280* (G-TEAC) Harvard, Harvard Display Team (HDT)
FE992* (G-BDAM) Harvard, HDT
HB275 (N5063N) Beech D.18S, HDT
G-AVNY* Fournier RF.4D. "Unipart" sponsored team
G-AVRY PA-28 Cherokee
G-AVWY* Fournier RF.4D, "Unipart" sponsored team
G-AZZW Fournier RF.5, "Unipart" sponored
G-AZRA Monsun 150
G-AZSC Harvard, HDT
G-BBMT DHC.1 Chipmunk
G-BCIT* Cranfield A.1, "Gola" sponsored
G-BGIB Cessnq 152
G-BGSE* Pitts S-2A, "Marlboro" sponsored team
G-BKPU MH. Broussard
G-ENII Cessna F.172M
G-VRES King Air 200, Northern Executive Aviation
G-WILD* Pitts S.1T, "Toyota" sponsored
G-WREN* Pitts S.2A, "Marlboro" sponsored team
G-WULF* WAR Fw.190 scale replica
EI-AOD Cessna 182J
EI-ATC Cessna 310G, Iona
EI-BRM Cessna 172Q, Iona
EI-BUM Cessna 404, Iona
EI-BUT MS.Rallye
EI-BVA Cessna 404, Iona

Flying only:
RR299/HT:E (G-ASKH) DH.98 Mosquito T.3, BAe
82-918/TJ F-16A, 614th TFS/401st TFW (82-002/TJ performed a practice routine on the Friday)

22 Sqdn/SARTU, SAR Ramp
XR497, XR504*, XR510*, XR518*, XR524, XS675, XT670, XV730* - all Wessex HAR.2

Dump
XL392 Vulcan B.2

Gate Guardians
XE874/61 DH.115 Vampire T.11
XP361 WS-55 Whirlwind HAR.10, yellow 'Rescue'
XR534 Gnat T.1

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

R.A.F. Valley Open Day, 19th August 1989

Again, just a participants list was published in 'North West Air News' journal of Air Britain, Merseyside Branch, without comment regarding weather or quality of show. The smaller numbers of civilian visitors might indicate poorer weather though? To me, in retrospect, the lists appear to lack something of the variety of 1987.

Again, anyone able to illustrate, as once again I was globetrotting in mid August, so cannot !

Static Display:
G-ARVO Super Cub 95
FT391 (G-AZBN) AT-16 Harvard IIB
WE113/BJ Canberra B.2, 231 OCU
WH453/L G.Meteor D.16, RAE Llanbedr
WK624/12 DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10, 10 AEF
XE874/61 (8582M) DH.115 Vampire T.11, RAF Valley
XF877/JX (G-AWVF) P.56 Provost T.1
XH672 HP.57 Victor K.2, 55 Sqdn Nice photo of this ariving on post #31 .
XR501 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU
XS712/A HS.125 Dominie T.1, 6 FTS
XV163/163 Buccaneer S.2A, 237 OCU
XW330/10 Jet Provost T.5A. 3 FTS
XW906/J Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
XX170/170 Hawk T.1, CFS
XX174/174 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX245/245 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX292/292 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX309/309 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX491/K Jetstream T.1, 6 FTS
XZ971/3A Harrier GR.3A, 233 OCU
ZA470/FL Tornado GR.1, 16 Sqdn
ZF169/169 Tucano T.1, CFS

133542 CT-133 Silver Star, GTTF, 1st CAD, Canada
188750 CF-18A Hornet, 1st CAD, Canada
E-199 F-16A, Esk 727, Danish AF
ET-205 F-16B, Esk 730, Danish AF
J-363 F-16A, 313 Sqdn, KLU
J-879 F-16A, 313 Sqdn, KLU
K-4007 Canadair NF-5B, 316 Sqdn, KLU
K-4024 Canadair NF-5B, 316 Sqdn, KLU
66-053/UH GD F-111E, 79th TFS/20th TFW
80-236/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 78th TFS/81st TFW

Display Hangar
XT680 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU
XX167, XX168, XX185, XX231, XX234, XX236, XX239, XX242, XX244, XX250, XX290, XX310, XX313 all Hawk T.1s of 4 FTS with XX177 & XX311 of CFS.

