Navy Wings has worked hard in the face of this year’s pandemic to adapt, innovate and re-focus our business planning to ensure we’ll be back in the air again next year. We are also looking at many new creative ways to bring the heritage experience of naval aviation to our supporters and wider audiences.
One of the aircraft we have had to consider carefully has been the Sea Vixen. It has now been over three years since her text book wheels up landing at Yeovilton which unavoidably resulted in considerable damage to the aircraft. Despite conducting a fundraising appeal and an extensive search for either an individual or an enterprise to underwrite the repairs, which are estimated at just over £2M, we have been unable to find anyone or raise the required funds. Consequently the Board of Trustees has reluctantly made the decision to stop investing vital funds into preparing her for flight.
Instead we will now focus our efforts on the Sea Fury FB11 and aim to get her flying alongside the Sea Fury T20 making a magnificent Sea Fury Pair.
It is difficult having to make choices between historically important and beautiful aircraft. They all have their place in our story. We will not do anything to render the Sea Vixen unfit to fly in case someone comes forward in the future and she will continue to be a star attraction at Yeovilton Air Day. This classic Fleet Air Arm fighter and icon of the Cold War will always have a special place in the hearts of many and continue to impress and inspire for years to come.
