The Mosquito TT Mk.35 was the target tug version used by the RAF and was among the last Mosquitos to remain in operational service, finally retired in 1963

The specific aircraft TA634 was built in 1945 as a B.Mk.35 and was one of the last Mosquitos constructed at Hatfield, powered by Merlin 114 engines. It was later adapted for target-towing duties as a TT Mk.35. This aircraft was featured in the film "Mosquito Squadron" in 1968 and was officially handed over to the de Havilland Museum at Salisbury Hall on May 15, 1971

References

• 1. en.wikipedia.org
• 2.
• 3.

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The Mosquito prototype was first flown on November 25, 1940, piloted by Geoffrey de Havilland, Jr., accompanied by John Walker, the designer of the engine installation

The prototype was painted overall yellow and rolled out on November 19, 1940, just 10 months and 26 days after its inception

The first prototype, serial W4050, still survives and is preserved at the De Havilland Mosquito Museum at Salisbury Hall, alongside the M25 motorway

References

• 1. www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk
• 2. www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

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The Sea Vixen FAW.2 XJ565 is preserved and displayed at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum, where it serves as a significant exhibit showcasing the technological advancements and operational history of the Fleet Air Arm during the Cold War era

Design and Development: The de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen is a British twin-engine, twin boom-tailed, two-seat, carrier-based fleet air-defence fighter. It was designed by the de Havilland Aircraft Company during the late 1940s and entered service with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm from the 1950s to the early 1970s

Variants: The Sea Vixen went through several variants, with the FAW.2 being an improved version of the initial FAW.1. The FAW.2 introduced several upgrades, including the GEC AI Mk. 18 radar and the ability to carry more advanced missiles

Service History: The Sea Vixen FAW.2 XJ565 was built as a Mk.1 at Christchurch in 1960 and later converted to a Mk.2 at Chester in 1965. This particular aircraft is now on display at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in Hertfordshire

Technical Specifications: The Sea Vixen FAW.2 featured a powered folding wing system, reinforced landing gear for carrier landings, a steerable nose wheel, and a redesigned fuselage to carry armament. It was powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines

Operational Use: The Sea Vixen was primarily used for fleet air defence and was equipped with various armaments, including Firestreak and Red Top air-to-air missiles. It was known for its robust performance and versatility in different operational roles

Development and First Flight: The Comet was developed and manufactured by de Havilland in the United Kingdom. The Comet 1 prototype first flew on July 27, 1949, from Hatfield Aerodrome, piloted by de Havilland chief test pilot John "Cats Eyes" Cunningham

Design and Features: The Comet featured an aerodynamically clean design with four de Havilland Ghost turbojet engines buried in the wing roots. It had a pressurized cabin and large windows, which were innovative features at the time

Service and Impact: The Comet entered commercial service in 1952 with British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). It set new standards for flight performance and passenger comfort, marking the beginning of the jet age in commercial aviation

Challenges and Redesign: The early Comet models faced significant challenges, including structural issues that led to several fatal crashes. Investigations revealed that metal fatigue due to repeated pressurization and depressurization cycles caused structural failures. As a result, all Comets were grounded, and de Havilland embarked on a major redesign of the aircraft to address these issue

Legacy: Despite its early setbacks, the Comet paved the way for future jet airliners and remains a significant milestone in aviation history. The Comet 4, an improved version, made the world's first jet-powered passenger crossing of the Atlantic on October 4, 1958

References

• 1. en.wikipedia.org
• 2. www.museumofflight.org
• 3. www.britairliners.org
• 4. www.thisdayinaviation.com

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The BAe 146 Whisper Jet is a regional airliner that was originally developed and manufactured by British Aerospace (BAe). Known for its quiet operation, the BAe 146 is often referred to as the "Whisper Jet" due to its relatively low noise levels compared to other aircraft in its class.

Design and Development: The BAe 146 was designed in the 1970s and first flew in 1981. It was intended to serve short-haul routes and operate from airports with shorter runways.

Variants: The BAe 146 comes in several variants, including the BAe 146-100, BAe 146-200, and BAe 146-300, each with different seating capacities and range capabilities. There is also a variant known as the Avro RJ, which features updated engines and systems.

Capacity: The aircraft typically seats between 70 to 112 passengers, depending on the variant and configuration.

Engines: The BAe 146 is powered by four Honeywell ALF 502 or Lycoming ALF 502 turbofan engines, which contribute to its quiet operation.

Performance: The BAe 146 has a cruising speed of around 465 mph (750 km/h) and a range of approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 km), depending on the variant.

Operational Use: The BAe 146 has been used by various airlines around the world, including regional carriers and charter services. It is also used for specialized roles such as VIP transport and cargo operations.

Noise Levels: One of the standout features of the BAe 146 is its low noise levels, making it a popular choice for operations in noise-sensitive areas.

References

• 1. en.wikipedia.org
• 2. privatejetcharter.com
• 3. skybrary.aero
• 4. aircraftn.com

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Development and Design: The DH.114 Heron was developed by de Havilland as a stretched version of the successful DH.104 Dove. It featured a stretched fuselage and two additional engines, making it a four-engine aircraft. The Heron was designed as a rugged, conventional low-wing monoplane with a tricycle undercarriage, suitable for regional and commuter routes

First Flight and Service Entry: he Heron first flew on May 10, 1950, and entered service later that year. It was designed to provide reliable and comfortable service with seating for up to 17 passengers1

Operational Use: The Heron was well-received by flight crews and passengers for its additional safety factor due to its four engines. It was particularly useful in isolated and remote regions where smaller airliners were still rare1. The aircraft was used by various commercial airlines and military organizations. In the UK, it replaced the de Havilland DH89 Rapide on Scottish Highland and Island services of BEA. Other commercial users included Jersey Airlines, Cambrian Airways, and Channel Airways. The Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm also utilized the Heron in various roles

Variants and Conversions: The Heron underwent several modifications and conversions throughout its operational life. For instance, some aircraft were converted to be powered by Lycoming IO-540 engines, which improved their performance and reliability. These conversions were carried out in various countries, including the USA, Australia, and Japan45. The Heron was also the basis for various other conversions, such as the Riley Turbo Skyliner and the Saunders ST-27 and ST-28

Accidents and Incidents: Like many aircraft, the Heron was involved in several accidents. Notable incidents include a crash on Mount Capanne, Italy, in 1960, and another accident in Japan in 1963. These incidents highlighted the challenges of operating in diverse and sometimes harsh environments

References

• 1. en.wikipedia.org