BEAR TRACKS

English Electric Lightnings from 5 Squadron RAF intercept a Russian Tupolev TU-95 ‘Bear’ bomber equipped for electronic surveillance. 

Big, noisy and threatening; three words to describe the mighty Russian Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber which, at the height of the Cold War, played a game of ‘cat and mouse’ with the NATO fighters whose job was to intercept and deter their surveillance activities. Those fighters included aircraft such as the legendary English Electric Lightnings that, for nearly three decades, played a leading role in such activities. One such ‘typical’ encounter is depicted in Richard Taylor’s graphic composition portraying a pair of Lightnings from 5 Squadron RAF. Flying out of RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire both Lightnings and crew have been held in a state of constant readiness for just such a mission.

The two opposing aircraft could not have been more different, for the Tu-95 (NATO code name ‘Bear’) was huge – over 151 feet long with distinctive sweptback wings spanning more than 161 feet that supported four massive turboprop engines driving contra-rotating blades whose tips spin faster than the speed of sound. The Lightning, however, was small, nimble and incredibly fast with some pilots describing its rate of climb as being “saddled to a skyrocket”. Long since retired from active service, today only a few Lightnings survive as much-admired museum exhibits. Upgraded ‘Bears’, however, lumber on.

100 Limited Edition prints are now available to order…

Richard’s detailed study has been faithfully reproduced as a Limited Edition print which is exclusively available through Aces High ready for our event on 9th March – we can’t guarantee availability on the day so recommend you pre-order in advance!

Join us for the print signing…

Artist Richard Taylor is joining us at the Steventon Gallery on Sunday 9th March for our PILOTS OF THE JET AGE event and you’re invited to join us. Click HERE to find out more or to reserve your free ticket!

Copies of ‘Bear Tracks’ can be signed on the day by any of our special guests AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.

Upgrade your copy to make it completely unique…

Every copy can be upgraded to include an ORIGINAL pencil Remarque in the lower margin of the print – our event is an ideal opportunity to discuss your specific Remarque brief with Richard.

Our framing team will also be on hand ready to discuss your bespoke requirements and any possible signature upgrades.