Prototypes.....what airframes are still with us?
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There is also the Fairey Jet Gyrodyne 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.
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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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.
Wallis Autogyros perhaps.
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First one
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.
I also believe the Prototype Avro Anson T21 562 is residing in parts somewhere in North Wales.
What happened to the prototype Chipmunk?
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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.
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.
And living near White Waltham in the 60s, I can attest that the Gannet and the Rotodyne were staggeringly noisy.
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.
And living near White Waltham in the 60s, I can attest that the Gannet and the Rotodyne were staggeringly noisy.
EXCUSE ME!!!!!
There is NOTHING WHATSOEVER ugly about a Fairey Firefly Mk 5 or 6!
Wash your mouths out at once.
There is NOTHING WHATSOEVER ugly about a Fairey Firefly Mk 5 or 6!
Wash your mouths out at once.
pr00ne,
Give me a ride in your Firefly and I'll take it all back!
Give me a ride in your Firefly and I'll take it all back!
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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!
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!
What happened to the prototype Chipmunk?
I've had the following response regarding the fate of G-AKEV from Rod Brown (THE font of knowledge regarding UK-built Chipmunks):
What an ignoble end for such a significant aeroplane.
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.
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.
Dora-9,
Thanks for the information. What a sad end to any Chipmunk, never mind the prototype.
Thanks for the information. What a sad end to any Chipmunk, never mind the prototype.
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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. hangar 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
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. hangar 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