BELOW In one piece and bearing a pair of dummy Firestreak missiles on its starboard wing, Vixette “XJ603/246”
provides an unusual sight for passers-by behind the fence at a Royal Navy base. There appears to be very little
information regarding the true identities of the Sea Venoms — unless a TAH reader can provide chapter and verse!94 THE AVIATION HISTORIAN Issue No 16BELOW The genuine article — a pair of early production Sea Vixens take off in formation, the nearest, XJ490,
carrying four Firestreaks on its underwing hardpoints, the furthest toting a pair of auxiliary fuel tanks. The Sea
Vixen entered operational service with No 892 Sqn in July 1959, the Sea Venom leaving front-line service in 1960.With no easy reference points by which to judge its
size, Vixette “XJ602/247” is easily mistaken for the real
thing, and is seen here at Lee-on-Solent in August 1963
with its outer wing panels removed. The real XJ602 was
delivered to the Fleet Air Arm in October 1960 and was
retired after an eventful career in late 1973.
MIKE STROUDAUTHOR’S COLLECTIONAUTHOR’S COLLECTION
TAH ARCHIVE