SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1a, XZ356/EP ‘Mary Rose’ RAF No.6 Squadron, Operation Granby, 1991

Royal Air Force Jaguars from Coltishall were amongst the first British aircraft to arrive in the Gulf, in support of Operation Granby in 1991.  Wearing the distinctive desert pink camouflage over-wash, a number of the aircraft also benefitted from the addition of individual nose artwork, showcasing the artistic talents of RAF personnel.  Jaguar XZ356/N carried the nose artwork ‘Mary Rose’, which included the image of a rather sinister looking sea witch. This aircraft was to see extensive action during her Gulf deployment, completing 33 combat missions against strategic Iraqi military targets.  On return to the UK, XZ356 was yet another RAF Gulf War aircraft present at the 1991 Mildenhall Air Fete.  2016 will see the RAF commemorating the 25^th anniversary of their contribution to Operation Granby.

Regarded by many as one of the most attractive jet aircraft to enter RAF service, the SEPECAT Jaguar was an Anglo-French collaboration to produce a supersonic training aircraft, as a replacement for both the Folland Gnat and the Hawker Hunter.  As is often the case with multi-nation projects, differing requirements led to a very different aircraft being produced – the only pilots the new Jaguar would train, would be Jaguar pilots.  The new Jaguar would actually be produced as a low-level, strike aircraft, with a reputation for being rugged and reliable – a fully loaded aircraft was actually operated from the M55 motorway.  Although never required, this would have allowed RAF Jaguar aircraft to be dispersed at unusual locations around the UK, in the event of a large scale European conflict.