RAF Valley through the years

[viscount]

Diwrnod Awyr y Feli '93 (Valley Air Day), 31st August 1993

Possibly one of the best Valley Open Days yet. For the first time National aerobatic teams in addition to our own 'Red Arrows' performed. The Irish Air Corps appeared for the first time, not only supplying a helicopter, but participated in the flying display. It was also a time of transition of Hawk units, squadron and aircraft colours. This report comes from 'North West Air News' magazine of the Air Britain Merseyside Branch, also a list of my own, which I must have submitted to the section editor as I included an introduction, which was not used!

"Decent well laid out static, always good to see a Llanbedr Meteor. Many 'standard' air display items absent eg "Crunchie" Stearman, the Hercules tactical demo, the Tornado GR.1 of 2 Sqdn and the '75' formation by Valley Hawks (performed elsewhere for the 75th anniv of the formation of the RAF).

Although preventing the arrival of day visiting aircraft, the unusual feature of bringing traffic across the 'active' before and after the display seemed to work well. I left the parking area 3/4 hour after the end of the flying display and proceeded off the base, indeed off Anglesey, without stopping! A refreshing change after 2 and a half hours at Fairford and 2+ hours at foggy Culdrose."

However Stuart McDiamid did use an introduction of his own:
"Second coach trip this month (other was to Fairford). As I did not actually travel on the coach myself and left at about 3.30pm, the following report does not include any late arrivals. The show itself had a well laid out static (a few more aircraft would not have gone amiss though!) and a very disjointed and erratic flying programme, with long gaps between some items."

Note that photos of the 1993 Air Day appear on the 3 posts above.

Static Aircraft Park
WK562/91 Chipmunk T.10, 10 AEF
WK572/92 Chipmunk T.10, 10 AEF
WK800/Z Gloster Meteor U.16, T&EE Llanbedr
XF995/- Hawker Hunter T.8B 12/208 Sqdns, camouflaged
XK895/19:CU (G-SDEV) Sea Devon C.20, full RN colours
XR529/E Wessex HC.2, 72 Sqdn
XS736/S HS.125 Dominie T.1, 6 FTS
XV306/306 C-130K Hercules C.1P, Lyneham Transport Wing
XW216/- Puma HC.1, Puma Sqdn marks, but operated from RAF Aldergrove Det.
XX159/PA Hawk T.1A, 4 FTS badge (although a CFS code), grey fuselage, grey fin
XX171/TK:171 Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn, red/blue fus, blue fin
XX190/TA Hawk T.1A, 74 Sqdn, grey fus, grey fin
XX196/DB Hawk T.1A, 234 Sqdn, grey fus, black fin
XX219/219 Hawk T.1A, 19 Sqdn/7 FTS Chivenor, grey fus, light blue fin
XX286/DK Hawk T.1A, 234 Sqdn, grey fus. grey fin
XX310/TN:310 Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn, red/blue fus, blue fin
XX318/PG Hawk T.1A, CFS, grey fus, grey fin
XX329/C Hawk T.1A, 92 Sqdn/7 FTS, Chivenor, grey fus, dark blue fin
XX331/CK Hawk T.1A, 100 Sqdn Wyton, grey fus, grey fin
XX350/TC Hawk T.1A, 74 Sqdn, grey fus, black fin
XX624/Y Bulldog T.1, 6 FTS
XX752/EQ Jaguar GR.1A, 6 Sqdn
ZA600/F Tornado GR.1, 15(R) Sqdn
ZF344/344 Tucano T.1, 3 FTS
ZG734/BA Tornado F.3, 29 Sqdn

AT-22 Alpha Jet 1B, 9 Wing, Belgian Air Force
AR-111 Saab S.35XD Draken. Esk.729, Royal Danish Air Force
E-176 F-16A Fighting Falcon, Esk.723, RDAF (no unit badge)
ET-022 F-16B Fighting Falcon, Esk.726, RDAF
37+88 F-4F Phantom II, JG-74, German AF
44+92 Tornado IDS, JbG-33, GAF
45+03 Tornado IDS, JbG-33, GAF
A-451 Alouette III, Royal Netherlands Air Force, standard green colours
A-514 Alouette III, RNethAF, all white scheme
J-624 (80-3624) F-16A Fighting Falcon, 311 Sqdn, RNethAF, special colours
81978/SP (81-1978) A-10A Thunderbolt II, 510th FS/52nd FW, USAFE
82650/SP (82-0650) A-10A Thunderbolt II, 510th FS/52nd FW, USAFE

Hangar Displays SARTU hangar:
G-MWWP Rans S.4 Coyote I
XR520 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn
(XT772) Wessex HU.5 (mod) - mounted on internal hangar side for SAR training
74 Sqdn hangar:
XX255/TE Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn, grey fus, black fin - a slightly damaged airframe.

West side Flightlines:
XR507, XR524, XR588, XT604, XV724 & XV730 all Wessex HAR.2 of 22 Sqdn (first 4 flew as a 'team' during display, later 2 on SAR stand-by).
XZ607/M Lynx AH.7, 671 Sqdn, AAC - called during morning for fuel.

