Yorkshire-built jet is back in style for Thunder Day flight

Built in Brough, East Yorkshire, and having flown in the Gulf War’s Desert Storm, it would go on to set new records with its transatlantic flights.

Now the strike and reconnaissance craft, retired from action at the Yorkshire Air Museum, has been re-decked in its original livery and rolled out once again for public viewing.

“There is no doubt that Buccaneer (Hawker Siddeley) XN974 now looks absolutely pristine in the striking sea grey colours with white undersides and Fleet Air Arm decals, as if it had just come off the production line at Blackburn’s Brough factory,” said museum director Ian Reed.

“It is a thing of beauty and is a tribute to the skills of Andre Tempest as an aircraft painter and Grant Sparks and other Aircraft Heritage volunteers who have contributed greatly.”

The Buccaneer’s re-paint was unveiled by Commodore Paul Sutermeister, president of the Royal Naval Association North East Region, before crowds yesterday. It will be one of seven aircraft to take part in the museum’s Thunder Day on Sunday, marking the 53rd anniversary of its first flight.