I learned more about Luscombe P3 Rattler Strike G-BKPG after my husband joined others as one of the enthusiastic museum guides. I found that G-BKPG is actually a prototype armed ultralight aircraft, built for close support, which could easily be disassembled for operations elsewhere. G-BKPG flew for the first time on 2nd November 1983.
Advice on the ‘best’ proposed mix of weapons was obtained from the Royal Ordnance Factory, but it is not known whether any such weapon systems were tested on the aircraft. I was surprised to be advised that one armament proposal was for either a McDonnell Douglas 7.62mm Chain Gun, or a 2" Rocket launcher.
The wing is not currently fitted but I understand it has a straight wing with large winglets. G-BKPG was a pre-production airframe that has been on loan to the museum since December 2000, by courtesy of Airspeed Aviation Ltd of Derby.
Photo credit: Jan McGeachie