East side Flightlines/Flying:
G-BOOM Hawker Hunter T.7, Jet Heritage, red overall colours
G-HELV/215 DH.115 Vampire T.55, Jet Hertiage, camouflaged
G-NWPA AS.355F1 Twin Squirrel, North Wales Police, called before and after flying display

WM167 (G-LOSM) Gloster Meteor NF.11, Jet Heritage
XM693 (G-TIMM/XP504) Folland Gnat T.1, original silver with yellow T-bands colours.
XV361/361 Buccaneer S.2B, 208 Sqdn
XX116/- Jaguar GR.1A, 16(R) Sqdn, whole aircraft black and yellow 'saint' special colours.
XX170/DS Hawk T.1, 234 Sqdn, red/blue fus, blue fin. Flew, but not as part of display.
XX226/- Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn (no badge), all black, RAF Valley special aerobatic colours
XX227, XX233, XX237, XX252, XX253, XX260, XX264, XX266, XX294 (spare), XX306 all 10 x Hawk T.1/T.1A of 'Red Arrows'.
XZ229/330 Lynx HAS.3S, 815 Sqdn, RN
ZD322/A Harrier GR.5, 20(R) Sqdn
ZD347/K Harrier GR.5, 20(R) Sqdn, spare aircraft, arrived but did not display
ZE839/AR Tornado F.3, 56(R) Sqdn, special red tail colours, spare a/c, arrived but did not display
ZF380/380 Tucano T.1, CFS, spare aircraft, parked all day
ZF406/- Tucano T.1, CFS, all blue special scheme
ZG796/AV Tornado F.3, 56(R) Sqdn

021/1, 022/2, 023/3, 025/5 & 027/4 all 5 x Extra EA.300 of 'Los Halcones', Chilean Air Force
38/30-SB Mirage F.1C, EC3/30, French Air Force
87/30-MQ Mirage F.1C, EC2/30, French Air Force
516/30-FO Mirage F.1CT, EC1/30, French Air Force, spare a/c. parked all day
mm54445/8, mm54473/4, mm54475/3. mm54477/9, mm54478/7, mm54479/1, mm54480/0, mm54482/5, mm54484/11, mm54485/10, mm54551/6, all 11 x Macchi MB.339PAN of 'Freece Tricolori', Italian AF (code '0' was the spare).
246 SA.365F Dauphin II, Naval Support Sqdn, Irish Air Corps
J-193 F-16A Fighting Falcon, 311 Sqdn, RNethAF, special colours
472216/AJ-L (G-BIXL) P-51D Mustang, "Miss L"

Display aircraft that did not land
PA474/PM:M2 Avro Lancaster B.1, BBMF
PM631/N Spitfire PR.XIX, BBMF in SEAC colours
RR299/HT:E (G-ASKH) Mosquito T.3, BAe. Chester
XV260/60 Nimrod MR.2P, 120 Sqdn, Kinloss Wing, special CXX marked tail colours. Touch & go as part of display routine.
G-IIIT Pitts S-2A, "Toyota"
G-IITI Extra EA.300, "Lexus"
G-TIII Pitts S-2A, "Toyota"
G-MATE Zlin Z.50LS

Elsewhere on Airfield:
(XL392/8745M) Avro Vulcan B.2 - last mortal remains on fire dump, being broken-up with the aid of a JCB.
XR534/65 (8578M) Folland Gnat T.1 - gate guard, on main gate
XS177/N (9044M) Jet Provost T.4 - instructional airframe, visible in its own compound, SE corner of a/f.
XT895/Q (----M) Phantom FRG.2, ex 74 Sqdn - for non-destructive rescue practice, SW corner of a/f.
(XV778/9001M) Harrier GR.3 - remains on fire dump cut into three

[avro748]

What a cracking set of photos and detailed logs! We must have enough material on this thread to write a book on the subject.

I would add some more of mine but i have just started a new job and up to my ears in it at the moment.

Cheers

Shaun

[Beemer]

I couldn't agree more Shaun. Crackin' detailed log and photos. Regards Beemer.

[viscount]

Thanks for those kind words in the above two posts.

With the end of paper based Merseyside enthusiast magazines some years ago, I did find that my locally based aviation knowledge had no real outlet, other than FoLA's '09/27'.

Through the encouragement of Dave Graham, who wished to see a broader spectrum of material on the nwan site and forum than just modern day-to-day info, my desire to write detailed historicial articles was channeled into this forum. Compared to many aviation forum sites, it is this extra depth of some threads that raises it above the humdrum. It may not suit everyone, but then you don't have to read every post!

Yes, Shaun, a book could be written on the Valley Open Days - but who would buy it? Entering the information available on this forum, not only enables me to provide much more data, without having to reduce it to just highlights. Unlike a book, others can immediately share their photos and memories on a forum, widening the coverage considerably. Also, unlike a book, the searchable function of the internet means that (providing the right key words are entered) anyone can access the info for free (without actually having to buy the book). Further, the information remains available as long was the site is current, hopefully longer than a book remains 'in print'. Only problem is that on the forum the information gets all mixed up and out of chornological order, rather than in neat sequential chapters!

There have been interesting magazine articles in 'Aircraft' recently on Mildenhall Shows and the IAT. The IAT allows much more scope for a saleable book.

Shaun, I'll be delighted to see more of your Valley Show photos. Don't worry that you cannot enter them immediately - another great thing about a forum is that the topic lies there waiting for a fresh input and restoration to page 1 and discovery by new readers whenever you are ready.

Just 1994 and 2001 Valley shows to go now. I have ideas for another similar airshow thread sometime later in the year once I've collected together my sources. Meanwhile, anyone who wants to add reminisenses or further photos of Valley or Valley Air Shows is very welcome to extend this thread.

