Collections sold, aircraft grounded, some high-profile tragedies — the UK’s classic jet scene has experienced a difficult few years. How do those on the inside view it? Aeroplane canvassed the views of several British ex-military jet operators to find out
BRITISH EX-MILITARY JETS
When looking at the historic aircraft that are preserved as airworthy machines in the UK today, it is very clear that a large void has opened up over the last few years with regard to classic jets. Of course, it is quite normal for collections to come and go, but the owners and operators of historic military jets have diminished significantly in number. Very few new owners have entered this arena, and Britain has seen around 25 such aeroplanes either being withdrawn from display flying, sold, grounded or lost since 2010.
