A world record for the fastest time between John O’Groats and Land’s End was set on February 24, 1988, by RAF Phantom “Black Mike,” which traveled that distance in 46 minutes and 44 seconds at an average speed of 772.19 mph
2018 marks both the Royal Air Force’s centennial and the 30th anniversary of one of its record-breaking accomplishments. The world record for the fastest time between John O’Groats and Land’s End was established on February 24, 1988, by an RAF aircraft (McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom XV582) of the 43(F) Squadron, traveling at an average speed of 772.19 mph.
In order to commemorate this accomplishment’s 30th anniversary, the British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) brought the aircraft’s original crew back together with it. On August 12, 2018, RAF Cosford hosted this event. Paul Wright, the BPAG’s chairman, said:
“We are proud and happy to finally bring back together XV582, pilot John Brady and navigator Michael Pugh for the first time since their record-setting flight, over 30 years ago. To hear their recollections and stories of that day firsthand was truly wonderful and inspiring.
“Today’s event is made more poignant as it takes place during a year that has seen the aircraft displayed to the public once again and its future secured. We would like to thank RAF Cosford and, in particular, WO Steve Brown for providing us with the facilities to host today’s event, which will be the final appearance of the aircraft at Cosford before it moves to a new home”
Delivered to the RAF in May 1969, XV582 is a K model (designated FG.1 in UK service) derivative of the F-4 Phantom. It operated with the 43(F), 111(F), and ultimately 228 OCU Squadrons. The aircraft’s distinctive paint scheme made it earn the nickname “Black Mike.” 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.
The aircraft was disassembled, transported from Scotland to RAF Cosford, and then restored in time for a temporary exhibition at the 2018 Cosford Airshow. The aircraft is currently owned by GJD Services and maintained by the British Phantom Aviation Group. The aircraft was then relocated to a new location in St. Athan, South Wales.
Photo by John Kendal, Ian G. Topham / British Phantom Aviation Group and Mike Freer – Touchdown-aviation via Wikipedia
