Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XW544 The Buccaneer Aviation Group

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XW544 | The Buccaneer Aviation Group

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XW544 undertaking an engine anti-deterioration run at Kemble Airfield,

STATUS: Ground Running
LOCATION: Cotswold Airport, Gloucestershire
OWNER: The Buccaneer Aviation Group
ROLE: Maritime strike aircraft
BUILT: 1972
LENGTH: 19.33 m (63 ft 5 in)
WINGSPAN:
ENGINE: 2 × Rolls‑Royce RB.168 Spey Mk.101 turbofans
MAXIMUM SPEED: 670 mph, 1,070 km/h Mach 0.95
RANGE: 2,300 mi, 3,700 km

Introduction

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XW544 is one of the most historically interesting surviving Buccaneers, notable for its unusually short RAF flying career, long preservation life, and eventual restoration to fast‑taxiable condition. Delivered in 1972, she served with both 15 and 16 Squadrons at RAF Laarbruch before being withdrawn early due to persistent fuel‑system issues. Today, XW544 is maintained by The Buccaneer Aviation Group at Cotswold Airport, where she remains a fully functioning ground‑running aircraft and a key part of the UK’s Buccaneer heritage.

Construction, Delivery & RAF Service (1972–1983)

Buccaneer S.2B XW544 was delivered to the Royal Air Force in June 1972, entering service with 15 Squadron at RAF Laarbruch. In 1979, she transferred to 16 Squadron, before returning to 15 Squadron in 1982

Although structurally sound, XW544 became known for persistent fuel‑system leaks, which frequently kept her inside the hangar and limited her operational flying time. Following the crash of Buccaneer XV345 during Red Flag 1980, the entire fleet underwent wing‑spar inspections, further reducing her time in the air.

By 1983, after barely a decade of service, XW544 was formally withdrawn and flown to RAF Shawbury for storage on 4 July 1983. Only a small number of components were removed, including her engines, which were replaced with non‑serviceable units for training purposes. She was later allocated to No. 2 School of Technical Training, coded 8857M, before returning to storage and eventually being dismantled for disposal in 1993.

Bruntingthorpe Era (2004–2019)

After narrowly avoiding scrapping, XW544 was acquired for preservation and transported to Bruntingthorpe in October 2004.

A long‑term restoration began, including:

Reinstallation of engines
Full hydraulic system restoration
Electrical and cockpit refurbishment

Her first successful fast‑taxi run took place in May 2011, marking her return to life after nearly three decades dormant.

The Buccaneer Aviation Group – Cotswold Airport (2019–Present)

Following the end of public operations at Bruntingthorpe, XW544 moved to Cotswold Airport (Kemble), where she is maintained by The Buccaneer Aviation Group. Today she remains fully operational for ground runs and is capable of performing wing‑fold and hydraulic demonstrations, making her one of the most complete and active Buccaneers in preservation.