McDonnell-Douglas Phantom FGR.2 Alcock and Brown XV424 1979 scheme by Artist Paul Couper AGAvA

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first Atlantic Crossing by John Alcock and Arthur Brown , this very special scheme was applied to FGR.2 Phantoms, XV424 and XV486. The scheme was designed by Aviation Artist Wilf Hardy and completed by W.O John Cooper, Sgt. Ken Lilicoe and their volunteer crew. XV424 would complete most of the flying duties with XV486 as the reserve aircraft. 

In addition to the Atlantic Crossing, the scheme also commemorated the association of Rolls-Royce with both the Eagle engines in the Vimy of Alcock & Brown and the Spey engines of the British Phantom. The 30th Anniversary of NATO was also recognised.

To fly the aircraft, the nephew of John Alcock, Sqd Ldr A.J.N Alcock and F/L W.N Browne were selected. A trans-Atlantic flight took place from Goose Bay, Newfoundland with the original 'twinkletoes' mascot taken aboard the original aircraft also on board for this flight. 

The aircraft would spend the next month doing multiple shows and events before returning to front-line service. 

XV424 would be one of the last RAF Phantoms to leave service and today rests in the RAF Museum, Hendon wearing her 56 Squadron colours.

Paul Couper's aviation art print is a fitting tribute to the both the Vimy and Phantom crews and Rolls-Royce.