Hawker Bustard (F15) - April 1998 - Operation Lycaon - Updated (less talk)

[benskipper]

The first Bustard flown from Hawkers fast jet proving airfield at Hucknall in 1974 was. Powered by twin Bristol Atlas engines the aircraft was capable of phenomenal speed and range.

The aircraft shown belongs to Flt Lt Matthew Thandi – Clarke of 550 Sqn, Strike Command, based at RAF Embakasi, Kenya. Both 550 and 79 Sqn were tasked with strike missions in support of the Kenyan Light Infantry Battle Group against targets in the Azania State of Somalia where enemy troops were laagered.

It is armed with Bristol Weasel Air to Air missiles as defence against Messerschmitt ME 462's (BRC Code Name: Fishbed) that were being operated by HRE personnel in theatre.

The finish is Tropical Number 2 (Monsoon), the Lion rampant was adopted by Sqn's who were active during the Great Nubian war (1921 – 1924), at the time 550 Sqn used their Vimy Bombers bombing targets along the Nile from Southern Sudan up towards Cairo.

[NARSES2]

Really nice