If you are a member of military or airshow forums, do please (if appropriate) mention the coverage of Valley Air Shows here and quote the link. Karlslawrence has already done so on the Valleyaviationsociety.net forum site at time when this thread was still quite new.

[karlslawrence]

Maybe, we could expand this thread or create a new thread of Historical Valley or what about RAF Valley STCAAME? Remember days of Viggens visiting STCAAME, MIG 29's, Tornado's, Lightnings, Phantoms, Jag's and Bucaneers, U2's doing PAR's, A10's getting diverted in, F111's? Good times!!

[sandyspad]

Good times indeed Karl, one that sticks in my mind was when STCAAME hosted a detachment of 32nd TFS USAFE F-15C's over from Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands for a week or two in 84-85?
Then there is the fabled? overshoot by the SR-71 Blackbird that apparently occured one summer during the mid 80's. Having read the book "SR-71 Revealed, The Inside Story" By Richard H. Graham, Col. USAF (Ret), there is a connection with RAF Valley in the book as former SR-71 pilot, Lt. Col. Les Dyer (Ret) was serving an exchange tour at Valley in late 1980 when he applied for the SR-71 program, Dyer was selected to join the SR-71 training program in July 81 and then flew "the world's finest aircraft" for the next four and a half years.
The story I heard was that a USAF pilot (who served an exchange tour at Valley) was over from the States with the Blackbird for RIAT? was asked to perform an overshoot at Valley by an RAF pilot that knew him. What truth there is in this I don't know but i'd like to think that the SR-71 did grace Valley with her presence!

It's been great to see Valley airshow pics from the past again, they have brought back so many happy memories for me and others i'm sure. My first show was 1973 as a young lad armed with my Kodak instamatic camera, I still have the pic's today!
One question is that having read the airshow listings through there is no ref's of what I can see to a USAFE RF-4C from Alconbury tail code AR 906 or 908? also from Alconbury at the same show which I think was late 70's? a Northrop F-5 Aggressor in lizard camo serial 01556, (56) on nose. Both aircraft where on static display on the Gaydon hanger side of the airfield the F-5 being on the end of the static closest to the railway track then there was a camo Canberra the RF-4C a Harrier T2/T4?, Jaguar and Llanbedr Meteor, with 22 sqn Wessex next to a SARTU Whirlwind HAR.10.
I would be very greatful if any of the forum members remember the actual date of the above Valley airshow along with the full serial of the RF-4C and F-5 including the AF year.

Cheers.

[viscount]

As stated in post #17, my fear in compiling a 'complete' list of RAF Valley Air Displays was missing some out. Initially I found no mention for 1977, so assumed there had been no display due to the imminent Gnat/Hawk changeover. Thanks to Sandyspad's post, I've gone back and found that there was indeed a display in 1977, so here, a little out of sequence is the report and list.

R.A.F. Valley Open Day, 13th August 1977

From the MAS 'Flypast' comes a report and list compiled by John Downey, Gary Edwardson, Clive Harden, Alan Haynes, Chris Moore, Nick Owen, John Parish, Colin Watson & Paul Wilson.

"Although overseas participation was down on previous Valley open days, this years open house provided our first look at a sand and chocolate Tiger II, and the rare sight of a camouflaged Meteor. The stall was in attendance, and the weather turned out to be the usual sunny clime we have come to expect at Valley. The USAF F-111F made no less than TWO passes, perhaps he heard of the Aussie Swinger at Finningley Royal Review!!"

Static
VZ467/01 Meteor F.8, TWU Brawdy
WE113/H Canberra B.2, 100 Sqdn Marham
WK800/Z Meteor U.16, RAE Llanbedr
WP837 Chipmunk T.10
XF526/78 Hunter F.6, 4 FTS Valley
XL567/84 Hunter T.7, 4 FTS Valley
XP405/D Whirlwind HAR.10, 2 FTS Shawbury/Valley
XP516/16 Folland Gnat T.1, 4 FTS Valley
XP537/07 Folland Gnat T.1, 4 FTS - have your photo taken in a cockpit mount.
XR534/64 Folland Gnat T.1, 4 FTS - have your photo taken in a cakcpit mount.
XR588 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn Valley
XS709/M Dominie T.1, 6 FTS Finningley
XW862/D Gazelle HT.3, CFS Shawbury
XW926/X Harrier T.4, 233 OCU Wittering
XX177/177 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS Valley
XX492/70 Jetstream T.1, 3 FTS Leeming
XX756/05 Jaguar GR.1, 226 OCU Lossiemouth
65908/AR (65-908) RF-4C Phantom II, 10th TRW Alconbury
01556/56 (74-1556) F-5E Tiger II, 527 TFTAS Alconbury
A92-999 Jindivik, RAE Llanbedr

Hangar Displays
XE874 DH.115 Vampire T.11 - from the gate
XL591/82 Hawker Hunter T.7, 4 FTS
XP534/62 Folland Gnat T.1, 4 FTS
XR538/38 Folland Gnat T.1, rear end only
XX163/163 Hawk T.1, CFS
Plus behind screens at the back, the fins of: Gnat/59, XM709/09, XR998/47, XP506/06, XR953/29, XR954/30, XP500/50, XS109/63, XS110/20, XM706/12, XP532/32 all Gnat T.1s and XX171, XX176 Hawk T.1s.

