Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP, 35mm SLR, results

All pictures on this page courtesy of Mr. E, Walker, the Spotmatics orginal owner. One of 'The Ark's' resident helicopters that stand by during launch and recovery processes just in case someone ends up in the drink. A wise precation as naval aviation is statistically about the most dangerous form of aviating you can take part in. This Wessex HAS1, serial XS880 joined the Royal Navy in February 1966 and was signed off 8/5/75

An F4J Phantom spools up both Spey engines, lights up the reheat against the raised blast shield and screams at the restraints whilst everything is checked for a few seconds to make sure it keeps running before.....

...The Ark's steam catapault launches the Phamtom off the angled deck. The hydraulic extra nose leg extension ensures a healthy angle of attack. Whilst the subject of the photo maybe a little blurred - it certainly adds atmosphere.

The ungainly, but strangely attractive form of a Fairey Gannet AEW3 approaching Ark Royal to land, the hook down ready to catch a wire. Aside from it's Airborne Early Warning tasks, the Gannet also acted as the ships postal service on occasions. This aircraft, XP226, survived it's Royal Navy service, spent some time as a 'gate guardian', languished outside until it got a bit tatty but finally landed back on firm ground and now lives in a warm hanger at the Newark Air Museum.

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