Prototypes.....what airframes are still with us?

[Tupperware Pilot]

..of the top of my head.
Mosquito,
Concorde,
Tonka,
747,
What else is still out there?

[Dr Jekyll]

Hawk I believe, using prototype in the sense of 'first one'.

[fastjet45]

EAP, now the Typhoon.

[bean]

Boeing 367-80 also known as 707
The first 727 still survives as does the prototype 737

[joy ride]

A research vehicle rather than prototype, but how about the Short SC.1 in the Science Museum, London. It is currently hanging on a wall on the ground floor, not in the Flight gallery on the top floor.

Short SC.1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_SC.1)

[DaveReidUK]

A320 MSN 1 is still flying.

[Flying Palm Tree]

Gloster-Whittle E.28/39 jet aeroplane, 1941. - - Science Museum (http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/aeronautics/1946-110.aspx)

[om15]

Not quite a prototype, but still an interesting aircraft, still earning it's keep.


BAe 146-300 G-LUXE, converted to a 300 series after build


https://www.ncas.ac.uk/index.php/en/facilities-a-services-home-page/18-news/264-happy-birthday-to-the-ara

[Anilv]

N601FE was the prototype and is still flying with FedEx.

I believe there were 3 aircraft in the test programmer, N602FE was another, third would have been a pax config?

Anil

[Haraka]

N1854. Prototype Fairey Fulmar.(FAAM)
XB-70A 1st prototype Valkyrie( USAFM)

[Flying Palm Tree]

EVERETT AERO - Aircraft/PANAVIA TORNADO FOR SALE (http://www.everettaero.com/tornado.html)

[bvcu]

XS230 prototype JP5 still flying i believe

[John Farley]

First P1127 XP831 Science Museum London

[treadigraph]

The very first Ryan PT-22 flies out of Old Warden, owned by Tracey Curtis-Taylor.

[Flying Palm Tree]

FD2 at FAAM
BAC221 at IWM Cosford
TSR2 at IWM Duxford

Avro Vulcan at Cosford?

[treadigraph]

I seem to recall that the prototype Heron still exists in Australia.

[Genghis the Engineer]

Not quite a prototype, but still an interesting aircraft, still earning it's keep.


BAe 146-300 G-LUXE, converted to a 300 series after build


https://www.ncas.ac.uk/index.php/en/facilities-a-services-home-page/18-news/264-happy-birthday-to-the-ara

G-LUXE, formerly G-SSSH was the first 146 to fly. Fairly uniquely, she is both the first and the last off the production line, as it went through -100 prototype, -300 prototype, and the only -301, which she still is and very successfully.


EAP, now the Typhoon.

EAP was a research aircraft. But the first Typhoon prototype, DA1, is in the German Air Museum in Munich.


I've had the privilege of flying the prototype Easy Raider, Escapade, Savannah(UK), SkyRanger (UK) and X'Air(UK). Of those, the Easy Raider prototype, G-SRII is still listed as having a permit, as is the first UK Savannah G-CBBM which was later the Savannah VG prototype, and the SkyRanger prototype G-CBIV. I don't know about the other two apart from their permits are several years lapsed.

G

[piesupper]

G-ASAL the prototype for the Bulldog was restored and is, I believe, still flying out of Prestwick.

My first experience with a stick rather than a yoke and after the first few seconds of PIOs on takeoff which almost literally scared the **** out of me, I absolutely loved it :)

[Dr Jekyll]

The one and only Bullfinch was still flying the last I heard.

There are a couple of TSRs about but neither are the very first one.

The Wright Flyer still exists.

[tdracer]

The first 757 and 767 both still exist, although not in their original configurations. The 757 has a funny wing on the top (part of the F-22 project), while the 767 has a massive tumor on top (which housed a cryogenic cooled infrared sensor as part of the "Airborn Optical Adjunct" program).

[Preon]

A historically significant airframe.
Hawker Hunter prototype and later record breaking sole Mk.3 WB188 is on display at Tangmere, West Sussex.

[Liffy 1M]

Meteor prototype DG202 (first in the batch of prototypes though not actually the first to fly) is in the RAFM Hendon.

