Phantom XV582 ‘Black Mike’ Is Safe But Still Needs Your Help

As our regular readers will know, WarbirdsNews believes strongly in championing the preservation of vintage aircraft whenever possible. When we learned earlier this year that a historic RAF McDonnell Douglas Phantom II FGR.1 XV582 nicknamed “Black Mike” was in danger of being scrapped, we promptly rolled off a social media campaign to help the the people trying to save and preserve the aircraft.

We are happy to announce that the British Phantom Aviation Group and the Save Black Mike Group have joined forces and were successful in their bid to purchase the aircraft for preservation. They now need to raise the capital to complete the transaction, and have started an official fundraising page. They will then transport the aircraft from the soon-to-be-closed RAF Leuchars to her new home at the former RAF Bruntingthorpe. Here she will join a burgeoning fleet of retired, but actively taxiable ex-RAF historic jets.

To contribute with a donation click HERE.

As the members of the Save Black Mike team say, “This is an urgent appeal and represents what in all probability is the last chance to preserve a live Phantom aircraft in the UK. We are a team of current and former forces personnel with a huge amount of Phantom experience. Our aim is to acquire XV582 and to move the airframe from its current home at RAF Leuchars to Bruntingthorpe Airfield in Leicestershire. There it will be extensively refurbished and preserved for the enjoyment of the public as a significant heritage asset. The ultimate aim of the group is to bring the airframe up to ground running condition.

This appeal is to cover the cost of the initial acquisition and the transportation costs involved in the move to Bruntinthorpe. If we are successful a Phantom Phan club will be formed to help support the ongoing restoration.

The aircraft will be acquired by a CIO charitable foundation so no individuals with have a claim to it and no-one will benefit financially from this fundraising effort. 100% of your donations will go straight to helping to acquire and preserve the aircraft. If we fail to acquire the aircraft all money that has been received from this appeal will be either returned or donated to charity in a 50/50 split between the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Fly Navy Heritage Trust at the discretion of the individual benefactors.

Any enthusiasts and followers who wish to help save “Black Mike” can learn how to do so via the websites: www.xv582blackmike.co.uk which is dedicated to XV582, or The British Phantom Aviation Group (www.britishphantomaviationgroup.co.uk).”

To contribute with a donation click HERE.

Many thanks for any help you can provide!