Pleasure Flights
G-BBNT PA-31 Navajo, Northern Executive Aviation
G-AXXH BN-2A Islander, Northern Executive Aviation

Flight Line: Participated in the flying display, unless noted.
G-ATBG Nord 1002, Lindsay Walton
G-BBOH Pitts S-1S, Smitty Stinks Ltd
PA474/KM-B Lancaster B.1, Battle of Britain Flight
PM631/AD-C Spitfire XIX, BoB Flt
PZ865/DT-A Hurricane II, BoB Flt
TF956/123:T Sea Fury FB.11, FAAHAF
WF791 Meteor T.7, CFS-Vintage Pair Cranwell
XH174 Canberra PR.9, 39 Sqdn Wyton
XH304 Vampire T.11, CFS-Vintage Pair, Cranwell
XV571/A F-4K Phantom FG.1, 43 Sqdn Leuchars
XV575/C F-4K Phantom FG.1, 43 Sqdn Leuchars, parked all day, spare aircraft
76020/BT (76-020) F-15A Eagle, 36th TFW Bitburg

Far side flight line and visiting aircraft park:
G-ANTE Tiger Moth
G-AVCV Cessna 182
G-AVVC Cessna 172
G-AWXU Cessna 172
G-AXOT MS. Rallye
G-AYFW
G-BANS
G-BBGG AA-5 Traveller
EI-ATC Cessna 310
EI-BCL Cessna 182
N90WT Cessna 210
VP958 DH.104 Devon C.2/2, 207 Sqdn, BoB Flt support, parked
WL757/57 Shackleton AEW.2, 8 Sqdn Lossiemouth, flew in flying display
XP331/T Whirlwind HAR.10, 2 FTS Valley Detachment, flew in flying display
XP514, XR540, XR955, XR572, XR977, XR981, XR987, XR991, XS107 & a spare - Gnat T.1s of the 'Red Arrows' team
XP741/N Lightning F.3, 11 Sqdn Binbrook
XP744/O Lightning F.3, 11 Sqdn Binbrook, spare a/c, parked
XR518 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn, SAR stand-by
XT602 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn, SAR stand-by
XV187/187 Hercules C.1, 'Red Arrows' support, flew during the display
XX750/22 Jaguar GR.1, 226 OCU Lossiemouth, flew in flying display
XV804/J Harrier GR.3, 233 OCU Wittering, flew in display
Plus 10 x Gnat T.1s of the 'Red Arrows', 9 flew their display.

Flying in the Display only
XH554 Vulcan B.2A, 230 OCU Scampton
XV217/217 Hercules C.1, 'Falcons' para-drop
XV232 Nimrod MR.1
XV357/- Buccaneer S.2, 237 OCU Honington
XX516 Bulldog T.1, 3 FTS Leeming
XX520 Bulldog T.1, 3 FTS Leeming
XX950 Tornado, BAC Warton
AF533/AR (65-533) RF-4C Phantom II, 10th TRW Alconbury
01550 (74-1550) F-5E Tiger II, 527 TFTAS Alconbury
AF376/LN (70-2376) F-111F, 48th TFW Lakenheath

By Hangars on the far side Majority flew
XF527/70 spare, XF380/72, XF509/73 spare, XG271/71 all Hunter F.6
XL566/86, XL621/81 spare, XL800/83 all Hunter T.7
XP503/03, XR535/05, XR980/17, XR951/25 spare, XP502/02 all Gnat T.1
XX165, XX166, XX167, XX173, XX174 (spare) all Hawk T.1

Far side line-up: parked, none flew
XR538/01, XP504/04, XR569/08, XM705/10, XP511/11, XM708/18, XR574/24, XP533/33, XS105/35, XP540/40, XP542/42, XS104/44, XR984/52, XS102/58, XR544/60, XR541/61, XP530/64 all Gnat T.1
XX161, XX162, XX164, XX168, XX169, XX170, XX175 all Hawk T.1

Fire Dump
WL670/P Varsity T.1
XP583/12 Jet Provost T.4

LAASI also listed Varsity WJ343/J, additional aircraft or an error for the one on the dump?

[sandyspad]

Great news Viscount and thank you for looking back into it. Sadly I don't have the means to scan my pic's of the 77 show but hopefully some members will have their own to put up.

Thank's again.

[viscount]

R.A.F. Valley Air Day, 6th August 1994

This report comes from 'North West Air News' magaine of the Merseyside Branch of Air Britain. Clearly the best of the Valley Air Shows ever in terms of numbers and diversity of aircraft types and participating air arms, including two from East of the former Iron Curtain.

The Organisersof this show must be congratulated for an excellent event. Whilst it benefitted from a mini Tiger Meet, the TWO Finnish Hawks in the static must be considered a coup. The two Portuguese Alpha Jets, Italian AMXs and Turkish F-16s are also worthy of mention.

The two Czech Mi-24 Hinds gave an excellent display (better at a small show like this as opposed to a vast event such as IAT Fairford). All this and good weather as well !

