An iconic aircraft saved from the scrapheap by enthusiasts has made another historic journey, this time by road.
The Cold War era F-4 Phantom II known as Black Mike has arrived at RAF Cosford after years spent stored in a shed at the former air base at Leuchars.
The jet, famous for its record-breaking 590-mile run from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just 47 minutes and 44 seconds, will now be prepared for display at the Shropshire base’s air show in June.
Black Mike’s last flight was in 1992 and with its airborne days long gone it had to be taken to pieces for the 346-mile journey in a convoy of lorries.
Members of the British F4 Phantom Aviation Group, which campaigned to save the aircraft when the RAF put it up for sale two years ago, spent 11 months dismantling it for the journey.
The engine was removed and the wings taken off to ensure its safe transport.
It will now be restored to exhibition standard.
Black Mike was one of 150 F4s which flew with the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arms as well as the RAF from 1969, and is one of the few surviving fast jets of its type.
Although an American design, the UK’s Phantoms were a special batch built separately and containing a significant amount of British technology, including Rolls-Royce engines.
The airframe, known as Black Mike due to its unique paint scheme applied by 111 Squadron when it retired in 1988, was put up for sale before the closure of the Leuchars base.
David Butterfield from the British Phantom Aviation Group, said members were extremely honoured to play their part in preparing Black Mike for next year’s RAF Cosford air show.
“Our hardworking, dedicated team of volunteers have shown outstanding knowledge, skills and aptitude to make the move from RAF Leuchars happen,” he said.
“We look forward to working with RAF Cosford over the coming months and we are certain that the aircraft will be a great attraction as part of the RAF100 static displays.”
Air show operations manager Peter Reoch added: “The Royal Air Force’s Phantoms played a critical role in defending the UK’s airspace during the height of the Cold War.
“It will be the first of many aircraft which will be transported by road to RAF Cosford over the coming months specifically for display at the air show.”
