The Captivating History of the Blackburn Buccaneer Aircraft
The stunning photographs featured in this post were captured at the former RAF Kemble base, now known as Cotswold Airport. They showcase two remarkable Blackburn Buccaneer strike aircraft, namely XW544 and XX894.
These captivating images were recently taken by our talented friend, Andrew Timmerman, from Finn Aviation Photography. The event was organized by Threshold.aero, a group that specializes in aviation photography, and it took place at the former Royal Air Force (RAF) Kemble base. The day began with an Anti-Deterioration run on both engines of the Buccaneer XW544, followed by a striking photo shoot of XX894’s wing folding after sunset.
Threshold.aero is known for hosting regular photo shoots at various locations in the UK, focusing on providing aviation photographers with the opportunity to capture unique shots.
According to The Buccaneer Aviation Group (TBAG), both XW544 and XX894 are Buccaneer S.2Bs that served in the RAF. XX894 is currently painted to represent Fleet Air Arm Buccaneer XV869 ‘020,’ just a few weeks before its retirement, as a tribute to the Buccaneer’s service in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Following their retirement, both XW544 and XX894 became part of the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground. These aircraft participated in fast taxi runs at nearly every Cold War Jet and TBAG event. However, in 2020, the era of witnessing vintage Cold War jets performing fast taxi runs on the two-mile-long runway at Bruntingthorpe sadly came to an end. After extensive deliberation, The Buccaneer Aviation Group decided to relocate both XX894 and XW544 to Cotswold Airport, where they could continue doing what they do best – blasting down the runway!
The Blackburn Buccaneer was a rugged carrier-borne strike aircraft that served with distinction in both the Royal Navy and the RAF. Designed from the outset for low-level operations over land and sea, the Buccaneer boasted an immensely strong structure.
The Buccaneer entered service trials with the Royal Navy in 1961. After the retirement of their carriers, 62 Buccaneers were transferred to the RAF, supplemented by an additional 49 ‘new-build’ Buccaneers. These newer aircraft featured an increased all-up weight, larger weapons bays, enhanced fuel capacity, and a 16,000-pound weapons load.
Sixteen Buccaneers were sold to the South African Air Force. In RAF service, the type was equipped with laser designation equipment for ‘Paveway’ laser-guided bombs and served with distinction during the First Gulf War in 1991.
The last Buccaneers were retired from RAF service in 1994, marking the end of an era for these iconic aircraft.
