If you enjoy learning about the history behind different models fo military aircraft, simply continue reading to learn about the history of the English Electric.
Everything that you need to know about the English Electric
1. The English Electric P1a debuted in 1954
The English Electric P1a which was a English Electric prototype originally made its debut flight on the 4th of August, 1954. However, the final version of the English Electric aircraft did not make it’s debut flight until the 4th of April, 1957. As there were multiple revisions to the original English Electric prototype.
2. It was used in the 70s and the 80s
The English Electric was used throughout the 70s and the 80s and wasn’t retired until December 1959, several decades after the first English Electric aircraft made its debut flight.
3. It was used as an interceptor for multiple air forces
While the English Electric was originally designed to be used by the British Royal Air Force, the English Electric was also used by the Kuwait Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force. While it was originally used by all three air forces as an interceptor, it was also used as a general purpose fighter due to its speed and reliability.
4. The English Electric can quickly make steep climbs
Another reason why the English Electric was so popular is that it was able to make steep climbs in a matter of seconds and was incredibly fast. Which made it a great interceptor. If you’re curious the English Electric could easily climb 50,000 feet per minute.
5. Only 337 English Electric aircrafts were ever produced
You may be surprised to hear that throughout the the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, only 337 English Electric aircrafts were produced. Furthermore, this number includes prototypes such as the English Electric P1a.
One of the reasons why so few models were manufactured was that originally the English Electric had an extremely limited flight range. As it consumed fuel like a rocket. Originally the English Electric had a range of approximately 810 miles.
6. Numerous English Electric aircraft are currently on display in international musuems
While there are no operational English Electric aircrafts left in the world, there are numerous English Electric planes which are currently on display in international museums. As examples, you can view an English Electric plane in Germany, South Africa, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Saudi Arabia.
The fact that there are so many surviving English Electric planes is a testament to the talent of the engineers who worked so hard to produce the first English Electric prototype.
7. There is one English Electric plane which is being restored
There is one English Electric plane which is currently being restored, so that it can be flown at Stennis Airport, which is located in the state of Mississippi.
8. It featured Rolls-Royce turbo engines
You may be surprised to learn that the English Electric featured two Rolls-Royce turbo jet engines.
9. The English Electric could reach speeds of 2.27 mach
The English Electric had the ability to reach speeds of 2.27 mach.
So, if you ever get a chance to view an English Electric aircraft at an international aviation museum, it’s definitely well worth doing so.
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