Static:
G-ATXD PA-30-160 Twin Comanche B
G-BAHL Robin DR.400/160
G-BGIB Cessna 152, Mona Flying Club
LY-AFA Iav-Bacau Yak-52
LY-ALS/69 Iav-Bacau Yak-52
LY-ALY Iav-Bacau Yak-52
RA-65760 Tupolev Tu-134A, Aeroflot/Russian AF (This a/c destroyed following a mid-air collision near Moscow 9/9/94)

N6965/FL-J (G-AJTW) Tiger Moth
WK128 Canberra B.2(TT), DRA Llanbedr
WK562/91 Chipmunk T.10, 10 AEF
WK572/92 Chipmunk T.10, 10 AEF
WK800/Z Meteor D.16, DRA Llanbedr
XK895/19:CU (G-SDEV) Sea Devon C.20, full Royal Navy colours
XT670 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn
XX162/162 Hawk T.1, Institute of Aviation Medicine
XX169/169 Hawk T.1, 6 FTS/Combined Services
XX172 Hawk T.1, St.Athan Station Flight, special dragon scheme
XX226 Hawk T.1, 74(R) Sqdn
XX249/DY Hawk T.1, 208(R) Sqdn
XX296/DR Hawk T.1, 208(R) Sqdn
XX303/PF Hawk T.1A, CFS
XX307 Hawk T.1, Red Arrows schemed
XX317/317 Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn, in 234 Sqdn marks still
XX630/A Bulldog T.1, Liverpool UAS
XX839/GW Jaguar T.2A, 54 Sqdn
XZ391/GM Jaguar GR.1A, 54 Sqdn
ZA802/W Gazelle HT.3, 2 FTS
ZA947/YS-DM Dakota C.3, BBMF
ZF408/408 Tucano T.1, 1 FTS
ZG712/F Tornado GR.1A, 13 Sqdn
ZG791/DC Tornado GR.1, 31 Sqdn
ZJ100 Hawk 102D, BAe - pale grey colours

0831 Mil Mi-17, 51 VRP, Czech Air Force
E-196 F-16A, Esk 723, Royal Danish Air Force
ET-022 F-16B, Esk 726, RDanAF
HW-312/H Hawk Mk.51, KouLLV, Finnish Air Force
HW-315/T Hawk Mk.51, kouLLV, Finnish AF
E45/330-AK Alpha Jet E, CEAM 330, French Air Force
E85/330-AL Alpha Jet E, CEAM 330, FAF
43+50 Tornado, AKG-51, German Air Force
43+83 Tornado, AKG-51, GAF
44+88 Tornado, JbG-33, GAF
46+31 Tornado ECR, JbG-32, GAF
mm7098/3-35 AMX, 3 Stormo, Italian Air Force
mm7159/3-33 AMX, 3 Stormo, Italian AF
A-226 Alouette III, 298 Sqdn, KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force
B-79 MBB Bo.105CB, 299 Sqdn, KLu, RNethAF
J-368 F-16B, 314 Sqdn, KLu, RNethAF
91-0023 F-16D, 192 Filo, 4 AJU Murted AFB, Turkish Air Force
79-102/SP F-15D Eagle, 53rd FS, 52nd FW, USAFE
84-044/SP F-15D Eagle, 53rd FS, 52nd FW, USAFE
91-0603/LN F-15E Eagle, 494th FS, 48th FW, USAFE
91-0604/LN F-15E Eagle, 494th FS, 48th FW, USAFE
158294/LL:48 P-3C Orion, VP-30 Jacksonville Fl, US Navy

(XD452)/47 Vampire T.11, nose pod only
(XX753) Jaguar GR.1, nose section only, EP&TU
.......... Hawk 100 mock-up, BAe.

No.74 Sqdn Hangar:
XX350/TC Hawk T.1A, 74(R) Sqdn

SARTU Hangar
---------- Evans VP-1, unmarked
---------- Whittaker MW.6, unmarked, but with c/no PFA164-12521 (regd G-SIXS, but not until 8.03!)
G-BSHY EAA Acrosport 1
G-MTZR Solar Wings Pegasus XL-Q
G-MWWP Rans S.4 Coyote
G-WYNS Aero Designs Pulsar XP
(XT772/8805M) Wessex HU.5, main cabin and cockpit section mounted high on interior wall of hangar, for ground training

Pleasure Flights
G-HRAY AB.206B Jet Ranger III, Direct Helicopters

Hot Air Balloon:
G-BSOJ Thunder Ax7-77 "Raleigh Bicycles"

22 Sqdn Ramp
XT601, XT602 & XV724 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn

STCAAME Ramp
XR507, XR518, XT604, XV720 & XV729 Wessex HAR.2, 22 Sqdn/SARTU.

East, Farside, Flightlines:
G-BUHC BAe.146-300, BAe
G-FLYV Slingsby T.67M, Firefly Aero Displays
G-IIIL Pitts S-1T Special
G-NWPI AS.355F2 Twin Squirrel, North Wales Police, Heddlu.
G-OJCW PA-32RT-300 Lance II
G-ORBY Sukhoi Su-26MX, Richard Goode Aerobatics
N5057V PT-13D Super Stearman, "Save the Children"
N54922 N2S-4 Super Stearman, "Crunchie"
OM-UIM Antonov An-2TP, Avia Aerobatics
RA-7504 Sukhoi Su-29, Richard Goode Aerobatics

