England

Farewell to the RAF Brampton Phantom

The aircraft guarding the gates to RAF Brampton has been dismantled, in preparation for the station’s closure next year.

More than 100 staff bid a formal farewell to the Phantom XT914 as they took part in the last photograph that will be taken of the aircraft in its current state. Engineers will soon be removing the wings and other parts to enable it to be transported in pieces to Wattisham Flying Station.

RAF Brampton has said a final farewell to its long serving Gate Guardian the Phantom XT914. In preparation for the RAF station’s closure at the end of 2013 the Gate Guardian is to be dismantled and taken to Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk.

Station Commander for RAF Brampton Wyton Henlow said: “It is very sad to see the Phantom go. However it is part of the continuing drawdown of personnel and equipment at RAF Brampton leading up to the Station’s eventual closure at the end of 2013. I’m delighted that the Phantom will not be scrapped but will return to its original home at Wattisham where it will be restored and displayed as part of their historical aircraft collection.”

The Phantom will be refurbished when it arrives at Wattisham Flying Station, and will be displayed as part of the Wattisham Heritage Museum.

Maggie Aggiss Curator of Wattisham Heritage Museum said, “I can’t wait for it to arrive, so that we can get started on the refurbishment and finally display it. I remember when the Phantoms flew at Wattisham so it will be lovely to have this one back home!”