Hunting Jet Provost T.3A XM383 NAHR – Noteworthy
So distinctive of 1970s training aircraft in its red and white colours, and now in the markings of No.7 Flying Training School, Jet Provost, XM383 arrived at the museum in 1994. By J McGeachie
XM383 now resides inside Hanger 2, where my husband enjoys his regular voluntary weekly role as a guide/cockpit opener. This week we returned as visitors, he taking pictures as I observed another cockpit opener sharing his knowledge, watching as he ended the tour shaking hands with his visitors and later shook our hands, having praised my written articles in a much-appreciated sentence (you know who you are).
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.
The prototype Mk.3 first flew on 22nd June 1958, the first production T.3s delivered to the RAF on 26th June 1959, with a shortened strengthened retractable tricycle undercarriage and two 50-gallon wing tip fuel tanks and internal upgrades - Martin Baker Mk.4 ejection seats and its windscreen replaced with a full view clearer screen – a total of 207 were eventually built.
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), the 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The Jet Provost was withdrawn from RAF service during the early 1990s, replaced by the Short Tucano with some Jet Provosts still being seen flying at air shows by private pilots.
Built 1959 as a T3 and converted to a T3A standard, with improved avionics during 1974, XM383 had a long RAF service career with many training units including at RAF Church Fenton, RAF Shawbury, RAF Syerston, and RAF Cranwell.
Having taken part in the Church Fenton Airshow in 1981, (now known as Leeds East Airport), XM383 left RAF service, and arrived at the museum in November 1994. It was purchased from a private owner in Crowland. Following reassembly, XM383 has been beautifully restored by dedicated museum volunteers.
Photo credit: Jan McGeachie