The story
The Buccaneer was designed for one job: flying under a fleet's radar at high speed and 100 feet to hit it before anyone could react. It was heavy, strong and remarkably fast on the deck, and it served the Royal Navy, the RAF and South Africa for over 30 years. Its last act was designating targets with laser for the RAF in the 1991 Gulf War, and the RAF retired it in 1994.
The Buccaneer's rotating bomb bay door carried the weapons on its inside face, so the bay stayed streamlined even when it opened at low level.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Buccaneer?
A long, fat fuselage with a pinched waist behind the wing, a big T-tail with a bullet fairing, and the tail cone split into airbrakes. Parked jets often sit with their wings folded.
What does a Buccaneer sound like?
Two Speys at low level: a flat, tearing roar heard a moment after the jet has gone.
How fast is the Buccaneer?
Top speed is 580 kts.
How many people does the Buccaneer carry?
Typical configuration: Tandem two-seat strike.
How far can the Buccaneer fly?
Range is about 2,000 nmi.
How big is the Buccaneer?
It is 63 ft 5 in long and 44 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Buccaneer first fly?
Its first flight was in 1958.
How many Buccaneers have been built?
211 built.
What do crews call the Buccaneer?
The Bucc.
How rare is a Buccaneer in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Buccaneer catch is worth 250 points.
