26 April 2024
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Viscount Survivors

Viscount Survivors


59 of the 444 Viscounts built survive as complete airframes or major components. Some are in very good condition and are looked after by museums while others are just wrecks. They can be found in 24 countries.

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Featured pages

Our website contains over 20,000 pages of photos and information that can all be accessed from the menu at the top of every page. Here are a few to get you started.


In the Beginning

The Turboprop World-Beater

Sir George Edwards

The Rolls-Royce Dart

c/n 1 G-AHRF V.630
The Prototype Viscount

c/n 2 VX217 V.663
The Tay powered Viscount

c/n 3 G-AMAV V.700
The V.700 series prototype

c/n 4 G-ALWE V.701
The first BEA Viscount

c/n 5 G-ALWF V.701
The oldest surviving Viscount

c/n 8 F-BGNK V.708
The first Air France Viscount

c/n 30 EI-AFV V.707
The first Aer Lingus Viscount

c/n 40 CF-TGI V.724
The first TCA Viscount

c/n 44 VH-TVA V.720
The first TAA Viscount

c/n 67 YI-ACK V.735
The first Iraqi Airways Viscount

c/n 70 CF-GXK V.737
The first Canadian DoT Viscount

c/n 71 VP-TBK V.702
The first BOAC Associated
Companies Viscount

c/n 74 G-ANRR V.732
The first Hunting-Clan Viscount

c/n 77 LN-FOF V.736
The first Fred Olsen Viscount

c/n 79 IU-683 V.723
The first Indian Air Force Viscount

c/n 88 N7402 V.744
The first Capital Airlines Viscount

c/n 97 VH-BAT V.747
The first Butler Air
Transport Viscount


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Established 2005
Vickers Viscount Network
A Virtual Museum dedicated to the Vickers-Armstrongs VC2 Viscount
   

Viscount c/n 1

Click on a photo to see a larger version

Below are the 107 photos we have on file for Viscount c/n 1 together with either the actual date that the photo was taken or an estimate of that date based on clues such as the livery worn or other background information.

Page


1

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
None
November 1947

VC2 Viceroy wooden mock-up taken at Foxwarren, near Cobham, Surrey, England in November 1947.

The two large elliptical doors and the large cabin windows are particularly noticeable in this full-scale mock-up.

The mounting for the port inner powerplant can also be seen.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

2

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
November 1947

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Foxwarren, near Cobham, Surrey, England in November 1947 looking aft through the Viscount fuselage during construction.

The completed fuselage, wings and other major parts were then transferred to Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England for final assembly.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

3

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
November 1947

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Foxwarren, near Cobham, Surrey, England in November 1947.

This is the aft pressure bulkhead and fuselage of the prototype taken during construction.

The completed fuselage, wings and other major parts were then transferred to Wisley Airfield , Surrey, England for final assembly and test flying.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

4

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
June 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in June 1948 having been rolled out with no markings except for the registration.

Vickers Photo Ref 5966L

Photo source - Des Pike collection

5

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
June 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. A view of the cockpit taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in June 1948.

The layout of the instruments is unique to this aircraft.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

6

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in July 1948 prior to its maiden flight.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

7

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 July 1948.

It is about to make its maiden flight.

The Managing Director of Vickers-Armstrongs G R Edwards (later Sir George) is in the centre foreground.

Photo source - Derek Harvey

8

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 July 1948 lifting off from the grass on its maiden flight.

A tarmac runway at Wisley wasn't built until 1952.

Vickers Photo Ref 5967A

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

9

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 July 1948 during its maiden flight.

Vickers Photo

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

10

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken during its maiden flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 July 1948.

Vickers Photo

Photo source - Ed Jones collection

11

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken on the grass at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 July 1948, shortly after its maiden flight.

Vickers Photo Ref 5967C

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

12

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
August 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken flying over Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset, England in August 1948 with the Vickers livery now applied.

This was a favourite area for Vickers press photographs.

The photographer has become world famous for his classic air-to-air shots and a series of books has been published illustrating some of his most notable examples.