Pleasure Flying
G-CINE Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger II, Airward Aviation
G-RODS AB.206B Jet Ranger II, Thamesdown Helicopters

Farside/Flying
D-EBTS Extra EA.300, "Proteus Petroleum"
G-IIIT Pitts S-2A, "Toyota"
G-TIII Pitts S-2A, "Toyota"
XR518 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU - plus 4 others unidentified
XV210/210 Hercules C.1P, A&AEE
XV783/N Harrier GR.3A, 233 OCU
XX116/02 Jaguar GR.1A, 226 OCU
XX163/163 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX176/176 Hawk T.1, CFS
XX184/184 Hawk T.1, CFS
XX225/225 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX238/238 Hawk T.1, CFS
XX614/11 Bulldog T.1, CFS
XX723/05 Jaguar GR.1A, 226 OCU
XZ129/3C Harrier GR.3A, 233 OCU
ZE252/AY Tornado F.3, 229 OCU/65 Sqdn
ZE887/AN Tornado T.3, 229 OCU/65 Sqdn

188768 CF-18A Hornet, 1st CAD, CAF
FA-80 F-16A, 31 Sm, Belgian AF
FA-94 F-16A, 31 Sm, Belgian AF
81-982/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 91st TFS/81st TFW
81-984/WR A-10A Thunderbolt II, 91st TFS/81st TFW
plus 2 unidentified Jet Provost T.3As.

Flying only
XV244/44 Nimrod MR.2, Kinloss Wing

Visitors
G-AMSV Dakota, Air Atlantique
G-ARHP PA-22 Tri-Pacer 160
G-AXJV PA-28 Cherokee 140B
G-AVPJ PA-28 Cherokee 180E
G-BAJO AA-5 Traveler
G-BAJR PA-28 Cherokee 180G
G-BCZN Cessna F.150M
G-BFJV Cessna F.172H
G-BGIB Cessna 152
G-BIYX PA-28 Cherokee Cruiser
G-BNNO PA-28 Cherokee Warrior II
G-JFHL PA-28 Cherokee Warrior II

No information provided regarding occupants of the gate or fire dump.

[Beemer]

Forum member idelwild asked me to scan and up-load some of his photos of the '85 Valley Air Show.

[Beemer]

[Beemer]

[Beemer]

Brian Jones' Agfa transparencies, kindly scanned, digitised and posted on his behalf by Beemer. Brian Jones comments that (for reasons unknown) he only took a few photos at the 1991 Show - despite being there for arrivals day! These amount to nearly all that he shot, not even recording the two different forms of Hawk colours!

On arrivals day, 101 Sqdn VC-10, K.2 ZA140/A.


Jaguar GR.1A XX965 from 226 OCU also on arrivals day.


Although very few 'drone' Meteor D.16s survived through to 1991, RAE Llanbedr provided WK800/Z in the static display. So rare, it is worth two views.




ZD709 a very recently repainted (note just how clean the lower fin is) Tornado GR.1 with no code or unit marks applied.


ZG713/G Tornado GR.1 in full 13 Sqdn markings.


Another aircraft fresh out of repaint, XX895 a Buccaneer S.2B in fresh pale grey overall and no squadron markings or codes applied.


A type nearing the end of RAF service, a clean F-4M Phantom FGR.2, XV497/W of 74 Sqdn, complete with black tail.

[Beemer]

Further images from Brian Jones, scanned and posted by Beemer on his behalf.

A total of 20 Hawks provided a neat '50' formation.


Not the best image due to shooting into sun, but the arrival of the BBMF into their routine always turns heads to the sound of multiple Merlins. The BBMF attended the 1991 Show after missing several years.


XV728/A Wessex HC.2 of 72 Sqdn


The undoubted surprise and star of the 1991 show static was a Bell UH-1N Iroquois 96606 from 58th MAS at Ramstein in VIP blue, white and gold colours with 'United States of America' titles. Very smart.


One of a pair of F-111E 'Swingers' present in the static provided by the 77th TFS (red fin tip), 20th TFW from Upper Heyford.


A pair of F-16A Fighting Falcons from 2 Sm, Belgian AF.


Dakota G-AMRA of Air Atlantique provided pleasure flights before and after the flying display.


The 2 Sm, Belgian Air Force unit markings on the tails of their F-16As.

[viscount]

R.A.F. Valley Open Day, 17th August 1991

Another great show, with a variety of interesting aircraft. I was there for the later part of arrivals day, then slept on a mat under someone's caravan on the site at the Southern end of the main runway. I was persuaded by a group of spotters to wait in the sand dunes well beyond time to go to the chippie for the Sukhois to arrive - eventually discovering that while they were waiting for Russian jets, the Sukhoi on the arrivals list was a Su-26, the aerobatic piston design! It was nice though, on the morning of the Air Show to walk in without facing car park queues. Clear, dry and warm weather, good flying, although nothing execeptional, indeed variety considered down a little on 1989. This list is a combination of that published in 'North West Air News' and my own detailed log record.

