Prototypes.....what airframes are still with us?
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.
G-BDBS Short 330 prototype by Irish251, on Flickr
The Short 330 prototype is preserved at Long Kesh.
G-BDBS Short 330 prototype by Irish251, on Flickr
Last edited by Liffy 1M; 13th Apr 2015 at 23:58.
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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.
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.
Plane Speaker,
I can think of one other WWII prototype - the Gloster E.28/39 in the Science Museum.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/imag.../10322396.aspx
I can think of one other WWII prototype - the Gloster E.28/39 in the Science Museum.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/imag.../10322396.aspx
Last edited by India Four Two; 14th Apr 2015 at 16:27.
Auster Autocrat G-AGOH..............
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.
Last edited by Dan Winterland; 15th Apr 2015 at 12:55. Reason: Add pic
What happened to the prototype Chipmunk?
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
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!
There is a very good article on the early Chipmunk history here:
Top of the Class - page 1
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!
Last edited by India Four Two; 15th Apr 2015 at 13:21.
Thanks, I had not heard of the Fairey Primer.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.