On the 31st of March 1994, the Blackburn Buccaneer retired from RAF service. 30 years on, The Buccaneer Aviation Group continues to preserve 2 running examples of this fine aircraft, XX894 and XW544, at Cotswold Airport.

To commemorate this anniversary, the group put on an event showcasing these 2 airframes as well as numerous Buccaneer cockpits from around the country which travelled in for the event. The day started off with 894 starting, and performing a few figure-of-eights and hydraulic demonstrations such as wing folding, air brake and bomb bay door operations. Unfortunately, it suffered from a braking issue meaning it was unable to perform the fast taxi as planned

Thankfully, 544 was able to step in and shoot itself down the runway! I knew I only had one shot at taking this image, so I am glad my attempt at panning was a success...

It was a brilliant day, treated by lovely weather just after the aircraft had finished performing, but it did produce some nice moody shots...