FlyPast 06.2018

100 FLYPAST June 2018

FROM THE WORKSHOP HARRIER

Marham paint shop on January 31
this year. The team had to handle
it with kid gloves to transport it by
road to Yorkshire without a scratch.
The project was due to conclude
at the same time as the RAF 100
celebrations began in April 2018,
however at the time of writing there
was still some work to be done. The
final element involves rebuilding

and restoring internal cockpit parts

and refurbishing the ejection seat.

Once the items have been refitted,

a new ‘old stock’ canopy, along with

overhauled wheels and tyres, will

provide the finishing touches.

In April 2015 we had the privilege

of reuniting Sqn Ldr Tom Lecky-

Thompson with his mount. In a very

emotional day Tom, now in his 80s,

was back in the cockpit for the first

time in over four decades. We are

hoping he will come back for the roll-

out ceremony when we’ve been able

to finalise a date.

The Harrier’s future is now secured

with its new owner, who is as

passionate about it and its history as

everyone who has been involved in

the project.

Although XV741 is part of a private

collection, the owner is looking

for a suitable museum to take the

aircraft on short-term loan, so the

restoration work can be enjoyed by

the public for two or three years.

Museums interested in displaying

this incredible Harrier should

contact Jet Art and form a

queue! http://www.jetartaviation.co.uk

“The Harrier’s future is now secured

with its new owner, who is as

passionate about it and its history

as everyone who has been

involved in the project”

Loading the wings ready for the

journey back to Jet Art.

The fuselage of XV741 on cradles outside the

Marham paint shop, January 2018.

Applying stencil details inside the Marham

paint shop. GRAHAM HALL

The long-range ferry tanks completed.

Framed by the nose of GR.3 XZ130, GR.1

XV741 having arrived back at the Jet Art

workshop, January 2018. ALL COURTESY JET

ART AVIATION UNLESS NOTED