The number of jets on display at the Classic Air Force hangar at Newquay Cornwall Airport has risen as two new iconic planes land at the attraction.
On Friday at 11.45am, the Classic Aircraft Trust’s BAC Jet Provost T.5 arrived at its new home in the hangar – and on Saturday a unique Night Fighting jet is scheduled to join it.
The Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.11 will be the latest aircraft to join the collection at Newquay, and is by far one of the most unusual in the fleet.
“The Meteor was Britain’s first jet fighter, and dates back 70 years to 1943," said Steve Bridgewater from Classic Air Force.
“Post-war development saw the aeroplane evolve into a very capable fighting machine and the radar equipped Night Fighter variant was a particular success. Nearly 600 were built for the RAF and export nations including France, Denmark and even Syria but today just one Meteor Night Fighter is still flyable, and she’ll now be making Newquay her home.”
The aircraft in question is registered WM167 and was built by Armstrong Whitworth aircraft at Coventry’s Baginton Airport in 1952. In 1984 it was civilianised and became one of the very first ex-military jets to fly in private hands.
It is now owned by the Classic Aircraft Trust and will be based in the Classic Air Force hangar at Newquay Cornwall Airport where it will join an eclectic mix of vintage British aeroplanes.
The Classic Air Force’s chief pilot, Jon Corley, flew BAC Jet Provost G-JPRO into Newquay on Friday.
He said: "The red and white jet behaved impeccably on the flight from Coventry and the weather was stunning. The blue skies and fluffy clouds made for perfect flying conditions. It was great to see a big crowd of spectators waving as I landed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel