Buccaneer
The Buccaneer is a two-seater that was originally produced for carrier-based duty with a low-level strike and attack capability. Following the Suez operation in 1956 the Fleet Air Arm was on the threshold of another new era with more powerful strike and all-weather fighters coming along, the Sea Vixen, the Scimitar and the Buccaneer. 1978 saw the end of conventional fixed wing flying with the withdrawal of HMS ARK ROYAL. A new generation began with the commissioning in 1980 of the first of three light aircraft carriers, HMS INVINCIBLE. These carriers are fitted with another British invention, the ski jump, which enables vertical take off Sea Harriers to carry a much greater load when taking off with forward thrust. The Buccaneer continued in service with the UK RAF as a land-based aircraft with maritime missions.
