Buccaneer1992 - 1994 (4)

Buccaneer 1992 - 1994 (4)

In between practices, which required pretty much both Sqns’ full strength of aircraft and crews, 208 took a short trip to Norway in support of Ex Bold Game, once again those pesky Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) were on the receiving end of some D3 (short range Laser-Guided Bomb (LGB)) tactics. We also managed to fit in a detachment to IAB Decimomannu in Sardinia – normally the playground for RAFG Tornados. Whilst there, we conducted an Armament Practice Camp (APC) and made use of the Air Combat

Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) facility against Italian F104s. It was a great opportunity for the Sardi to see what the mighty Banana jet was capable of, although the final fly past was not up to our usual standard. On our return, it was all hands to the pumps in preparation for the QBFP, eleven aircraft from 208 deployed to RAF Manston and the joys and delights of Ramsgate. The locals didn’t know what had hit them and with eight Buccs lining up on the runway at the same time, the noise was awesome. Needless to say the fly-past was a great success, although Rich’s guarantee not to take the sixteen IMC was perhaps misguided.

Another milestone was completed later that month, when we managed to get our hands on four AIM 9G missiles. Despite not having a QWI(P) left, due to early postings, and not having had anyone fire a missile other than on a QWI course, we managed to hack together the profiles, deploy to Valley and successfully fire all four missiles without a glitch. Now in her final year, we still were conducting trials: one involved testing the Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) capabilities of Sea Eagle, and another proved the effectiveness of the Blue Parrot versus the Tornado. All came up with the same conclusion: 'The Buccaneer was Best'. In many ways, business continued as normal: in July we deployed for the final time to Cyprus for the usual night flying, we then sent five Buccs (and thankfully a Hunter) to Aalburg for TFW 93. Having to find Jon Parker on the final morning and then having to do some crew changes to get him home, proved highly memorable. We also got involved in Ex Solid Stance in September. This saw us operating in the South - Western Approaches, beyond Western Ireland and up to the South Norwegian Sea.