Dick Searles. Observer.

Dick Searles was part of the lead in test and development team for the Phantom F4K Royal Navy version, before it saw front line service.

The Rolls Royce Reheating Spey engines were developmental at the time and needed to be changed after most test flights.

He had previously been a highly experienced ex Royal Naval Sea Vixen Airman.

Dick Searles pictured here (centre) at Edwards Air Force base in August 1969 for the Hot Weather Trials. The airframe was the McDonald Douglas prototype.

Left. Dennis Sharpe: (Performance Engineer) Centre: Dick Searles. Right: Sqn Ldr. Graham Williams RAF.

archive. Dick Searles. Observer.

Heavy and Ready

How much can you hang on ?