" From my logbook the a/c was XV 495. We flew a FIPZ patrol as a pair of F4s with AAR support. Practice intercepts and practice visual identification. Couple of days later it was Airbridge back to Blightie. The sensory difference from a South Atlantic winter to England in mid summer was quite something..."
Was the starting / warm up procedure vastly different in the Falklands? Thinking icing , lubes coming to temp etc?
VH "..no it was the same. As long as you had a short taxi the engines had time to heat through..."
The a/c is well armed, even has a gun. I read that you were usually armed to the teeth on every sortie ..just in case
VH "..we weren't there to be messed with so routinely flew with a full weapons load..."
Below Vernon Harrod photo - flying to Ascension Island 1983
also on this blog;
British Phantom pilot training here
F-4 Phantom Squadrons in the RAF in 100 photos here
Phantom Pharewell - German Air Force JG 71 Richthofen F-4F's retiring this weekend here
Phantom Pharewell - German Air Force JG 71 Richthofen F-4F's retiring this weekend here
More on RAF Phantoms - a brief history here
