The Blackburn Buccaneer was a low level penetration strike aircraft that first flew on 30 April 1958. She was in service first the Royal Navy then the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force between the years of 1962 and 1994.
The Buc’ is without a doubt one of the sexiest aircraft to grace the skies. Not to mention extremely effective at low level against potential enemy warships transiting the North Sea during the bad old days of the Cold War.
This week’s aviation time waster is a series of videos featuring this wonderful aircraft:
Oh yeah, if you have the money to burn to convert to jet noise you can go strap one on in South Africa. Incredible Adventures is your place.
“This week’s aviation time waster is a series of…..”
Hush yo mouf!
There ain’t no such thing as an aviation time WASTER! There very idea is almost bordering on sacrilegious on a site such as this… LOL.
Loving the Vids… keep ‘em coming.
Thanks. Just posted another on the B-58.
Reblogged this on Bring the heat, Bring the Stupid and commented:
The Buc has long been one of my favorite planes. And take a look at the tiny decks Brit aviators flew from.
Okay, while the airdales get their jollies from those, the bottom one with the Buc’s on HMS Arc Royal is just a snipped from the 12 episode BBC 1976 “Sailor” series, about 30 minutes each. Similar to the PBS “Carrier” series. (And proof that sailors all have much in common!)
Everyone should watch all 12 episodes, available on YouTube starting at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsdBsiXtXaA
Pass the popcorn…and the rum.
Word of warning- the final one is sure to bring tears to anyone who has sailed a ship which has eventually found its way to the breakers.
Thanks for sharing that. Was going to me next search
For a video clip of Buccaneers in South African service (on the occasion of their retirement), see:
The commentary is in Afrikaans, but the pictures speak for themselves. The Buccaneer was the launch platform for South Africa’s first ‘smart’ weapons, that destroyed a strategically vital bridge near Cuito Cuanavale in Angola in early 1988. Here’s a picture of a SAAF Buccaneer with a H-2 (later renamed Raptor I) guided weapon beneath its port wing:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/405254_10151159746381095_764704987_n.jpg
Hope you like the different perspective.
Peter, I’m unable to view the video.
I also enjoyed your features on the SAAF over the past few months. Do you recommend Dick Lord’s books on the Angola War/SAAF to learn more?