Lockheed Orion MR.1P: Royal Air Force 42 Sqn

Glenn
Umm... Dutch There is something wrong with the text on these photos? Or is the photo of a CIA operated Orion showing here in the wrong place? Curious? Another project on my bucket list too! But in 1/72 scale. I believe they had rearward firing sidewinders fitted ? IR suppressed tailpipes on the engines, Cut down smaller diameter props and other lumps and bumps fitted underneath and a cut down tail section along with the observation dome in front of the tailfin 🙂

Dutch
Yes, Glenn, you are correct. I believe this photo was taken soon after the bird was returned to Navy control at NAS Alameda, in May of 1967. I mis-captioned it when I posted, but have fixed it now. Reade's book: "Age of Orion" has a three page section (pp. 104-106) on the CIA Orions and another section on "Unaccountable Orions" on pp. 150-151. And yes, I know about the extra mods. I thought to make this a Whiffie project to depict a RAF Orion MPA using the IFR probe in Hemp c/s. But, I may just do the all black bird instead. Thanks for tuning in. R/ Dutch

Glenn
Arrh me understand now! I think i have that book somewhere???? In my bookshelf which is behind a very large stack of kits!!! The rear facing sidewinders would be a surprise for any Mig following! 🙂

Glenn
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see another pic of the CIA P-3
beyondthesprues.com/..dex.php?topic=1517.0

also [img1]

Dutch
Glenn, Yes, I have the SS P-3 Orion in Action book also. The SS book better shows the chopped down propellers, while the phot I posted shows full size props, most likely used for the ferry home.