LUTON History and Nostalgia
FWIW I left Luton in November '63 , just after the prototype BAC 1-11 accident . Certainly the Euravia Connies were well established by then, as were the Autair Vikings.
I remember the Connies doing circuits shortly after their arrival and causing a lot of interference to local TVs and radios with their poorly suppressed engines.
I remember the Connies doing circuits shortly after their arrival and causing a lot of interference to local TVs and radios with their poorly suppressed engines.
Indeed. Like many mates I came rushing home from school, then cycled like mad out to the Airport.
.
.
.
.To find that it had gone.
As you know the 1-11 was evolved from the Hunting H 107 (IIRC) and tragically there were a number of Hunting employees on the prototype, basically having a free ride with Mike Lithgow when it later went down on that test flight.
.
.
.
.To find that it had gone.
As you know the 1-11 was evolved from the Hunting H 107 (IIRC) and tragically there were a number of Hunting employees on the prototype, basically having a free ride with Mike Lithgow when it later went down on that test flight.
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Both aircraft were built by Percivals under licence. If you look at the photo in post 26 the Percivals production line was just to the right and behind the control tower.
If you look at Google maps the hangar line was to the left of Prince Way, Luton
Here is another view of Percivals. As you head down the approach road to the airport towards the white farm house Percivals would be on your left.
If you look at Google maps the hangar line was to the left of Prince Way, Luton
Here is another view of Percivals. As you head down the approach road to the airport towards the white farm house Percivals would be on your left.
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So who did the building by the entrance marked 'British Aircraft Corporation' originally belong to? I think it's still there.
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I think that the "BAC" building was originally Napier/English Electric from memory.
I can't remember but I can say it was post 1946 (when this photo was taken) so well after Oxfords and Mosquitos
So who did the building by the entrance marked 'British Aircraft Corporation' originally belong to? I think it's still there.
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I think that the "BAC" building was originally Napier/English Electric from memory.
I can't remember but I can say it was post 1946 (when this photo was taken) so well after Oxfords and Mosquitos
English Electric took over Napier Aero engines c.1942. I remember being a bit confused at the "English Electric" lettering outside of that building in the mid,late '50's and wondering why there was no evidence of Canberra or P1s about.
However there was the memorable display of the high altitude Canberra over the airfield, as well as also a Skeeter going up like a Paynes "Helicopter" firework , both aircraft using Napier rocket technology.
Not to mention the Eland Convair Liner starting off from the Napier hangar to get that extra bit of take -off distance....
However there was the memorable display of the high altitude Canberra over the airfield, as well as also a Skeeter going up like a Paynes "Helicopter" firework , both aircraft using Napier rocket technology.
Not to mention the Eland Convair Liner starting off from the Napier hangar to get that extra bit of take -off distance....
Last edited by Haraka; 24th Mar 2014 at 19:06.
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Interesting piece here about Luton's Canberra and the world record it set from the airfield. English Electric Canberra G-BVWC, G-CDSX
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I only recall one Bristol Freighter used for this, G-AMLJ.
Services commenced on 15 Dec 1959 taking new Vauxhall cars and spares to Belfast. It would return with fresh produce. On 8 Jul 1960 it was the first aircraft to land on Luton's new concrete runway. [source: The Bristol 170 by Air Britain.]
Services commenced on 15 Dec 1959 taking new Vauxhall cars and spares to Belfast. It would return with fresh produce. On 8 Jul 1960 it was the first aircraft to land on Luton's new concrete runway. [source: The Bristol 170 by Air Britain.]
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Oh, yes. I remember G-AILW now.
There was a story, no idea if true, that when the Freighter got airborne one morning the Airport Commandant's (H T Rushton) little Scottie dog was on board so it had to return to drop it off!!
I have uploaded some old b&w pics of aeroplanes at Luton here https://picasaweb.google.com/1055920...onPicsEarly60s Hope links like this are permitted here, apols if not.
There was a story, no idea if true, that when the Freighter got airborne one morning the Airport Commandant's (H T Rushton) little Scottie dog was on board so it had to return to drop it off!!
I have uploaded some old b&w pics of aeroplanes at Luton here https://picasaweb.google.com/1055920...onPicsEarly60s Hope links like this are permitted here, apols if not.