Today in flight history

[cowpatz]

Provost
60 years ago

Originally developed by Percival as a cheap jet-powered derivative of its successful Alvis Leonides, radial-engined Piston Provost, the Jet Provost evolved into an entirely new aircraft. Powered by a Bristol-Siddeley Viper 102 engine, the prototype aircraft (XD674) took its first flight on 26th June 1954.
In later years after entering service with the RAF, BAC looked at producing a Jet Provost that could also be used as a light attack aircraft as well as a trainer, and the result was the Strikemaster.
Changes made to the airframe included 8 stores hard-points underneath the wings, a strengthened airframe and shortened landing gear for use in rough terrains. The prototype Strikemaster first flew in October 1967.

Squirrel
40 years ago

The prototype Aerospatiale Ecureuil helicopter, powered by an Avco Lycoming LTS-101 turboshaft, first flew June 27 1974

[Ian Warren]

Its good to see the Strikemaster returning to NZ skies, one thing I want to do is get a flight in one, least a jet Delfin maybe but the Strikey suits me better.

As for the Squirrel, the first chance to crawl over one was a French AF jobbie pre 1987 Christchurch airshow , both aircraft type displayed , think it was the best Strikemaster display I had ever seen .