Photo Ref 6274-5

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

13

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
August 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken flying over Poole Harbour, Dorset, England in August 1948 with the Vickers livery now applied.

This was a favourite location for Vickers press photographs.

The photographer has become world famous for his classic air-to-air shots and a series of books has been published illustrating some of his most notable examples.

The old chain hauled ferry to Sandbanks can be seen near the left edge of the photograph.

Photo Ref 6274-6

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

14

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
August 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in August 1948.

Photo Ref 6275-4

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

15

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
August 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in August 1948.

Photo Ref 6275-5

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

16

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948 being towed out of the flight hangar.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

17

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken outside the flight test hangar at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

18

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken outside the flight test hangar at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

19

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken outside the flight test hangar at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

20

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken outside the flight test hangar at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

21

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. A nice view of the cabin interior taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to inspect this new form of air travel.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

22

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to watch this new form of air travel fly by with partially extended flaps.

Times Newspaper Photo

Photo source - Chris Smith

23

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to watch this new form of air travel fly by with partially extended flaps.

Keystone Press Agency Ltd Photo Ref 536410

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

24

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to watch this new form of air travel fly by with partially extended flaps.

Photo source - R Palmer (International News Photos)

25

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Brooklands Airfield, Weybridge, Surrey, England 2 September 1948.

A large gathering of press representatives has assembled to watch this new form of air travel fly by with partially extended flaps.

Photo source - Des Pike collection

26

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken on its way to the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948.

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

27

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

It is taxiing out to take part in the flying display with Supermarine Seagull ASR.1 PA143 flying overhead.

A Temple Press photo

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

28

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Note the Ministry of Supply Rolls-Royce Nene powered Vickers Viking 3B G-AJPH behind, which was the first jet powered airliner, although it never went into production.

It was later converted back to the standard Bristol Hercules radial piston power configuration and sold to Eagle Aviation as a IB freighter.

Photo source - Kate Yates collection

29

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Photo source - Peter Upton collection

30

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Photo source - Peter Upton collection

31

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Photo source - Bob O'Brien collection

32

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Photo source - Tony Clarke collection via David Whitworth

33

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken landing at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 after taking part in the flying display during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

THE WORLD'S FIRST TURBOPROP AIR-LINER: BRITAIN'S VICKERS "VISCOUNT."
The World's first airscrew-turbine air-liner coming in to land: The Vickers Viscount photographed during a recent flight. The clearly seen double-slotted landing-flaps and double-wheeled, forward-retracting, tricycle undercarriage are factors making for a safe landing. This caption was from 'The Illustrated London News' 1 January 1949.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

34

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken landing at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1948 after taking part in the flying display during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

35

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
October 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at Hucknall Airfield, Nottinghamshire, England 29 October 1948.

It is now departing back to Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England with Captain Mutt Summers in command.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

36

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in November 1948. RAF roundels have been applied to the Vickers-Armstrongs livery. Note also that aerial masts have now been fitted.

Ministry of Supply Photo Ref 17071B

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

37

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in November 1948. RAF roundels have been applied to the Vickers-Armstrongs livery. Note also that aerial masts have now been fitted.

Ministry of Supply Photo Ref 17071C

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

38

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in November 1948. RAF roundels have been applied to the Vickers-Armstrongs livery.

Note also that aerial masts have now been fitted.

Ministry of Supply Photo Ref 17071D

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

39

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. The civil registration was cancelled and a military serial allocated. Taken on a flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in November 1948.

It is demonstrating its ability to maintain level flight using only her two starboard Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Both the propellers on the port engines have been feathered to reduce drag.

Note the amount of rudder deflection needed to maintain directional control. Needless to say, the aircraft would not have been anywhere near its normal operating weight.

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

40

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken on a flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England off the south coast in November 1948.

It is demonstrating its ability to maintain level flight using only her two port Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Both the propellers on the starboard engines have been feathered to reduce drag.

Note the amount of rudder deflection needed to maintain directional control.

Needless to say, the aircraft would not have been anywhere near its normal operating weight.

Photo Ref 6357-9

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

41

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken on a flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England off the south coast in November 1948.

