RAF Abingdon Battle of Britain Airshow 1985

The airshow at RAF Abingdon took place annually in September. In those days there was far more variety of classic aircraft in attendance than what you find today at contemporary airshows. The photographs below show that variety and and also detail many aircraft that have disappeared from the airshow scene. Just before closure RAF Abingdon carried out aircraft maintenance to BAe Hawk and Sepecat Jaguars. I well remember being at RAF Abingdon when test flights took place on Jaguars. Standing by the crash gate and seeing an overhauled Jaguar taking off with full reheat engaged was a sight to remember.

RAF Abingdon closed 31 July 1992 and was taken over by the Army being renamed Dalton Barracks.

Thankfully, airshows have again started at Abingdon so there is still the chance visit the airfield and see flying taking place. For those who would like to know more about the current airshows at Abingdon please see the link below.

http://www.abingdonfayre.com/

Page Photo Index - Aircraft Within This Gallery

Westland Gazelle HT.3 - XZ941 (B) No 2 FTS RAF Shawbury - Sepecat Jaguar T.2 - ZB615 - IAM Farnborough
General Dynamics F-16A - 81-0713 - BAe 125 CC.3 - ZD703 - No 32 Squadron Northolt - Canadair CT-133 Silver Star - 133345 - Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1 - XX552 (08) - De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 - WP805 (D) - Westland Puma HC.1 - XW236 (CQ) - De Havilland DH.104 Dove 6 - G-ARDE - Westland Sea King HAR.3 - XZ594 - McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 - XV406 (K) - Lockheed Hercules W.2 - XV208 - Douglas C-47B Dakota 4 - G-AMSV
Panavia Tornado F.2 - ZD903 (AB) - Boeing E.3A - LX-N90456 - English Electric Lightning F.6 - XS929 (DG)
Panavia Tornado F.2 - ZD933 (AO) - BAe Harrier GR.3 - XW763 - HS Andover E.3A - XS639 - BAe Hawk T.1 - XX176