Displayed in the Desert Storm colours as operated by 6 Sqdn from Bahrain in 1990

Stored at AMARC since April 1981. Scrapped in 2008. Photographer unknown

Constructed as a Kestrel FGA.1 by Hawker Siddeley at Dunsfold, this aircraft was one of a handful assigned to the Tripartite Evaluation Squadron at West Raynham in 1964. After testing was concluded in England at the end of 1965, six of the aircraft were sold to the US for further testing. They were re-designated as the XV-6A and given USAF serials, this one being 64-18264. The initial conclusion was that there was not a need for such an aircraft in the US forces, but of course history proved otherwise, the AV-8 becoming a great success in the USMC

Taking off on Rwy 30 after a fuel stop heading for home.

Despite expensive enquiries I have not been able to determine the authenticity of this unusual paint job. Pima's site states that these are RAF test colours from 1961 at Dunsfold but I think it more likely that the colours were simply inherited from the previous private owner who had the aircraft painted like this, perhaps to look like an Indian Gnat/Ajeet. Pima's Head of Collections was very helpful in correspondence, but we were not able to resolve this question. What we do know is that the aircraft was used by the A&AEE, Bristol Siddeley Engines and the RAE before becoming a ground trainer.

Many Goshawks can be found at NAS Meridian, home of TW-1 training US Navy and Marines jet pilots.

Many Goshawks can be found at NAS Meridian, home of TW-1 training US Navy and Marines jet pilots.

Aircraft was operated by Viasa and carried full Viasa colours on the other side. It was the first production 880M, not taken up by Capital Airlines and used for tests until 1963. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

Many Goshawks can be found at NAS Meridian, home of TW-1 training US Navy and Marines jet pilots.

The bort code is visible, just, on the tail boom behind on the ground.

Arriving on the scheduled service from Newark, flight CO16. Previous identity D-ADGO of Lufthansa.

Lockheed Martin Corp. executive transport.