Shuttleworth Navy display 1989 - updated 24-2-17

[comet4]

And now for something completely different.
One of the most enjoyable shows that I attended last year was Shuttleworth's "Fly Navy" day which featured the mighty Sea Vixen.
I was surprised, when looking through some old pictures, to see that I attended a show with a similar theme in 1989. The RN put on a great selection of aircraft that day.
Of interest is the ill fated Firefly of the RNHF and the rarely seen Sea Heron.

Graham

[AMB]

Can't ever remember seeing a Heron in a flying display? Not even at any of the Navy Air Days.

[st24]

Can't ever remember seeing a Heron in a flying display? Not even at any of the Navy Air Days.

One performed in a flypast with a Sea Devon and Jetstream at VL in 1981 but other than that... Incredibly rare, miffed I missed this one!! I recall a Navy day in '75/'6 with Buccaneer, Gannet, Sea King, Wasp etc..

[comet4]

Following the interest in the Sea Heron, I thought that this picture might be of interest as well.
It was taken at an airshow at Lee-on-Solent in 1978. Admittedly, it was taken as the aircraft was taking off but did not display.

Graham

[iainpeden]

And look at those Wessexes - or should that be Wessexi?

[capercaillie]

And look at those Wessexes - or should that be Wessexi?

And those freeloaders - stop the show!

[Mister G]

The 781 NAS formation of Sea Heron, Sea Devon and sometimes Wessex was a regular feature of Lee on Solent Air Days, I'll have a dig and see if I can find a picky or two

[comet4]

We seem to be losing the thread a little. If the lovers of all things Wessex would like to see more pictures from the 1978 Lee-on Solent show, you can go to the following link
viewtopic.php?f=40&t=49599

I have added a few more pictures from the Shuttleworth show. All of them feature RN aircraft with the exception of the privately owned Venom masquerading as a Sea Venom.

Graham

[Ryan.]

What an airshow!

[DeanW]

Ooft that support is incredible. Would love it if the Navy sent some more modern mil to this year's show.

[King Cobra]

Ah, the days of great shows at Old Warden. Happily such days seem to be returning.