In a poignant moment for aviation enthusiasts and the Royal Air Force (RAF) alike, the iconic Typhoon Display Team Jet, known affectionately as Blackjack, performed its final flight yesterday, June 5, 2024.

The jet’s swan song saw it soar majestically through the Tal-Y-Llyn pass, a fitting tribute to its storied career before it made its final descent into BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome. Here, Blackjack will be dismantled for parts, its airframe having reached the end of its serviceable hours.

Blackjack, formally known as Typhoon ZJ914, was unveiled to the world on May 28, 2021, showcasing a striking shakedown livery that would become synonymous with its identity. Flight Lieutenant James Sainty had the honor of piloting Blackjack on its maiden flight, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the venerable aircraft. Despite its new livery, ZJ914 was an older airframe, categorized as a Tranche 1 Typhoon, a testament to its robust design and enduring legacy.

Throughout its service, ZJ914 bore the insignias of several distinguished squadrons, including 9, 17, and 41 squadrons. Notably, during its tenure with 9 Squadron, Blackjack donned a plain black livery accented with a green bat, embodying the role of an aggressor aircraft. This versatility and adaptability underscored the Typhoon’s capabilities and the RAF’s strategic prowess.

Constructed in early 2005, Blackjack was designated as a Typhoon FGR.4 and officially joined the ranks of the Royal Air Force on June 7, 2005, under the identification ZJ914. Over nearly two decades, it has been a stalwart of the RAF, participating in numerous displays, exercises, and operational roles, earning its place in the annals of aviation history.

As Blackjack’s final flight drew to a close, the aircraft’s journey was celebrated and remembered by those who had the privilege of witnessing its prowess firsthand. The decision to retire and repurpose the aircraft for parts is a pragmatic one, ensuring that its legacy continues to support the operational readiness of the RAF’s current fleet of Typhoons.

The retirement of Blackjack marks the end of an era, but its contributions to the RAF and its indelible mark on aviation history will endure. As the aircraft is carefully dismantled at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome, it serves as a reminder of the technological advancements and the dedicated personnel who have maintained and flown it over the years.

As we bid farewell to Blackjack, we celebrate its legacy and look forward to the future of aviation, inspired by the remarkable history of Typhoon ZJ914.