Newark Air Museum embarks on Sea Vixen repaint

Naval all-weather fighter latest exhibit at Nottinghamshire museum to receive refresh

At the Newark Air Museum, volunteers have recently embarked on a partial repaint of de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW2 XJ560.

As with the museum’s Fairey Gannet AEW3, XP226, this work had been planned for 2022, but it was delayed by the major repaint required on Avro Vulcan B2 XM594. In recent weeks, some surface preparation has been carried out on the upper surfaces of the Sea Vixen, and the first primer has now been applied to the nose.

XJ560 entered Fleet Air Arm service in 1960, then as an FAW1 model. It was upgraded four years later to FAW2 standard. Retired during 1970, the aircraft went to the Newark Air Museum in 1986

Work begins on the Newark Air Museum's Sea Vixen during early May, with the Gannet alongside.
Work begins on the Newark Air Museum's Sea Vixen during early May, with the Gannet alongside. HOWARD HEELEY