These stunning photographs showcased in this article were captured at the former RAF Kemble Base, now known as Cotswold Airport, and feature two remarkable Blackburn Buccaneer strike aircraft (XW544 and XX894).
The captivating images featured in this post were recently taken by the talented photographer Andrew Timmerman from Finn Aviation Photography. He had the privilege of capturing these shots at the historical Royal Air Force (RAF) Kemble Base, which has been transformed into Cotswold Airport. The focus of these photographs is on two iconic Blackburn Buccaneer strike aircraft, namely XW544 and XX894.
Timmerman shared insights about the event: “The event was meticulously organized by Threshold.aero. The day kicked off with an Anti-Deterioration run on both engines of Buccaneer XW544. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the spotlight turned to XX894 for a mesmerizing wing folding shoot.”
Threshold.aero is renowned for arranging regular photoshoots at diverse locations across the UK, exclusively tailored for aviation photographers to capture those exceptional shots that truly stand out.
According to The Buccaneer Aviation Group (TBAG), both XW544 and XX894 are Buccaneer S.2Bs that once served honorably in the ranks of the RAF. Currently, XX894 is adorned with the livery of Fleet Air Arm Buccaneer XV869 ‘020,’ which pays tribute to the Buccaneer’s service in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, just a few weeks before its retirement.
After their retirement from active duty, both XW544 and XX894 found a new purpose at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground. These aircraft actively participated in fast taxi runs during numerous Cold War Jet and TBAG events, captivating aviation enthusiasts with their power and grace.
As previously reported, in 2020, the era of witnessing vintage Cold War jets performing fast taxi runs along Bruntingthorpe’s extensive runway sadly came to a close. Following extensive deliberation, The Buccaneer Aviation Group made the decision to relocate both XX894 and XW544 to Cotswold Airport. This thriving aviation hub provides an ideal environment for these aircraft to continue their signature performances—thundering down the runway in a display of pure exhilaration.
The Blackburn Buccaneer stands as a testament to its robust design as a carrier-borne strike aircraft, serving with distinction in both the Royal Navy and later with the RAF. Engineered from the ground up for low-level operations across land and sea, the Buccaneer boasted an exceptionally strong airframe that could withstand the challenges of its missions.
The Buccaneer made its debut in service trials with the Royal Navy in 1961. After retiring from naval service due to carrier decommissioning, 62 Buccaneers transitioned to the RAF. This fleet was further bolstered by an additional 49 newly constructed Buccaneers, featuring enhanced specifications including increased weight capacity, larger weapons bays, greater fuel capacity, and the ability to carry a 16,000-pound weapon load.
Notably, 16 Buccaneers found a new home in the South African Air Force.
During its tenure with the RAF, the Buccaneer was equipped with laser targeting equipment for ‘Paveway’ laser-guided bombs, earning its place of honor during the First Gulf War in 1991.
