Tag Archives: royal navy

The Royal Navy Comes to Farnborough

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Scan 2-1586.jpgAnother flashback post today.  This one is an old Farnborough airshow and it included a rather large flying contribution from the Royal Navy.  I don’t now recall exactly why the Navy was so committed to this show.  This wasn’t even on the public show days when the display is often modified for the public from the format used for the trade days.

Scan 2-1585.jpgThe main element of the display was six Sea Harriers.  These were FRS1 models prior to the F/A2 upgrade program.  The aircraft took off in groups of three and included a formation hovering routine with the jets arrayed along the runway providing a jet in front of most of the viewing crowd.  Some fast flying was also a part of the display of course.

Scan 2-1579.jpgHelicopters also contributed to the display and the low speed capabilities of the Harrier meant that it was possible to combine the fixed and rotary elements together in one formation.  The whole thing made quite an impression as a recall.  The sound of six hovering Harriers was certainly enough to give the eardrums a workout!

Diesel Submarines

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Scan 2-904.jpgThe Royal Navy’s submarine fleet is entirely nuclear powered. In the 80s, though, this was not the case. The Navy then still had a substantial fleet of diesel subs. The Oberon Class of subs was available in numbers along with the remaining Porpoise Class that preceded them and these were due to be replaced by the Upholders. Only four of those were built and they were sold to Canada when the decision was made to get rid of the diesel fleet despite their outstanding stealth qualities. When I went to Navy Days in Portsmouth in the 80s, you could see the subs on display. HMS Dolphin was just across the harbor and was the headquarters of the sub operations. One visit included the chance to see a sub in dry dock – something I suspect would not be left on view these days.

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Farewell to the Junglies

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Scan 2-583.jpgThe end of the line has come for another UK military type.  The Sea King HC4 has come to the end of the line for the Royal Navy.  The Navy operated many Sea Kings in the anti-submarine role and for search and rescue before the Commando role was taken on.  The Wessex fleet was aging and Westland had already come up with an assault version for the export market.  Distinguished by its lack of radome and sponsons, the RN decided to use them as the replacement for the Wessex.  I have seen them on many occasions.  Living near Portsmouth as a kid, they frequently flew by.  I also saw them at Navy Days.  However, I have far fewer shots of them than I expected.  They were not big airshow regulars.

Scan 2-611.jpgThe Junglie name had come from operations before their time and will, I suspect continue with their replacement in service, the Merlins that have been transferred from the RAF.  With over 30 years of service, I guess they have done their job well.

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