215 (U-1215/G-HELV) Vampire T.55, Jet Heritage Ltd
124485/DF:A (G-BEDF) Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, "Sally B/Memphis Belle"
477216/AJ:L (G-BIXL) NA P-51D Mustang, "Miss L".
PS853/C Spitfire PR.XIX, BBMF
WM167 (G-LOSM) Meteor NF.11, Jet Heritage Ltd
XF690 (G-MOOS) P.56 Provost T.1, Kennet Avn
XL573/573 (G-BVGH) Hunter T.7
'XM693' (G-TIMM) Folland Gnat T.1, Kennet Avn
XS640/640 HS.780 Andover E.3, Hunting Aviation
XX116/- Jaguar GR.1A, 16(R) Sqdn, special black c/s
XX159/PA Hawk T.1A, CFS
XX161/161 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS
XX167/DB Hawk T.1, 208(R) Sqdn
XX187/PB Hawk T.1A, CFS
XX191/DT Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
XX199/199 Hawk T.1A, 4 FTS 'Black Marrows' team
XX220/PD Hawk T.1A, CFS
XX222/TJ Hawk T.1A, 74(R) Sqdn
XX235/- Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn, special solo aerobatic dragon scheme
XX244/- Hawk T.1, 74 Sqdn, special solo aerobatic dragon scheme
XX255/TE Hawk T.1A, 74(R) Sqdn
XX310/310 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS 'Black Marrows' team
XX314/314 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS 'Black Marrows' team
XX315/DA Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
XX316/DF Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
XX324/DM Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
XX349/349 Hawk T.1, 4 FTS 'Black Marrows' team
XX351/DP Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
ZA507/TJ Tornado GR.1, 15(R) Sqdn
ZD403/G Harrier GR.7, 20(R) Sqdn
ZD404/H Harrier GR.7, 20(R) Sqdn
ZE209/AV Tornado F.3, 56(R) Sqdn
ZG768/AX Tornado F.3, 56(R) Sqdn
ZF377/- Tucano T.1, 3 FTS - 'Cranwell Poachers'
ZF409/- Tucano T.1, 3 FTS - 'Cranwell Poachers'

FA-112 F-16A, 2 Sm, Belgian Air Force
FA-117 F-16A, 2 Sm, Bel AF
0216 Mil Mi-24D, 51 VRP, Czech Air Force
4011 Mil Mi-24D, 51 VRP, Czech AF, special 'Tiger' colour scheme
E11/7-PE Jaguar E, EC 2/7, French Air Force
E22/7-PI Jaguar E, EC 2/7, French AF
E25/7-PK Jaguar E, EC 2/7, French AF
15235 Alpha Jet A, 102 Esq, Portuguese Air Force
15240 Alpha Jet A, 102 Esq, Portuguese AF
595 white, Sukhoi Su.27P, Russian AF, 'Test Pilots'
598 white, Sukhoi Su.27P, Russian AF, 'Test Pilots'

Flying only
G-AEBJ Blackburn B.2, BAe
RR299/HT:E (G-ASKH) Mosquito T.3, BAe
XV252/52 Nimrod MR.2P, Kinloss Wing

Elsewhere around airfield
XR534/65 (8578M) Folland Gnat T.1, Gate Guardian
XS177/N (9044M) Jet Provost T.4, Rescue training, in its own compound
XT895/Q (9171M) Phantom FGR.2, fire dump rescue training

[Beemer]

Photos of the 1994 Valley Air Day

Photos taken by Brian Jones as prints from negatives, kindly scanned, digitised and posted by Beemer on Brian's behalf.

XX317 Hawk T.1 of 208(R) Sqdn a unit within 4 FTS


XX172 Hawk T.1 still in the red/blue scheme and flown by the St.Athan Station Flight in a unique dragon scheme


A coup for Valley, two Hawks from the Finnish Air Force, HW-312/H and HW-315/T.


I'm amazed to find just how long ago the BAe Hawk 100 was around and from the colour scheme on ZJ100 was being marketed at the R.A.F. - 15 years later and the Hawk T.2 is only now entering service.


Several units operated a single Hawk, here are XX162 of the Institute of Aviation Medicine with Finningley based XX169 of JFACSTU behind.


XX310/310 and XX349/349 were two of a four-ship 4 FTS display team oddly named the 'Black Marrows' (presumably a rhyming form of the official RAF Hawk team). Seems Valley may have been the only appearance of the team.


ZA607/TJ Tornado GR.1 of 15(R) Sqdn, official RAF Tornado solo display.


XX839/GW Jaguar T.2 of 54 Sqdn in the static


WK128 Canberra B.2(TT) from T&EE Llanbedr, note the distinctive yellow/black target tug diagonals underneath.


XV252/52 Nimrod MR.2P of the Kinloss Wing always provided size and noise dimension to any flying display.

[Beemer]

Further 1994 Air Day photos from the camera of Brian Jones, kindly scanned and posted by Beemer on my behalf.

A pair of French Alpha Jet E aircraft from training unit CEAM.


A pair of F-16s from the Danish Air Force, ET-022 a two seater F-16B, with single seat E-196 F-16A in the background.


An Air Force not often seen in the UK, even at RIAT, a Turkish F-16D 91-0023.


0831 the Czech Air Force Mil Mi-17 in the static park


Participating in the flying display, a pair of Mil Mi-24D's 0216 and 4011 from the Czech Air Force


Mil Mi-24D 4011 was decorated in a Tiger scheme.


Two of three Lithuanian registered Rumanian built Yak-52s in the static display park.


Slovakian registered, OM-UIN a PZL Polish built Antonov An-2TP of Avia International, this aircraft is still in Britain as HA-MKF.


