Jaguar marks half century with fast taxi

Jaguar GR.1A XX741 completed the memorable run at Bentwaters in May

Bentwaters Cold War Museum near Woodbridge, Suffolk was the venue for a Jaguar Veterans fast taxi event on May 13. The spectacle, which took place in front of 75 former Jaguar pilots and personnel marked the 50th anniversary of the jet entering RAF service.

The highlight was a fast taxi by former Jaguar Standards and Evaluation officer (and ex-OC BBMF) Ian Smith in GR.1A XX741, including a brake parachute deployment. The jet’s quick release bay panels were opened for people to view equipment familiar to many of them, and a celebratory group photo was taken. The museum hopes to arrange a public taxi event later in the year. With thanks to Al Vernon

Guests with XX741 on May 13
Guests with XX741 on May 13 Courtesy Graham Haynes