The Short 330 prototype is preserved at Long Kesh.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2374/5825142997_392563236e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/9SKo4X)G-BDBS Short 330 prototype (https://flic.kr/p/9SKo4X) by Irish251 (https://www.flickr.com/people/24101413@N03/), on Flickr

[ICT_SLB]

G-ASYD, preserved at Brooklands, was the prototype (sort of) for the BAC 1-11 Type 475 and 670 Series.
The Bombardier CRJ 700/900/1000 Series prototype survives in CRJ1000 guise as S/N 19991 (was S/N 10001 originally, then 15991). The other CRJ700 prototype, S/N 10002, is now a Northrop Grumman test vehicle. Dash 8-400 prototype S/N 4001, is still flying as are Learjet 40/45 prototypes, 45-001 & 45-002. Canadair Challenger S/N 1002 is now a gate guardian at DND HQ while S/N 3991 is the ACT vehicle preserved at Rockcliffe, which also houses one of the CL-84 Dynavert aircraft.

[DaveReidUK]

The Short 330 prototype is preserved at Long KeshShame the UAS can't get the type designation right: SD3-30, not SD-330.

[Plane Speaker]

The DH Mosquito at Salisbury Hall (The only surviving WW2 prototype aircraft?)

[Kieron Kirk]

LA607 second Hawker F10/41 Tempest 11, first flew 18th September 1943.

Was at Staverton,then Duxford, now with Kermit Weeks?

Ciarain.

[India Four Two]

Plane Speaker,
I can think of one other WWII prototype - the Gloster E.28/39 in the Science Museum.

http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/images/I055/10322396.aspx

[Tupperware Pilot]

Wow guys...a nice long list.....
The Vulcan prototype crashed at Syerston in 1958...

[chiglet]

WG760 P1
At R.A.F. Cosford

[Terry McCassey]

Think the prototype TSR2 XR219 was broken up - the example at Duxford is XR222, a beauty nonetheless . . .

[Planemike]

Auster Autocrat G-AGOH..............

[Dan Winterland]

The prototype B777, N7771 is still in service with Cathay pacific, now registered B-HNL. She's not going to be in service much longer and is planned to return to Boeing for display.

http://img.planespotters.net/photo/394000/original/B-HNL-Cathay-Pacific-Boeing-777-200_PlanespottersNet_394248.jpg

[Haraka]

The DH Mosquito at Salisbury Hall (The only surviving WW2 prototype aircraft?)

Ist production (and true prototype) Fulmar N1854 flew first 4 Jan 40

[India Four Two]

The prototype Chipmunk, CF-DIO-X flew at Downsview on 22 May 1946. In November that year, it was shipped to Hatfield for testing and demonstrations. It was re-registered as G-AKEV on 28 August 1947.

There is a very good article on the early Chipmunk history here:

Top of the Class - page 1 (http://www.chipmunkflyer.co.uk/article1.htm)

However, the article does not mention what happened to the prototype (although there is a "To be continued" footnote on the last page). A search of the CAA database shows that it was struck off the register in 1951. Does anyone know what happened to it?

Incidentally, in the same article, there is a detailed description of the Fairey Primer, which was competing for the same contract as the Chipmunk. I'm glad the Chipmunk won. The Primer is just ugly!

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/image.jpg1_zpsk9sg2jzp.jpg

[joy ride]

Thanks, I had not heard of the Fairey Primer.

[India Four Two]

Thanks, I had not heard of the Fairey Primer.

I wish I hadn't. I'm now haunted by the idea that my early flying training could have been in a Primer instead of a Chippie! :(

[Phileas Fogg]

Off topic somewhat, I just read this:

In May 1955 a further 33 Victors were ordered. Handley Page's test pilots had fun with their new aircraft - after test flights over the North Sea they would often 'forget' to tell Air Traffic they were coming back, which they did at maximum speed and altitude in a dead straight line for the UK. The only fighters in the country that could intercept them (and regularly did) were the American F-101 Voodoos of the 81st TFW. A shameful tale in terms of RAF defence capability of the time - but it showed how impressive the Victor was.

[Dan Winterland]

The Victor prototype crashed in testing in 1954. Both the Victor and Vulcan prototypes both broke up in the air - perhaps not too surprising considering the aerobatics they were put through at the Farnborough airshows when it was though that either one or the other would get the order.

