Flight Engineer's Log -
1955
G-AMXE Comet 2
18th July 1955 saw the first flight of G-AMXE which lasted 40 minutes. Then on the same day a 25 minute hop was made to Cambridge where XE was converted to 2R specification, by Marshall’s of Cambridge, for signals duties. (R = Reconnaissance). This aircraft was re-registered as XK663 and allocated to RAF192 Sqd.
Converted to 2R it joined RAF 192 Sqn as XK663 in April 1957.
1957
XK663 Comet 2 (Log. entry reads:T.Mk2 90 Group)
From 22nd February XK663 underwent schedule testing with particular attention being paid to the 112 volt electrical system, Bullet de-icing, radar checks, checks on cabin temperature, performance checks and auto-trim evaluation. These checks were completed by the 21st March after twelve flights.
On 22nd March Dave Davies (ARB) took a 2hr. 45 flight. Minor problems were detected and these were later rectified. Peter Buggé did a final 35min. check flight the following day. Certificate granted XK663 was handed over to 192 Sqd. on 19th April.
Mysteriously on 13th September this aircraft was destroyed in hangar fire.
UK serials:
06027XK663 Comet C(RCM).2: f/f 18/07/1955, ex G-AMXE n.t.u, d/d 18/04/1957, w/o 13/09/1957.