WV787 was built as a B.2 variant by the English Electric Company at Preston and delivered to the RAF in September 1952. Originally designed as a light tactical intruder/bomber, this rare aircraft had a crew of two; length of 65 feet and wingspan of 64 feet; with maximum speed 580 mph; range 800 miles, climbing to a ceiling height of 48,000 feet; and was originally powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon 109 turbojets.
Transferring from the RAF to MoS (Ministry of Supply) in May 1953, WV787 was allocated to Armstrong Siddeley at Bitteswell where it was used as a Sapphire engine test-bed, these engines were later used in the Mk.8 and Mk.9 Gloster Javelin interceptors.
After a brief period with the A&AEE (Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment) at Boscombe Down, WV787’s diverse career continued with a move to Ferranti, where it was rebuilt in a Canberra B(I)8 configuration, gaining the nose and radar being developed for what was later named the Buccaneer.
Later, WV787 was modified to carry out de-icing trials, incorporating a rearward facing ASW circuit TV monitor behind the bomb bay, capturing footage of test aircraft flying in the spray from the aircraft’s spray boom and rake of nozzles. Finally ending its developmental career in August 1984, WV787 was allocated the maintenance serial 8799M and flown to RAF Abingdon for use in battle damage repair training.
The aircraft was eventually saved by the museum in 1985; at the second attempt. This followed an initial offer that was declined by the Ministry of Defence, who later offered it to the museum again. WV787 was purchased by museum member Mich Stevenson, which was transferred to Winthorpe in November 1985.
The aircraft was reassembled and hundreds of the ‘jo-bolted’ battle damage repairs were replaced by genuine aircraft skin repairs. This ‘Black Beauty’ has been displayed around the museum site; inside Hangar 2 up until the Covid lockdowns, when it was moved outside.
Photo credit Gordon McGeachie
