THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969

A close up of missiles attached to a wing of a Gloster Javelin FAW.7 (XH756). This image clearly shows the De Havilland Firestreak infra-red homing air-to-air missiles. The missiles are wearing red plastic covers called 'Noddies' (from the cap worn by the children's book character) to protect the transparent cone covering the infra-red sensor. One of the crew wearing full flying kit and carrying his helmet observes a Corporal as he attends to the missiles. This image was taken at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, home of No 23 Squadron to which this aircraft belonged.