Cold War Jets Bruntingthorpe
27 May 2018
HS Buccaneer S.2B XX900
Bruntingthorpe’s Cold War Jets Open Days have for some years have been a highlight on many an avaition enthusiasts calender, so it was with some alarm that part way through 2017 it was announced that the August Open Day, planned for that year, would be cancelled due to operational reasons that were prevailing at the airfield. When this type of announcement is made it often spells the end for long established events, but thankfully this was not to be. Large numbers of cars were stored on the main runway which curtailed proceedings, however, a small informal event did go ahead on the planned August date so all was not lost.
On 27 May 2018 Cold War Jets was once again held but this time the whole event had been turned through 180 degrees to be located at the Gilmorton end of the runway. This gave the participating aircraft more room to stretch their legs, although at a reduced speed. The event was back on track with catering and aviation themed traders being in attendance on the day, with many attendees leaving with wallets less full.
On the day the event was well patronised as enthusiasts and public alike travelled from far and wide to witness taxi runs, which included three HS Buccaneer S2Bs XW544, XX894 & XX900, Vickers VC10 K.4 ZD241, Handley Page Victor K.2 XM175, BAC Jet Provost T.3A XM365 & T.5A XW290, Hawker Hunter T.7 XL565, English Electric Canberra B.6(MOD) WT333 and BAC Lightning F.6 XS904. In addition making a very welcome return to a running condition after some years absence was former Boscombe Down based de Havilland DH106 Comet 4C XS235 (G-CPDA) Canopus. Eastern Bloc representation came in the the form of an Aero L-29 Delphin & a PZL Iskra. A small contingent of static airframes were also towed up to the display area to add to the Cold War atmosphere, as well as replicating a scene from airshows long since gone.
On 27 May 2018 Cold War Jets was once again held but this time the whole event had been turned through 180 degrees to be located at the Gilmorton end of the runway. This gave the participating aircraft more room to stretch their legs, although at a reduced speed. The event was back on track with catering and aviation themed traders being in attendance on the day, with many attendees leaving with wallets less full.
On the day the event was well patronised as enthusiasts and public alike travelled from far and wide to witness taxi runs, which included three HS Buccaneer S2Bs XW544, XX894 & XX900, Vickers VC10 K.4 ZD241, Handley Page Victor K.2 XM175, BAC Jet Provost T.3A XM365 & T.5A XW290, Hawker Hunter T.7 XL565, English Electric Canberra B.6(MOD) WT333 and BAC Lightning F.6 XS904. In addition making a very welcome return to a running condition after some years absence was former Boscombe Down based de Havilland DH106 Comet 4C XS235 (G-CPDA) Canopus. Eastern Bloc representation came in the the form of an Aero L-29 Delphin & a PZL Iskra. A small contingent of static airframes were also towed up to the display area to add to the Cold War atmosphere, as well as replicating a scene from airshows long since gone.
HS Buccaneer S.2B XW544
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BAC Jet Provost T.5A XW290
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de Havilland DH106 Comet 4C XS235 (G-CPDA) Canopus
English Electric Canberra B.6(MOD) WT333
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BAC Lightning F.6 XS904
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As the day closed and the crowd dispersed some very ominous looking storm clouds gathered and thunder could be heard in the distance. This was a most appropriate ending to a day remembering the Cold War, when at the time no one quite knew if and when the storm would come, which in the end, thankfully it did not. It’s sobering to note that several of the pilots taking part on the actual day of the event, were ready to answer the call to arms all those years ago, had the Cold War turned hot.
BAC Lightning F.3 XR718 (XR713) & F.6 XR728
There are plans in place for Cold War Jets to be held again on 26th August 2018, so thanks must go to the airfield’s owners for allowing this iconic event to continue.
Hawker Hunter T.7 XL565
de Havilland DH.110 FAW.2 XJ474
Avro Shackleton MR.3/3 WR974
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