Some photos of the aircraft at the 1991 Open Day are on the previous two posts above.

Obviously a big re-think at organisational level had taken place since I was previously at a valley Show in 1985. Up until then, previous shows had been on the east side of the main runway around the main operational sections of the air base, sometime (does anyone record if 1989 or 1991), the public area moved to the west (coastal) side, using the hangars and large aprons on that side of the base, although the STAACME hangar compound was out of bounds. Although road access for visitors was a little more awkward, a big bonus for photographers was that the sun was now over the shoulder for runway and display shots.

Static Display Aprons:
G-BCZN Cessna F150M, Mona Aviation
G-BGIB Cessna 152, Mona Aviation
G-BMOT Benson B.8M
G-BPHO Taylorcraft BC-12D
G-MYKE CFM Shadow BD
------ Ken Brock KB-2 Gryrocopter, partly constructed
WK800/Z Gloster Meteor D.16, RAE Llanbedr
XK895/CU:19 (G-SDEV) DH.104 Sea Devon C.20, full RN colours & markings
XV218/218 C-130K Hercules C.1P, Lyneham Transport Wing
XV232/32 Nimrod MR.2P, Kinloss Wing
XV497/W F-4M Phantom FGR.2, 74 Sqdn
XV728/A Wessex HC.2, 72 Sqdn
XV730 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn
XW311/W Jet Provost T.5, 6 FTS (white top)
XX168/168 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS (white top)
XX244/244 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS (white top)
XX895/- Buccaneer S.2B, 208 Sqdn, no code/unit marks, grey overall scheme
ZA140/A VC-10, K.2, 101 Sqdn "The Empire Strikes Back"
ZD709/- Tornado GR.1, no code/unit marks, recently ex 9 Sqdn
ZE836/CH Tornado F.3, no unit marks, code CH denotes a 5 Sqdn a/c
ZF209/209 Tucano T.1, 7 FTS at Church Fenton
ZG713/G Tornado GR.1A, 13 Sqdn

FA-102 F-16A Fighting Falcon, 2 Sm, Belgian Air Force
FA-106 F-16A Fighting Falcon, 2 Sm, BAF
A-005 Saab A.35XD Draken, Esk.725, Royal Danish Air Force
AT-153 Saab Sk.35XD Draken, Esk.725, RDAF
E-178 F-16A Fighting Falcon, Esk.726, RDAF
ET-612 F-16B Fighting Falcon, Esk.730, RDAF
68-007/UH GD F-111E, 20th TFW/77th TFS (red fin tip), USAFE
68-046/UH GD F-111E, 20th TFW/77th TFS (red fin tip), USAFE
96606 (69-6606) Bell UH-1N Iroquois, 58th MAS, VIP blue, white & gold colours

Hangar Display
WP697/95 DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10, 3 AEF
XX224/224 Hawk T.1, CFS (blue top)
XX245/245 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS (blue top)
Behind screens: XX165 CFS (blue top), XX171 (white top, no fin), XX176 CFS (blue top), XX225 4 FTS (blue top), XX240 4 FTS (blue top).

Pleasure Flights
G-AMRA C-47B Dakota, Air Atlantique
G-RODS AB.206B Jet Ranger II, "Fox FM/Unipart" sponsor logos

Flight Line and Flying Display Flew, unless noted otherwise.
G-FLYV Slingsby T-67M-200
G-IIIT & G-TIII Pitts S-2A, "Toyota" sponsored, team Toyota
CCCP-5201 Sukhoi Su-26MX, "Proteus Petroleum" sponsored
D-EFRR Extra EA.300, "Lexus" sponsored
N707TJ N2S-1 Super Stearman, "Crunchie", girl-on-the-wing. Did not land.

P7350/YT:F (G-AWIJ), Spitfire IIa, BBMF
PA474/PM-M2, Lancaster B.1, BBMF
PZ865/RF:U (G-AMAU), Hurricane IIc, BBMF
RR299/HT:E (G-ASKH), Mosquito T.3, BAe.Chester. Did not land.
WJ682/C-U, Canberra TT.18, 100 Sqdn
WW397/N-E (G-BKHP), P.56 Provost T.1
XS644/644 Andover E.3A, 115 Sqdn, 'Falcons' drop a/c, did not land.
XT602 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU, parked out all day
XT670 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU, parked out all day
XT680 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU, parked out all day
XV342/342 Buccaneer S.2B, 237 OCU - should have flown, but went 'tech'.
XV729 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU, parked out all day
XW325/E Jet Provost T.5B, 6 FTS (blue top)
XX227, XX237, XX252, XX253, XX260, XX266, XX294, XX306, XX307, XX308 all Hawk T.1A of the 'Red Arrows', (one a spare)
XX499/G Jetstream T.1, 6 FTS
XX692/5 Bulldog T.1, CFS
XX965/07 Jaguar GR.1A, 226 OCU, special colours
ZE167/- Tornado F.3, 25 Sqdn, special anniversary markings
ZE199/FL Tornado F.3T, 25 Sqdn. Spare a/c, parked all day

FA-61 F.16A Fighting Falcon, 2 Sm, BAF. Spare a/c, parked all day
FA-66 F-16A Fighting Falcon, 2 Sm, BAF
76-522 A-10A Thunderbolt II, 78th TFS/81 TFW (red fin tip), USAFE
76-550 A-10A Thunderbolt II, 91st TFS/81 TFW (blue tip). Spare a/c, parked all day.

'No shows' were a Vampire and a (half) expected TR-1A.

Resident Hawks of 4 FTS/CFS

One of the highlights of the display was a mass formation forming the figure "50", to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of No.4 F.T.S. Aircraft taking part in this celbration formation were:
"5" = XX116, 164, 172, 175, 236, 239, 250, 292, 309, 310 (all blue topped).
"0" = XX169, 170, 174, 177, 179, 184, 185, 242, 290, 296 (all white topped).
Air spares were XX163 (blue top) and X231 (white top). Camera ship was XX299.

Hawks taking part in the airfield attack 'set-piece' were: XX173, 232, 295, 338, with ground spare XX311.

Visiting aircraft
G-BAJR PA-28 Cherokee 180
G-BLYE TB-10 Tobago
G-BNCO PA-38 =112 Tomahawk
G-BSLT PA-28 Cherokee 161
G-BTIH PA-28 Cherokee
G-GYAV Cessna 172N
G-PAWS AA-5A Cheetah
G-VRES Beech A200 King Air. NEA

Elsewhere around field
XL392 (8745M) Vulcan B.2 - on fire dump
XR534/65 (8578M) Folland Gnat T.1 - gate guardian
(XS177)/N Jet Provost T.4 - non-destructive rescue training
XV778 (9001M) Harrier GR.3 - almost unidentifiable remains on fire dump

Rumours around stated that the Brawdy Hawk TWU would be disbanded and the Hawks split between Valley and the Chivenor TWU. Before the next Valley Open Day, this re-organisation of the Hawk fleet did indeed happen.

Families Day, 2nd October 1992

Although mainly covering public air displays, as I have a participants listing, I'll include this, invitations only, Families Day.


Static
XR497/F Wessex HC.2, 2 FTS
XT895/Q Phantom FGR.2, ex 74 Sqdn
XX168/168 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX245/245 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX189/TB Hawk T.1A, 74(R) Sqdn
XX226 Hawk T.1, 74(R) Sqdn, special black colour scheme
ZA101 Hawk 100, BAe

Flightline/Flying:
XM466 Jet Provost T.3A, 1 FTS, special colour scheme
XR501 Wessex HC.2, 22 Sqdn.
XR507 Wessex HC.2, 22 Sqdn.
XT604 Wessex HC.2, 22 Sqdn.
XV729 Wessex HC.2, 22 Sqdn.
XS791 Andover CC.2, 32 Sqdn.
XX163/163 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX224/224 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX520/2 Bulldog T.1, CFS.
XX689/9 Bulldog T.1, CFS.
ZD329/M Harrier GR.5, 20(R)Sqdn.
ZF415/415 Tucano T.1
plus 10 x 'Red Arrows' Hawks T.1s.

Flying Only:
1 x Buccaneer S.2B
1 x Harrier T.4N, 899 Sqdn RN.

[viscount]

Many thanks to Thetexpat, Avro 748, Owensy, Karlslawrence, jbmack, Idlewild and Groth for their photos illustrating Air Shows at Valley and Davegraham and Alexmac for other Valley photos on this thread. Thanks too, to Beemer for his considerable effort scanning and posting photos on behalf of Viscount and Idlewild.

The variety of shots always amazes me. Idlewild inparticular has an eye for close-ups and people, rather than record shots of the aircraft. With everyone's input, this thread has turned into a neat record of the changing equipment and colours of the R.A.F. (and others) over a 60 year period. There is nothing like this record on the Valley Enthusiasts web site or forum!

