Statement - Supermarine Swift WK277
1st November 2024
People may be aware that back in the late 1960s Supermarine Swift WK277, was one of the early airframes that the museum acquired. However, what you may not be aware of is that the airframe does not belong to the museum, but has been on long-term loan with us. Sadly, it is very far from being a complete airframe, most notably it was missing its original undercarriage.
In late May 2024 the trustees wrote to the owner, concerning some impending potential changes at the museum, which were likely to affect some of the aircraft/exhibits that are on loan with us and which were displayed in Hangar 2. Below is an extract from that letter:
“…. When you receive the next edition of the Dispersal you will see that we have already started to change the layout at the western end of the Hangar. This was the space that was originally allocated to accommodate the Eurofighter Typhoon DA4, which you will no doubt be aware was stopped from coming to the museum. Since that decision was notified we have been in detailed discussions over the acquisition of two new aircraft, both of which will need to be displayed inside.
After an extended planning/evaluation process, and assuming that both acquisitions are completed successfully, the trustees have had to take the difficult decision to consider moving the on loan Swift aircraft back outside. Our current plans are that it will be displayed alongside several other on loan aircraft such as the Hunter T7, Meteor NF.14 and T-33, alongside Hangar 2, where it will continue to be maintained….”
During the summer and early-autumn we received no contact from the owner of the airframe. However, on Tuesday 22nd October we received a letter via email, that advised that this long term loaned airframe had been gifted to another museum.
Despite immediately requesting details of the new owner; it wasn’t until earlier today, Friday 1st November that we have finally been advised that the Swift has been gifted to the South Wales Aviation Museum. We will shortly be entering discussions with that organisation about the Swift’s move to South Wales.