Unusual plane over Audlem

At around 4.10pm yesterday afternoon, a BAC Strikemaster (ground attack version of 'jet provost') passed east-to-west over the north of the village. These planes were mainly intended for use by the Saudi Royal Air Force and many were bought by them in the early 70's.

My own father worked on this aircraft in the late '60's at BAC Warton and was responsible for the design of the anti-stall strakes under the nose. The enabled the plane to land at lower and safer speeds below 130mph without the danger of a sudden stall.

To prove the point, the one flying low this afternoon was seemingly going quite slowly for a jet!

It seems it was on its way to the Southport airshow on Saturday. I guess it will stay at RAF Woodvale for the next day or two.

First flown in 1967, the aircraft was a light attack or counter-insurgency aircraft, but most large-scale purchasers were air forces wanting an advanced trainer although Ecuador, Oman and Yemen have used their aircraft in combat. A total of 146 were built.

Capable of operating from rough air strips, with dual ejection seats suitable even for low-altitude escape, it was widely used by third-world nations. Aircraft retired by Botswana, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and Singapore have found their way into museums and private collections.

Approximately 11 privately owned Strikemasters are still flying.

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