598 white, one of a pair of Sukhoi Su.27P of the 'Test Pilots', Russian Air Force. Almost unbelievable to see these at Valley, a Station for so long at forefront of Cold War air-to-air missile development and training.

[Beemer]

One that I had missed from Idelwild's photos of Valley '85 that are topical at the moment is the HS 125 Dominie XS711/L that are to be withdrawn from service in the next few weeks.

[viscount]

1994 was the last of the (usually) every-other-year airshows at R.A.F. Valley, breaking a pattern that stretched back to 1968.

There was no show in 1995, due to base closure until July for runway resurfacing work. I seem to recall that the lack of an airshow being re-established in 1996 was blamed, at least in part, to many of the routine jobs at Valley being replaced by civilians. As a result the Officer Commanding could no longer order all personel to turn out over the airshow week-end period to do non-job description tasks like erecting crowd-line barrier barriers, organising car-parking, picking up FoD litter after the show etc.

Whatever the reason, in 1996 the event was down-graded to a families day, although clearly many of contacts made during the airshow years were still in place, as the line-up was reasonable.

R.A.F. Valley Families Day, Wednesday 17th July 1996

Static
G-AYPJ PA-28-180E Cherokee, Mona Flying Club
G-BPHO Taylorcraft BC-12D "Spirit of Missouri", with Mona Flying Club
(G-)CCCP Yak-52
G-MTDX CFM Shadow Srs.BD
G-ZAPI Cessna 500 Citation 1, Titan Airways
LY-AFB/1-12 Yak-52

RR299/HT:E (G-ASKH) DH.98 Mosquito T.3, BAe., static
XL616/D (G-BWIE) Hawker Hunter T.7, Kennet Avn
XS734/N HS.125 Dominie T.1, 55(R) Sqdn/3 FTS
XW325 (G-BWGF) Jet Provost T.5B
XX846/GV Jaguar T.2A, 54 Sqdn
ZF162/162 Tucano T.1, 1 FTS
ZG729/M Tornado GR.1A, 13 Sqdn

43+17/G-33 Tornado, TTTE, German AF
247 SA.365F Dauphin 2, 3 Support Wing, Irish Air Corps
28521/TA-521 (G-TVIJ) CCF Harvard IV

Flightline/Flying:
G-BDCS Cessna 421B, BAe
G-BWGT/ET Jet Provost T.4, display
G-RORI Gnat T.1, display
G-VLAD Yak-50. "TVR", display
XX235 Hawk T.1, 74(R) Sqdn/4 FTS, display
ZA947/YS:DM Dakota C.3, BBMF, display & flypast
ZD992/724 Harrier T.8, 899 Sqdn RN, display
ZF417/417 Tucano T.1, 1 FTS, special display markings, support
ZF446/446 Tucano T.1, 1 FTS, special display markings, display
472773/AJ:C (G-SUSY) P-51D Mustang, "Susy", went 'tech'

Pleasure Flights
G-AIDL DH.89 Dragon Rapide, Air Atlantique

Flying Only
XV232/32 Nimrod MR.2, Kinloss Wing
ZA---/B--- Tornado GR.1, TTTE, special display markings
ZH10- Sentry AEW.1, 8 Sqdn/23 Sqdn
4 x Jaguars, simulated airfield attack (1 camouflaged, 3 grey)
10 x Red Arrows Hawk T.1s, although only 8 displayed.

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

Next event I can find in the magazines is the first Valley Aviation Society/Valley base enthusiasts 'photocall'.

25 Years of the Hawk Photocall
RAF Valley, Friday 20th August 1999.

Static
G-BWGT (XR679) Jet Provost T.4, Jet Provost Club, black with flames colour scheme
WV318/- (G-FFOX) Hunter T.7B, Delta jets, all black
XS709/M Dominie T.1, 55(R) Sqdn/3 FTS
XX154 Hawk T.1, DERA Llanbedr, special 25th Anniversary markings
XX158/158 Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn, special 25th Anniversary markings
XX159/159 Hawk T.1A, 208(R) Sqdn
XX160/160 Hawk T.1, 208 Sqdn
XX161 Hawk T.1, 19(R) Sqdn
XX172 Hawk T.1, 19(R) Sqdn, special Dragon marking
XX174/174 Hawk T.1, 19(R) Sqdn, special 25th Anniversary markings
XX236/236 Hawk T.1, 19(R) Sqdn, special 25th Anniversary markings
XX244/244 Hawk T.1, 208(R) Sqdn, partial former display colours, yellow cheat line full length of fuselage
XX258/258 Hawk T.1A, 74(R) Sqdn, NSPCC badge
XX352/CP Hawk T.1A, 100 Sqdn
XZ587, Sea King HAR.3, 22 Sqdn C Flt.
ZF515/515 Tucano T.1, 1 FTS
ZJ100 Hawk 102D, BAe Warton
ZJ241/L Griffin HT.1, 60(R) Sqdn/SARTU
98790 (69-8790) MH-53J, 21st SOS 352nd SOG, USAF
FA131/FS F-16A, 2 Sm, Belgian AF

Visitors
XX838/R Jaguar T.2, 16(R) Sqdn
ZE702 BAe.146 CC.2, 22(TR) Sqdn

Flying Only
WK128 Canberra B.2(TT), DERA Llanbedr, flypast
ZA449/Q Tornado GR.1, 13 Sqdn, airfield attack
ZD402/31 Harrier GR.7, 20(R) Sqdn, display
ZD996/I Tornado GR.1A, 2 Sqdn, airfield attack
ZG467/57 Harrier GR.7, 20(R) Sqdn, airfield attack
ZH665/S Harrier T.10, 20(R) Sqdn, airfield attack
plus a further 13 Sqdn Tornado - all 3 Tornados performing an airfield attack.

