First Wire

Royal Navy Sea Vixen Air Defence Fighter

890 Sqn Fleet Air Arm

( Painted Jun 2002 )

Depicting a Royal Navy Sea Vixen; quite a large aeroplane for carrier operations, and unusual in its twin boom tailplane arrangement.  248 is seen landing armed with 4 SNEB Rocket launchers in addition to an external fuel tank and "buddy-buddy" refueling pod on the starboard side which enabled it to become an airborne fuel tanker.  This is an essential option for Carrier Ops beyond the diversion range of a land base.

Positioning in the circuit to land is a second aircraft in which the unusual shape of the aeroplane can clearly be seen.  The cockpit canopy is offset left of centre, the second crew member being buried in a small cabin within the aircraft fuselage.

fairey gannet, gannet, aew, royal navy, fleet air arm, charles mchugh, global aviation art

© Charles McHugh 2002

[Home]  [Gallery]  [Artist]  [Email]