(All images by Dave Harding)
One of two derelict airframes located at West Freugh, a decommissioned RAF station, was F-4 Phantom XT852. This particular aircraft was an American YF-4M which was used solely as a prototype test-bed in the development of the British FGR.2 version. It was also the first one to be painted in RAF colours but was never entered into active service.
It is perhaps ironic that an aircraft of such significant historical importance should end up abandoned in the corner of a disused airfield!
(Above: the other derelict airframe, Argosy C.1 XN817)
In accordance with the CFE (Conventional Armed Forces in Europe) Treaty of 1990, the USA had stipulated that it’s decommissioned aircraft could not be disposed of to non-government organisations. This resulted in several offers from museums and individuals across the UK to acquire XT852 for restoration and display being rejected by the MOD.
Finally, after languishing on the dump for over a decade, this valuable part of Britain’s aviation heritage was scrapped on site on July 20, 2011.
Keep reading – Explore for Phantom Graveyard at RAF Wattisham
