Price range: £95.00 through £195.00
Phantom Patrol by Philip E West
Passing between the Shetlands and the Faroe Islands, a soviet Tupolev Tu-142 long-range surveillance aircraft is intercepted by two FG1 Phantoms out of Leuchars, Scotland.
Loaded with a full missile fit and long-range tanks, the Phantoms escort the ‘Russian Bear’ aircraft away from the UK air defence region, which covers around four million square miles. All incoming aircraft that have not filed a flight plan must be investigated. QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) aircrews are ready day or night, in all weather conditions, and always find their target. This scene would have been a regular sight for QRA Phantom aircrew investigating Soviet aircraft.Â
All Editions are signed and numbered by the Artist.
From 1968 to 1992, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II served as a principal combat aircraft for the United Kingdom. The UK became the first export customer for this US-built fighter. Specifically, the government ordered the Phantom during a period of political difficulty for British aviation designs. The aircraft performed vital roles for both the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Air Force (RAF). This limited edition print by Philip E. West captures the Phantom in its most iconic role: protecting the UK’s borders. If you collect classic Cold War art, explore our range of Phantom limited edition prints.
Philip E. West’s painting, “Phantom Patrol,” depicts a high-stakes encounter over the North Atlantic. Two FG1 Phantoms from RAF Leuchars intercept a Soviet Tupolev Tu-142 “Bear” surveillance aircraft. Indeed, QRA aircrews regularly witnessed this scene during the Cold War. The Phantoms carry a full missile fit and long-range fuel tanks to escort the intruder away. This limited edition print features the artist’s personal signature and unique number. Consequently, it remains a vital piece for any military historian.
Engineers built most British Phantoms with a significant amount of UK technology. This approach supported the local aerospace industry after several major project cancellations. For example, British Phantoms utilized powerful Rolls-Royce Spey engines instead of standard US powerplants. The manufacturer produced two main variants: the F-4K for the Fleet Air Arm and the F-4M for the RAF. Additionally, the UK purchased fifteen second-hand F-4J aircraft in the mid-1980s to bolster air defenses after the Falklands War.
The UK air defence region covers roughly four million square miles. Consequently, QRA aircrews maintained readiness day and night in all weather conditions. While the Phantom began its career in strike and reconnaissance roles, it eventually became the UK’s principal interceptor. Moreover, the aircraft’s ability to carry both Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles made it a formidable foe. You can learn more about the Phantom by visiting the British Phantom Aviation Group at Cotswold Airport.
Philip E. West earned worldwide fame for his atmospheric aviation scenes and technical accuracy. Furthermore, this painting perfectly illustrates the massive scale of the Soviet aircraft compared to the sleek Phantoms. Finally, each limited edition print uses archival inks to ensure the dramatic grey and blue tones of the North Atlantic stay vibrant. Therefore, adding this piece to your collection honors the “Spook” and the pilots who defended British skies. Shop our gallery today to secure your signed copy.
| Dimensions | 70 × 50 cm |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof, Remarque |
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