[EGGW]

Boeing 720 Prototype broken up at Luton in about 1983 N7201U. :ugh:

EGGW

[Corsairoz]

The Shorts SRA/1 prototype first flew in 1947 and is in great shape.

The first prototype, TG263, has been preserved and is on display at Solent Sky aviation museum in Southampton, UK. Both other aircraft built (TG267 and TG271) were lost in accidents during the four-year flight test programme.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u249/corsairoz/IMG_0302.jpg

[ICT_SLB]

There is also the Fairey Jet Gyrodyne (http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/html/exhibits/gyrodyne.htm) helicopter prototype at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation. Believe this may be the airframe that used to be on display in Southampton outside the ATC hut.

[Phileas Fogg]

How about a "Flying Bedstead" at the Science Museum?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Rolls-Royce_Thrust_Measuring_Rig_science_museam.jpg/800px-Rolls-Royce_Thrust_Measuring_Rig_science_museam.jpg

[Dr Jekyll]

Both the Victor and Vulcan prototypes both broke up in the air - perhaps not too surprising considering the aerobatics they were put through at the Farnborough airshows when it was though that either one or the other would get the order.

Vulcan test pilot Tony Blackman suggested that the Vulcan prototype which broke up at Syerston had been looped by Rolls Royce test pilots and this was what had weakened the airframe.

[fastjet45]

The Avro 707 and Bristol Type 188 both at Cosford.

[Loki]

Hunting 126,at Cosford. Is the Saunders Roe SR53 a prototype? (also at Cosford)

[joy ride]

Saunders-Roe SR1 at Solent Sky, Southampton. SR Skeeter in Science Museum, not sure if it's a prototype, but might, as might Hill Pterodactyl there too.
Wallis Autogyros perhaps.

[Loki]

HP115 at Yeovilton?

[Victor K2]

XX154 was the first Hawk T Mk1, it is still flying at Boscombe Down.
I also believe the Prototype Avro Anson T21 562 is residing in parts somewhere in North Wales.

[India Four Two]

What happened to the prototype Chipmunk?

After further research, I found a picture on Ebay with what looks like a King's Cup race number, so this must have been taken in 1949 or later.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/india42/G-AKEV%20dismantled_zpsejgiqdon.png

[joy ride]

Various aicraft in Science Museum have ben mentioned, wonder if they have any others in their Large Objects store in the West Country, hope to get to one of their Open Days sometime.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Fairey seemed to specialise in ugly aeroplanes. The only exception I can think of was the FD2.

[India Four Two]

SSD,

I hadn't thought about it before, but you are right. Apart from the Fantôme, which has a certain "je ne sais quoi" and the FD2, they are all ugly.

https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aer.ita.br%2F~bmattos%2Fmundo%2Fww2%2Fbr itish%2Fpictures%2Fjpg%2Ffairey%2520fantome.jpg&f=1

And living near White Waltham in the 60s, I can attest that the Gannet and the Rotodyne were staggeringly noisy.

[pr00ne]

EXCUSE ME!!!!!



There is NOTHING WHATSOEVER ugly about a Fairey Firefly Mk 5 or 6!

Wash your mouths out at once.

[India Four Two]

pr00ne,

Give me a ride in your Firefly and I'll take it all back! :E

[joy ride]

I agree that the Firefly looks fine.

I also think that many of Fairey's planes had to be designed to do a particular job for which attractiveness to the onlooker was not necessary.

However, I think it's fair to say that Barracudas (which my Dad flew in briefly) are remarkably ungainly but still not much better than what they replaced OR particularly good at what they were designed to do!

[Phileas Fogg]

Fairey seemed to specialise in ugly aeroplanes

Simple can be beautiful:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/0/7/2151705.jpg

[Dan Winterland]

On display at Le Bourget.

http://www.concordesst.com/pictures/fwtss1.jpg

[Dora-9]

I've had the following response regarding the fate of G-AKEV from Rod Brown (THE font of knowledge regarding UK-built Chipmunks):

Following a report in a book on the history of Panshanger which came out a few years ago, I checked with the
Chief Engineer who was at PansH and obtained a bit more history.

The book had stated that G-AKEV was flown from Hatfield to PansH and was used by the London Aeroplane Club(LAC)
along with G-AJVD & G-AKDN and I was sure that this was incorrect as it was never re-engined after the flight trials
with the Gipsy Major 50 engine. The Chief Eng confirmed that it arrived at PansH on a lorry and was probably used for
spares to keep the other two airworthy.