Gate Guardian
WV396/91 Hunter T.8C, red/white 4 FTS training colours

Based Aircraft Noted:
19(R)Sqdn: XX167, XX169, XX185, XX198, XX234, XX240, XX278, XX281, XX284, XX307, XX309, XX321, XX324. Four flew an airfield attack

74(R)Sqdn: XX168, XX189, XX224, XX256, XX303, XX316, XX318, XX329, XX332, XX348, XX350. Four flew a four-ship display

208(R)Sqdn: XX177, XX185, XX204, XX225, XX228, XX245, XX250 (but wearing 100 Sqdn markings), XX283, XX287, XX290, XX314, XX339. Of these 9 (plus a spare/coach) flew a 'diamond nine' formation. Also provided a Hawk for a BAe.146 & Hawk formation and another Hawk in formation with the Delta Jet's Hunter.

Unit unknown: XX181 (special NSPCC markings), XX239, XX345 (special NSPCC markings)

60(R)/SARTU, Griffin HT.1: ZJ239/R, ZJ240/U, ZJ242/E.

22Sqdn, Sea King HAR.3: XZ594

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

The following year, the 2nd V.A.S. photocall was combined with the disbanding of No.74 Squadron, again with an interesting line-up.

Photoshoot 2000,
Mini Tiger Meet, disbandment of 74(R) 'Tiger' Squadron
Friday 22nd September 2000.

Static
WV318 (G-FFOX) Hunter T.7B, Delta Jets & displayed
XR679 (G-BWGT) Jet Provost T.4, Jet Provost Club
XW293/2 (G-BWCS) Jet Provost T.5B, Jet Provost Club
XX199 Hawk T.1, 74(R) Sqdn, large tiger tail motif
XX235 Hawk T.1, 19(R) Sqdn/ 4 FTS, special display colours
XX350 Hawk T.1, 74(R) Sqdn, large tiger tail motif
ZE292/AZ Tornado F.3, 56(R) Sqdn
ZH800/716 Sea Harrier FA.2, 899 Sqdn RN, displayed & refuelled.

FB-04 F-16B, 31 Sqdn, Belgian AF
FA-08/BL F-16B, 31 Sqdn, Belgian AF
64/330-AQ Mirage 2000C, CEAM/EC.5.330, French AF
112/12-YC Mirage 2000C, E01.012, French AF
523/12-YS Mirage 2000D, E01.012, French AF
628/330-AE Mirage 2000D, CEAM/EC.5.330, French AF
44+88 Tornado, AKG-51, German AF, large nose leaping puma motif
45+67 Tornado, AKG-51, German AF, impressive tail tiger motif

4 x 74 Sqdn Hawks: XX216, XX250, XX283 & XX318 performed a formation salute and airfield attack routine.

2 x 54 Sqdn Jaguar GR.3s: XZ117/EP & XZ369/EF performed an airfield attack.

Also, parked on VAS apron: G-AZLN PA-28 Cherokee & G-DCEA PA-34 Seneca.

No indication of any routine Hawk activity, Griffins and Sea Kings visible etc.

[Beemer]

The first Valley Aviation Society Photocall, August 1999, celebrating 25 Years of the Hawk.

Brian Jones' prints, kindly scanned, digitised and post by Beemer, to whom many thanks.

Special event logo was applied to the tails of several Hawks


XX244/244 of 208 Sqdn still in partial solo aerobatic mount colours from the previous season.


XX172 with its wonderful dragon scheme was now on the strength of 4 FTS, the unique scheme having been retained when repainted black overall.


XX352/CP of 100 Sqdn from Leeming wearing the JFACSTU badge on the tail.


The oldest Hawk present, XX154 of DTEO Llanbedr, looking attractive in 'raspberry ripple' scheme.


BAe Hawk LIFT (Lead In Fighter Trainer) demonstrator from BAe. at Warton. Very different from the grey scheme worn when at Valley Air Display 1994.


Hawker Hunter T.8C WV396 in 4 FTS markings, mounted 'on a pole' as gate guardian, replacing the former Gnat T.1.


Delta Jets' WV318 an all-black painted Hunter T.7B, not representing a famous 111 Sqdn coloured aircraft, but 208 Sqdn (note flash behind cockpit).


Imaginatively coloured Jet Provost T.4 G-BWGT

[Beemer]

Photos from the 1999 first V.A.S. photoshoot. Brian Jones' prints, scanned and posted by Beemer

ZF515/515 Tucano T.1 from 1 FTS, now also in all gloss black scheme


For now still retaining the red/white/grey training scheme, although soon also to adopt the all-black scheme, is Dominie T.1 XS709/M of 55(R) Sqdn.


Belgian Air Force F-16A, FA-131 with recently applied base code 'FS'


The MH-53J 95790 of 21st SOS/352nd SOG could never be considered a pretty helicopter!


C Flight of 22 Squadron had only exchanged its Wessex for Sea King HAR.3s during summer 1999


Being in the wrong location, facing into bright light is a common photographic problem at Valley. Distant silhouettes of 3 Tornado GR.1s about to demonstrate an airfield attack.