Thunder & Lightnings - Fairey Gannet

Fairey Gannet
Survivor XA460
750 Sqn ATC, Aeroventure, Lakeside and Leisure Complex, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

XA460 retired in 1970 and was sold to the Flintshire College of Technology. Flown from Lossiemouth to Hawarden in 1971, she was towed behind a tractor to the college and used the Aeronautical Engineering Department for training purposes until 1995, when she became a gate guardian displayed in front of the college's main building. XA460 was once in good condition but the Welsh climate and the sea air had not been kind to her; covered in algae, showing signs of corrosion with damage in places and the canopy frames were so rotten she was open to the rain - no doubt the cockpits were total disaster areas. She really was a sad sight. In mid 2003 the college donated her to 750 (Thorne) Squadron ATC in Doncaster, and she was to be moved to the Aeroventure museum there but sadly the move to Doncaster was not handled well. The nose was hacked off; one prop blade was badly bent and another broken off when the nose gear collapsed. Others were then cut off so the nose could be lain on its side, which caused another to be bent too and the canopies to be smashed. An object lesson in how not to begin a restoration! Since her arrival at Doncaster slow but steady work has taken place on her, and she is slowly beginning to look like a Gannet again.

Information on this page current as of 29/03/2009

Find other photos of XA460 on the following sites:

Air-Britain - Airliners.net - Airplane-Pictures.net - flickr.com - IrishAirPics.com - JetPhotos.net - PlanePictures.net

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