It was acquired by one of the LAC members as a plaything for his children and removed to his back garden after which it was scrapped.
What an ignoble end for such a significant aeroplane.

[India Four Two]

Dora-9,

Thanks for the information. What a sad end to any Chipmunk, never mind the prototype. :(

[apriliadriver]

Joy Ride,
Science Museum Large Objects Store on Wroughton Airfiled, south of Swindon. They do not hold open days now and the only way to access anything is to apply for a 'researcher access' visit.


The HP Gugnunc is there, that must be a prototype. The condition of the exhibits is deplorable - no fault of the local conservators and staff, who do their best, but completely starved of funds and essential maintenance. Hanger roofs leak, concrete spalls off the inside of the concrete structures. Don't ask me about the Constellation ...


I like to think they don't do Open Days out of shame at their neglect, but actually I wonder if the Director and Trustees care that much. If they did, they'd have done something about it.
Nick

[RetiredBA/BY]

The director and management of the Science Museum don't give a damn, and seem pretty clueless about aviation. Last year I tried to negotiate an extension of the lease of Swindon Model Aircraft Club which had flown at Wroughton for 60 years. The arrogance and hostility, not to mention documented dishonesty, I encountered was just extraordinary. The extension was refused, the airfield just lay idle pending solar farm construction on one part of it.

The Wroughton manager even said, to our club committee, that the aviation objects in store would never be seen by the public again.

Nothing significant has changed at SK for over 21 years, public days at Wrt stopped 5 Years ago BUT the aerospace curator was "too busy" to meet me (just what DOES he do ??)
The Director is also "too busy" to meet me to discuss !
Last year I was at WRT when a sailplane landed out there, he was refused an aero tow retrieve because " it was a danger to the collection", the pilot was a recently retired army officer, a bomb (IED specialist) , couldn't make it up !!
All this absurd waste of OUR aviation heritage is funded by almost £40m of taxpayer's money. What an obscene waste of a publically owned asset.
After spending a lot of time looking into the management of the aviation aspects of the Science Museum and amassing a very large file of information using mainly the FOI act I am utterly convinced that this aspect of our aviation heritage is being managed in a totally unacceptable way.

[Wander00]

I heartily agree - I have a bit of an interest as 50 years ago I flew Canberra WD935 into Wroughton on its last flight. The nose has ended up somewhere, but it was an important airframe in its own right having been a trials aircraft. But how do we get those who should be in authority to sit up and take notice. I am happy to write a few letters. I am very sorry the model club has been booted out. I remember taking youngest son to a LMA event there - must be at least 15 years ago.

[henry_crun]

That is such sad news about Wroughton. I remember in its heyday going to open days, seeing all the static aircraft, including some on special request, seeing a fly-in of thousands of private aircraft, lovely to see them all coming in from the north over nothingness, seeing a WWII air display, biggest ever meeting of WWII fighters and bombers, seeing models flown, seeing two traction engines at work pulling a reversible plough to and fro, seeing Puffing Billy in steam, and of course seeing the 'final' flight of XH558.

Whatever has happened?

[chevvron]

Joy Ride,
Science Museum Large Objects Store on Wroughton Airfiled, south of Swindon. They do not hold open days now and the only way to access anything is to apply for a 'researcher access' visit.


The HP Gugnunc is there, that must be a prototype. The condition of the exhibits is deplorable - no fault of the local conservators and staff, who do their best, but completely starved of funds and essential maintenance. Hanger roofs leak, concrete spalls off the inside of the concrete structures. Don't ask me about the Constellation ...


I like to think they don't do Open Days out of shame at their neglect, but actually I wonder if the Director and Trustees care that much. If they did, they'd have done something about it.
Nick
The curator at Wroughton many years ago (early '90s) was a splendid guy called Ross Sharp. He wanted to open the collection at weekends with the facility to fly in to visit, even asked GATCO (Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers) members if they were willing to provide FISO services.
Not surprisingly, the 'management' decided he was not suited to his position so his plans came to nothing.
Needless to say, he no longer works there.

[Wander00]

BUT WHAT CAN WE DO - is there body we can lobby. It is a disgrace as it stands