carried semi-recessed under fuselage
stations. They could be supplemented by four
heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinders mounted on
two inner wing pylons.
From 1978, Sky Flash missiles replaced
the Sparrows, with the AIM-9G exchanged
for all-aspect -9Ls from 1988. The formidable
SUU-23/A gun pod, housing a GAU-4/A
20mm six-barrelled rotary cannon, could be
carried on the centreline stores station.
ENTRY INTO SERVICE
The rst production FGR.2, XT891, passed
through RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland
on July 20, 1968, destined for 228 OperationalConversion Unit (OCU) at RAF Coningsby,
Lincolnshire. The training unit was officially
established on August 1, 1968 gaining the
‘shadow’ 64 Sqn designation in 1970.
The rst OCU course graduated on
May 2, 1969, the 24 aircrew becoming
operational as 6 Sqn just a few days later.
They were joined at Coningsby by 54 Sqn
on September 1, 1969 and 41 on April 1,- All three were assigned to the quick
http://www.aviation-news.co.uk 43
carried semi-recessed under fuselage Above: A 6 Sqn Phantom (FGR.2 XT895/P) Conversion Unit (OCU) at RAF Coningsby,
in 1974. The Aviation Photo Company
Main photo: A pair of 29 Sqn FGR.2s –
XV412/H is leading, with XV485/W as
wingman. Key Collection