IT was an emotional day as a historic aircraft left Bournemouth for its new home this afternoon.

The Sea Vixen, which has been based at the airport for more than a decade, flew off in the capable hands of Jonathon Whaley as it joined the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, the charity that supports the Royal Navy Historic Flight, at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset.

 

Read a factfile about the Sea Vixen here and see more pictures here

For Jonathon, a well-known face at Bournemouth Air Festival as the owner and pilot of the colourful Miss Demeanour Hunter jet, it was a day with much personal emotion – he is the last pilot still flying that flew the aircraft operationally with the Royal Navy.

Speaking before heading off from DS Aviation at Hurn, he told the Daily Echo: “It’s a huge honour and it’s a significant milestone for me personally.

“This particular aircraft I flew just over 44 years ago with 899 Squadron from HMS Eagle.

“With this aircraft I go back to 19-years-old, in 1967.”

Capable of supersonic speeds, the Sea Vixen, originally built as a fighter jet, was restored in the hangar at Hurn and will continue to wow crowds on the display circuit, including at the Bournemouth show.

Jonathon added: “Yeovilton is the home base for the Sea Vixen aircraft and it’s her historic home.

“The major part of her restoration took place here (in Bournemouth) and the Sea Vixen has the history with Bournemouth construction-wise, so it’s sad she’s leaving.

“They’ve had her a long time here and I’m sure she will be back for the air shows.”

The De havilland DN110 Sea Vixen FAW is the only airworthy example of her kind in the world.

It could carry all airborne weapons up to nuclear bombs as well as fulfilling the role of in-flight tanker.

In the custody of outgoing owner Julian Jones, it has held the honour of being the fastest privately-owned aircraft in Europe, capable of flying at supersonic speeds.

Today also saw the world's only two airworthy Lancasters fly into Bournemouth Airport.