Peter Twiss

[Sleeve Wing]

Heard the news tonight reporting the passing of Peter Twiss, aged 90.
Any confirmation ? :sad:

[Chris Scott]

Yes, another of that great generation has gone. One of my generation's childhood heroes.

BBC's Newsnight announced his passing with in-flight pictures of the FD2 in their closing credits this evening (Thursday). His astonishing air speed record of 1132mph in 1956 represented the biggest percentage increase ever, IIRC, despite the F-100 being no slouch. A golden era in fast-jet development, and the FD2 went on to contribute to the Concorde programme.

BBC News - First 1,000 mph air speed record pilot dies (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-14756742)

[TheChitterneFlyer]

I recall his presentation at the Middle Wallop Air Museum for his book "Faster Than The Sun"... a true gentleman and a fine Test Pilot.

RIP

[petitb]

In 1954, I was a Vickers apprentice, and managed to join a team of hydraulic fitters sent to Boscombe Down to repair a Valiant which had made and emergency landing there. Wandering around "B" hanger I came upon this amazing (secret?) aircraft. Whilst standing gawping a gentleman came up to me and asked me if I knew what it was, not knowing, he then explained what it was and how fast it it fly. I never forgot that day.
In 2001,at Trub's memorial, long after serving my time in Vickers Flight Test, I was introduced to Peter Twiss, and related my little story, he was graciously amused. I felt privileged. RIP.

[Milt]

petitb

We probably crossed paths. This Aussie didn't get to Boscombe Down until 1955. By then the FD2 had its own little hangar down the taxiway from the weighbridge hangar presumably to keep it under better cover and to isolate the volatile fuel for the rocket..
Saw some of Peter's spectacular rocket assist take offs.
Trub flew with me a few times in the second protype Valiant 215 related to Super Sprite. Did an AUW measured take off with two Sprites firing for about 50 seconds and before dropping off the Sprites a main wing spar came apart.
That was the end of 215 and the start of the fleet's phase out due metal fatigue.
I should buy another lottery ticket!!

[john_tullamarine]

C'mon, Milt, tell us the story in detail ...

[Brighton Nil]

This is my first ever post after I don't know how long as a member. Can't believe what just happened, but on Saturday morning I looked down the shelves of my book case and thought: 'Time to re-read "Faster than the sun", 'cos it's been ages since I read it the first time.'
Went to a party last night and someone told me the sad news. Couldn't believe I'd missed it.
Peter, you were an inspiration to me as a child and, although I never made it as an aviator, you sowed the seed that keeps me involved in this fascinating industry.
Thank you!

[Chris Royle]

Milt,
FD2...rocket assist? Err...I don't think so. Just one RR Avon turbojet with reheat.
Are you confusing this with the Saunders Roe SR53 which had a mixed powerplant (turbojet and rocket motor).

[Feathers McGraw]

Whenever I read "Faster than the Sun" I am both gladdened (at the superb result) and saddened (at the official indifference in the UK both then and now).

I shall be even more attentive when I next watch Sink The Bismarck!, I had not realised that Peter Twiss was one of the Swordfish pilots in the film but I shall be all eyes glued to try and work out which one.

[Milt]

Chris Royle

Ooops yes - I did confuse the FD2 with the SR53.
Now I am left wondering who was the TP for the SR53 and what was it's ultimate top speed reached?

Someone remind me on the conditions and methodology for establishing a world speed record for a supersonic high altitude record. Presumably it must have to happen within the earth's atmosphere.

[Brian Abraham]

Milt, re SR.53

Squadron Leader John S. Booth DFC was at the controls of XD145 for the first test flight, following up with the maiden flight of the second prototype XD151, on 6 December 1957. Test results indicated "...an extremely docile and exceedingly pleasant aircraft to fly, with very well harmonized controls." Both prototypes flew a total of 56 test flights, with Mach 1.33 speeds being obtained.

While testing at RAE Boscombe Down, XD151 crashed on 5 June 1958 during an aborted takeoff on its 12th flight. Running off the runway, the aircraft struck a concrete approach light, exploding on impact and killing its pilot, Squadron Leader Booth. Despite investigation by the Aircraft Investigation Board, the cause was never discovered. The take off was aborted just as the aircraft was leaving the ground, and the rocket and jet engines were cut. The investigation was unable to determine whether this was done by the pilot, or whether they had cut out through accident or failure. The remaining prototype continued to fly with Lt Cdr Peter Lamb taking over the flight test programme.

[John Farley]

According to Derek Collier-Web's book of all UK flight test accidents 1940-1971 (Derek worked for D Flying and had complete access to all related paper work) the pilot chopped the rocket and the jet most likely because the instrument panel came into his lap on acceleration. (we had a similar event with a Dunsfold aircraft which aborted safely).

Facts aside I was told that as he went off the end Sqn Ldr Booth transmitted "Panic stations chaps" but made no other transmission. If correct some of the better last words.

[FODPlod]

Interesting article in today's Pompey News:

One of the last great pioneers (http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/lifestyle/one-of-the-last-great-pioneers-1-3801141)