Hunting Jet Provost T3A

Hunting JetProvost

In the 1950s the RAF realised that using piston engined aircraft or converted fighters for basic training was not the best way of training jet pilots. They issued a requirement for a new, dedicated jet training aircraft. Hunting developed the Jet Provost from the piston-engined Percival Provost basic trainer. On the 26th of June 1954, the prototype made its first flight. The Air Ministry ordered ten Jet Provost T1s and in June 1957 it ordered 40 Jet Provost T3s. These featured a new Armstrong Siddeley Viper jet engine, ejector seats, a redesign of the airframe and a strengthened, retractable tricycle undercarriage. In total, 201 T3s were delivered between 1958 and 1962. When Hunting became a part of the British Aircraft Corporation they manufactured a further 308 aircraft, these were delivered up to 1967. One third of these were the Jet Provost T Mk 4, using the Viper 202 with 750 pounds more thrust. Another third were built as the T Mk 5 version with pressurized cockpit, new windscreen, sliding canopy and longer nose.

The Jet Provost design was later developed into the popular and capable BAC Model 167 Strikemaster light attack jet, but even the Jet Provost was to be armed with two machine guns on the export versions of the aircraft, the T.Mk51, T.Mk52 and T.Mk55.

With a top speed of 440 mph, excellent maneuverability, mechanical reliability and low operating costs, the Jet Provost was an outstanding example of its type.

Gatwick Aviation Museum History

This airframe arrived at the museum on the 19th of August 2008 from the nearby Crawley College. It had been used by the college for training students on an aerospace engineering course. Whilst at the college it was in a partially dismantled condition. Fortunatley, due to being housed inside, the airframe is in good condition although it clearly shows some signs that students have been at work on the aircraft!

Re-assembly began almost immediately, on Saturday the 23rd of August the wings were mated to the fuselage. The oleos were inflated to the correct pressures, the tyres were also inflated, the aircraft was lowered off the jacks and stood on its own undercarriage for the first time for many years. Work then stopped as the correct fitment bolts for the other major airframe items were not available. These are being sourced and when available the tailplane and fin/rudder assemblies will be fitted. In the meantime a number of minor items can be fitted. The intention is to return this airframe to a taxiable condition.