Well done everyone, and hopefully others too will dip into their collections and post Valley Air Show pictures - there are several years still without photo coverage yet.

[groth]

1975 RAF Valley ,with all the usual problems of shooting in to the sun
Puma HC1 XW221 'DE' 230 Sq

Lightning F6 XR753 'A' 23 Sq

F-5A 6510575 R Nor AF

F-5B 697135 717 Sq R Nor AF

Hunter T7 XL613 '91' 4FTS

Lockheed T-33AN G-OAHB

Phantom F-4D 65667 'WR' 81 TFW USAF

Phantom FG1 XV573 'L' 43 Sq

Wessex HU5 XT769 'VW' RN

Meteor U16 WA991 'F' RAE Llanbedr

Meteor U16 WA991 'F' RAE Llanbedr 1

[Beemer]

The 1993 RAF Valley Open Day. These are kindly scanned and posted by Beemer from negative derived prints from the Camera of Brian Jones.

In 1993 the RAF Hawk fleet wore a wider variety of colour schemes, codes and unit markings than at any time before, or since. Here can be seen 19 Sqdn and 92 Sqdn (blue tails) based at Chivenor, 74 Sqdn, 234 Sqdn, 4 FTS and CFS based at Valley, with (somewhere in the background of the shot) 100 Sqdn from Wyton.


One of the first Hawks in all-black, XX226 is painted and named as the mount for the RAF Hawk solo aerobatic display mount 1993.


Meanwhile the majority of RAF training aircraft continued in the red/white colours worn for a great number of years.


The Meteor U.16 WK800/K again featured in the static, a name change to the operating unit, now T&EE, Llanbedr.


XF995 a camouflaged Hunter T.8B of 208 Sqdn, a Buccaneer unit.


WM167 (G-LOSM) a civilian operated Meteor NF.11


A typically dirty Tornado F.3 ZG734/BA from 29 Sqdn.


A somewhat cleaner Tornado GR.1 ZA600/F from 15 Sqdn


A German Air Force Tornado 45+03 of JbG 33


A F-4F Phantom 37+88 from the German Air Force, supposedly operated by JG71, but the prancing white horse logo is that of another unit.

[Beemer]

Open Day 1993 at RAF Valley. Brian Jones prints, kindly scanned, digitised and posted by Beemer.

Smart Jaguar GR1A XX116 in special black and yellow 'Saint' colours applied by 16(R) Sqdn.


A pair of Harrier GR.5s ZD322/A and ZD347/K, both with 20(R) Sqdn.


Nimrod MR.2P XV260 wearing special 'CXX' marked tail, denoting 120 Sqdn.


J-624 a F-16A of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, operated by 311 Sqdn in special aerobatic mount colours.


82-650/SP A-10A Thunderbolt II from the 52nd FW based at Spangledalm, Germany. With the withdrawal of the Woodbridge and Bentwaters based A-10A units, a type no longer regularly seen at British displays.


The canopy shape of ET-022 an F-15B contrasts clearly with that of single seater E-176 behind, both of the Danish Air Force.


Prize exhibit from the Danish was AR-111 a Sk-35XD Draken. Over the years, the Danish have been present at most of the Valley Air Shows.

[Beemer]

Open Day 1993 RAF Valley. These are Brian Jones' photographs, kindly scanned, digitised and posted on his behalf by Beemer.

A first for the 1993 Valley Open Day was the participation of formation aerobatic teams from overseas. Here are the 10 Macchi MB.339s of the 'Frecce Tricolori' of the Italian Air Force.


From even further afield, on a summer tour of UK and European Airshows, the four Extra EA.300s of the Chilean Air Force 'Halcones' team.


Then, as now, the Royal Netherlands Air Force solo F-16A routine is always worth watching.


From Aldergrove came 72 Sqdn Wessex HC.2 XR529/E and Puma HC.1 XW216 with 33 Sqdn marks still applied.


Unusual all white (as against the normal green) Alouette III A-451 of the Dutch Army.


A feature of the 1993 Air Show was a four-ship Wessex helicopter co-ordinated display mounted by 22 Sqdn. Oddly on the print the central two helicopters show camera shake, yet the top and bottom machine don't. This may or may not be evident on the scan.


Always entertaining, the SAR 'rescue' demonstration. This one performed by XT604 in 22 Sqdn marks.


A very unusual sight in Britain (and even today still very rare) in 1993 the Irish Air Corps participated in the flying display with SA.365F Dauphin II, 246.