Page 45 - Cranwell Photographs

RAF Pictorial
45
The 1980s and 1990s
Top left: In the early 1970s, the Jet Provost T.4s were replaced by the pressurised T.5. The flying training element of the RAF College became known as the Basic Flying Training School and by early 1980 had standardised its fleet on the Jet Provost T.5A, a later variant of the Mk.5, identifiable by the handle-shaped glide slope aerial, on the nose. This example, XW334 '39', was photographed at its home base in 1980. MAP.
Centre left: Several Bulldog T.1 primary training aircraft have been in use at Cranwell in the last few years. This example, photographed in July 1993, is believed to be one of the half dozen or so operated by the Royal Air Force College Air Squadron. This unit provides air experience flying for the cadets of the Department of Initial Officer Training. XX700, coded 'B1 ', has the blue fuselage band, blue/white/red vertical stripes on the tailplane, and in a nice flashback to the 1930s - quartered wheels. MAP
Below: In 1991 No.3 Flying Training School at Cranwell began to phase out the Jet Provost in favour of the Shorts Tucano T.1 - a marque developed from the Brazilian Embraer Tucano - and by April 1993 had 59 of the type on strength. ZF295 was seen at the 'Battle of Britain' Air Show at Finningley on 19th September 1992. The tradition of the light blue/dark blue 'Cranwell' fuselage band continues to this day. MAP.