As a British jet trainer used by the RAF from 1955 to 1993 the Jet Provost was originally developed by Hunting Percival before being produced by British Aircraft Corporation. It had a crew of two; a length 34 feet; and a wingspan of 35 feet 4 inches. Powered by a single Armstrong Siddeley Viper Mk 102 engine, the Jet Provost could reach maximum speed of 326mph and a range of 397 miles; later versions had a service ceiling 36,750 feet.
The prototype XD674 first flew on 26th June 1954 from the factory at Luton Airport before starting trials at RAF Boscombe Down. Changes were made to shorten the landing gear legs making them more comfortable, ready for their training role with the Central Flying School. Tests were undertaken using dual flight controls with trainee pilots; and numerous features were used to support students during training. Hunting Percival developed more improvements for what became the first Jet Provost T2, which made its first flight on 1st September 1955 at RAF Hullavington, others were sent overseas for Winter trails.
In June 1957, the first of 40 Jet Provost T3 aircraft were ordered for the RAF; the design included ejector seats and a shortened / strengthened retractable tricycle undercarriage. The first Jet Provost T.3 entered service with No. 2 FTS, located at nearby RAF Syerston during June 1959; and they were also operated by Central Flying School (RAF Little Rissington), RAF College at RAF Cranwell, No. 1 Flying Training School (RAF Linton on Ouse), 3 FTS (RAF Leeming), 6 FTS (RAF Ackington) and 7 FTS (RAF Church Fenton).
The Jet Provost was withdrawn from RAF service during the early 1990s, replaced by the Short Tucano with some Jet Provost still seen regularly flown at air shows by private pilots.
Photo Credit: Jan McGeachie
