Phantom Black Mike’s new house was in South Wales

Black Mike left RAF Cosford after a year following its well-received appearance at the RAF100 celebration during the 2018 Cosford Airshow

The most recent development in the life of Phantom FG.1 XV582 “Black Mike” was just announced by the British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) in collaboration with GJD Services.

One year after landing at RAF Cosford and following its well-received visit at the 2018 Cosford Airshow’s RAF100 celebration, “Black Mike” moved once more. This time, the location was St. Athan, South Wales.

Gary Spoors, the owner of GJD Services, acquired XV582 from the MoD in 2016. Since then, XV582 has been handled by the BPAG, who oversaw the challenging task of removing the aircraft from RAF Leuchars and refurbishing it for a temporary exhibition. The aircraft had to relocate, nevertheless, in order for the restoration work to be allowed to continue since its time at RAF Cosford came to an end.

Paul Wright, Chairman of the BPAG said “The facilities that GJD have at St Athan are the ideal environment for this to take place and we are looking forward to starting work at the earliest possible opportunity. At an appropriate point during the restoration, we would love people to come and see what we’ve been up to. This will, however, be subject to the health & safety situation onsite and be at the owner’s discretion. So, watch this space.”

The aircraft’s dismantling began at RAF Cosford on the weekend of October 6 and 7, 2018, and was finished by the end of that month.

On February 24, 1988, Black Mike, flying at an average speed of 772.19 mph, set a world record for the quickest trip between John O’Groats and Land’s End. His time was 46 minutes and 44 seconds.

Delivered to the RAF in May 1969, XV582 is a K model variant (designated FG.1 in UK service) of the F-4 Phantom. It operated with the 43(F), 111(F), and ultimately 228 OCU Squadrons. The aircraft was the first Phantom to log 5000 flying hours and broke the speed record from John O’Groats to Land’s End. It was used for display by 228 OCU until it was retired.

Photo by Mark Lamont / British Phantom Aviation Group