<< Previous Next >>

De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2


De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2
Photo Information
Copyright: Andy Manning (toucan1967) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 716 W: 131 N: 809] (4425)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-05
Categories: Daily Life, Transportation, Event, Action
Camera: Canon EOS 40 D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Army, Navy, Air Force - part 2, aeroplanes 2, Anything to do with aviation, RNAS Yeovilton Airday 2008 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-07-07 9:19
Viewed: 365
Points: 11
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is the De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2, it's another shot from the show at RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)

PP
Converted from RAW
Cropped
Highlights/Shadows
Resized for TL
USM

Manufacturer: de Havilland
Purpose: Two Seat Carrier-borne All Weather Interceptor
Crew 1 PILOT, 1 OBSERVER
Max Speed (sea level): 560 knots (1038 Km/h)
Cruising speed: Approx 450 knots (833Km/h)
Service ceiling: 48,000ft (14,630 m)
All-up weight: 35,000 lb (15,867 Kg)
Weapons: 4 x Firestreak AA Misiles, 4 x Microcell 51mm rocket packs, 2 x 1000lb iron bombs, 2 x Bullpup Missiles, Red Top All aspect missiles
Range: 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 Km)

TYPE HISTORY
The prototype Sea Vixen made its maiden flight on the 26th of September 1951. The production aircrafts maiden flight was on the 20th of March 1956 with the first front line squdron being equipped from the 2nd of July 1959. The FAW 2 variant first flew on the 8th of March 1963 and entered serevice with No. 899 squadron in December 1963.

On the 5th of April 1956 a Sea Vixen made its first carrier landing on HMS ARk Royal. Sea Vixens served with a number of squadrons including 890, 892, 893, 899 and 766B. Sea Vixen FAW 1's were phased out of service from the 7th of October 1966. FAW 2 variants lasted until 1972 before being retired.

The Sea Vixen was a development of an RAF requirement based upon the DH110 that required a swept wing two seat fighter aircraft. Seavixens acheived a number of "firsts" when it entered service. It was the first swept wing aircraft to serve with the Fleet Air Arm, the first British aircraft with an integrated weapons system and the first to carry guided missiles rather than guns. In 1961 the squadron establishment rose from eight to fifteen per squadron in order to make better use of the carriers accommodation.

The FAW 2 is a direct development of the FAW 1 and the majority of FAW 2 aircraft were converted FAW 1's, although 29 new aircraft were constructed. The FAW 2 had a number of improvements over the FAW 1, such as increased fuel capacity in the permanently fitted over wing tanks plus the ability to carry the Red Top AA missile. The gave the Sea Vixen the ability to launch all aspect attacks. An improved escape system for both the pilot and the observer was fitted. Also updated avionics and improved AI 18 intercept radar plus wide band homers for detection of enemy radar was fitted.


Role
The Sea Vixen was designed and operated in its primary role as a fighter providing airborne cover for the carrier and fleet. It could deliver a considerable strike at sea and ground targets using its considerable array of weapons. Sea Vixens saw action in Aden where they were used in support of British security forces. They were also used in southern Africa where they took part in the Beira patrols in support of the oil embargo of Rhodesia.
johnnymag, perryhooter, lisapw1, rewind has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekLens members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekLens members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Andy,

Can't believe no points yet for this wonderful capture. It oouzes nostalgia for me. I remember these in service (god that ages me!)

Great image, very sharp and everything hanging out! Well done and TFS,

John

Hiya Andy

Oh wow another stunning shot here, you really have got the hang of that new lens my friend. This is agan magazine razor sharp and really excellent positioning,

TFS regards Helen

Hey Andy,

As the Valley Girls would say, "you are like right under the plane"! Terrific point of view with nice details. I don't think I've ever seen one of these. Interesting notes too.

Cool Shot Fav! Lisa

very nice picture! I will; add this in my "Aeroplanes" theme. I hope you dont mind

Some interestingly looking aircraft.

Good catch, with details underneath.

TFS
Thomas
:)

Spot on for details and clarity plus a very interesting note. I thought at first that it was a Vampire but a second look shows that this is a bigger and heavier aircraft. In 1952 there was a bad crash at Farnbotough air show when an early version of the DH110 broke up over the crown killing the pilot and co pilot plus 29 spectators.
Regards, Les

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF