Latest Updates

Another event that occurred during the recent working weekend at Manston was the handover to the BPAG of the two flying helmets obtained and refurbished by Paul West. These are dedicated to the memory of the only two aircrew lost whilst flying the F-4J(UK), Flt Lt Ewan Murdoch and Fg Off Jeremy Ogg.

These have been donated to the Group and after a suitable cabinet has been obtained, they will be ready for display when events and gatherings are permitted once again. Many thanks to Paul for his hard work and generosity.

Our friends at the 74 Sqn Association are making available for sale copies of Marie Brown’s stunning pencil drawing titled “Once, I feared no man” depicting ZE360 at Manston. The original graphite pencil drawing has been reproduced as a Giclee Open Edition Print printed on 255gsm Somerset Enhanced Velvet paper by an award winning print studio. The Mounted Print version measuring 16 x 12 inches is priced at £36.00 including UK postage and packing.The Print only version, Paper Size 13.75 x 10 inches is priced at £26.00 including UK postage and packing. Contact webmaster74tigersquadron@yahoo.com to purchase.

1st August saw the biggest working party the BPAG has assembled so far recommencing work on ZE360. Our aims for the weekend were the removal of both outer wings, the fuselage tailcone, replacing the deflated RH mainwheel and continuing access to the internal structure.

The aircraft has stood outside, fairly close to the sea for nearly 30 years, which means that almost every single part is corroded and stuck- fasteners, panels, connections and hinges. Despite this hinderance, both outer wings were removed (a major milestone in the project) hydraulic reservoir bay was stripped out and tailcone was removed. All achieved under the full glare of the sun while perched on a stainless steel surface that you could have cooked eggs on…well done and many thanks to our team of vounteers.

More pics available on the ZE360 Restoration Gallery.

The third version of our new patch design, which celebrate BPAG projects past and present, is now available from the webstore. This new version features XT597 in its original A&AEE ‘Raspberry Ripple colourscheme and all profits will go to support BPAG activities.

This traditional style woven cloth patch measures approximately 8.5cm diameter/3.5inches (the standard military patch size) and has a merrowed edge, to strengthen and avoid fraying.

Check it out here- http://www.phantomerchandise.co.uk/patches/xt597-patches