Avro 707c
Serial Number:
WZ744
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 85/A/8
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Research & Development
Springing from a research aircraft design, this particular
version was intended for conversion training to familiarise pilots with
delta-winged aircraft handling problems and handling of 'fly-by-wire'
aircraft.
The Avro 707 series of delta-winged aircraft were flown to test, in smaller
scale, the aerodynamic and handling qualities of the Vulcan bomber.
Tragically, the first prototype crashed on 30 September 1949, only twenty-six
days after its maiden flight, due to loss of control at low speed.
The second prototype, designated Avro 707B, flew on 6 September 1950 with
a revised front fuselage and nose wheel. As with the first prototype,
the air intake was mounted on the top of the fuselage.
Vulcan type wing intakes were fitted on the next aircraft to fly which
was designated Avro 707A and a second similar machine followed. These
were serialled WD280 and WZ736.
All the above machines contributed greatly to the Vulcan development programme
and they were also used for experimental flying at the Royal Aircraft
Establishment at Farnborough.
This aircraft, WZ744, was a two-seat development to be used as a crew
trainer for pilot familiarisation with delta-winged aircraft handling.
It was also fitted with a duplicate set of 'fly-by-wire' electrical controls,
one of the first aircraft to be so fitted.
