Restoration of Javelin XH892 (part II) ………
Following on from the earlier article on the restoration of this aircraft, Peter Nobbs and Gwen Jackson with help from David Wright have taken most of the summer repainting our Gloster Javelin. It now looks resplendent in its new coat of paint and is an impressive sight at the entrance to the museum. The paint team have now moved onto the next restoration and details of that will be provided in a later post.
Well done all; it looks great as you arrive at the museum.
Author :: Pam Veale
The aircraft ……
As for HX892, the aircraft was built in 1958 as an R(AW).7. The Javelin was the world’s first twin engine delta-wing fighter and was designed as a long endurance, all weather, high level, high-speed interceptor. XH982 was initially stored at 5MU Kemble until July 1959 when it was converted to an F(AW).9 F/R standard. The aircraft served initially with 23 Squadron at R.A.F Coltishall, then at Marham and briefly to Horsham St Faith. The aircraft was then deployed to Singapore and on to Leuchars, before joining 64 Squadron at Binbrook. In 1965 it joined 29 Squadron in Cyprus. In 1967 the aircraft was in storage at 27MU Shawbury and then it was allocated to the RAF Museum as an instructional airframe, going on to the Reserve Collection at the R.A.F. Museum at Colerne until the museum closed. The aircraft was sold in 1976 and moved to be displayed at the IWM Duxford, finally coming to Flixton in 1983.
Well done to the paint team.
My father actually flew Javelin XH892 in 23 Squadron.
I must arrange to visit her with him.
Regards,
Richard