It is demonstrating its ability to maintain level flight using only her two port Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Both the propellers on the starboard engines have been feathered to reduce drag.

Note the amount of rudder deflection needed to maintain directional control.

Needless to say, the aircraft would not have been anywhere near its normal operating weight.

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

42

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England circa November 1948.

Note that there is now a mast and housing on top of the cockpit.

It looks like a pitot tube for use as a master airspeed indicator.

Ministry of Supply Photo

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

43

Ministry of Supply
VX211
November 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Blackbushe Airport, Hampshire, England circa November 1948.

Note that there is now a mast and housing on top of the cockpit.

It looks like a pitot tube for use as a master airspeed indicator.

Photo source - Peter Brown collection

44

Ministry of Supply
VX211
December 1948

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in December 1948.

The aircraft is getting ready to depart with members of the press on board.

The second person climbing the rear steps is Vickers Chief Designer George Edwards in his distinctive flat-topped 'pork pie' hat.

Note the mast and housing on top of the cockpit. It looks like a pitot tube for use as a master airspeed indicator.

A bulb type housing has also been added to the top of the cabin.

Photo source - Peter Upton collection

45

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
VX211
April 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken at Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 14 April 1949.

It is about to take off from the grass runway 27 towards the west.

At this time there was only one hangar at this airfield (top right), but as the Viscount developed another large hangar was quickly constructed and a concrete runway laid down.

Photo Ref EAW022091

Photo source - Britain From Above

46

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

It is demonstrating its ability to maintain level flight using only her two starboard Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Both the propellers on the port engines have been feathered to reduce drag. Note the amount of rudder and aileron deflection needed to maintain control.

Needless to say, the aircraft would not have been anywhere near its normal operating weight.

Photo Ref 6351-2

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

47

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

Photo Ref 6351-4

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

48

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

The pressurisation system has now been installed.

Photo Ref 6351-12

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

49

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

The pressurisation system has now been installed.

Note the nose up attitude to keep formation with the photo aircraft which was probably a Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta.

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

50

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

The pressurisation system has now been installed.

Note the nose up attitude to keep formation with the photo aircraft which was probably a Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta.

Photo source - Sergei Tsvetkov collection

51

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

The pressurisation system has now been installed.

Note the nose up attitude to keep formation with the photo aircraft which was probably a Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

52

Ministry of Supply
VX211
July 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight 29 July 1949.

The photo aircraft is probably a Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta.

Photo source - Ed Jones collection

53

Ministry of Supply
VX211
August 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype and has now been allocated a military serial. Taken during a test flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England in August 1949 and demonstrating its ability to maintain level flight only using her two starboard Dart engines.

Both the propellers on the port engines have been feathered to reduce drag.

Note the amount of rudder deflection needed to maintain directional control.

Needless to say, the aircraft would not have been anywhere near its normal operating weight.

Photo source - Charles Edward Brown

54

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
August 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken arriving at Northolt Airport, Middlesex, England in late August 1949 in the early BEA 'flying key' livery.

The outboard Rolls-Royce Dart engines have already been shut down.

Photo source - Mike J Hooks

55

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Built for the Ministry of Supply as the type prototype. Taken at London Airport (Heathrow), Middlesex, England in early September 1949.

The car is a 1930s Ford Model Y which had a four cylinder 1172 cc side-valve engine.

Later versions of this body style and engine evolved into the Popular, Anglia and Prefect.

Photo source - Alan Beardmore collection

56

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England 6 September 1949 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show with BEA titles, logo and Union flag applied to the basic Vickers livery.

After the show on the 15 September 1949 a restricted Certificate of Airworthiness (No.7796) was issued after 290 hours and 160 flights.

This was the first C of A issued to a turbine transport aircraft anywhere in the world.

Photo Ref V419

Photo source - Brian N Stainer (Aviation Photo News)

57

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England 6 September 1949 taxying out to take part in the flying display at the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show with BEA titles, logo and Union flag applied to the basic Vickers livery.

After the show on the 15 September 1949 a restricted Certificate of Airworthiness (No.7796) was issued after 290 hours and 160 flights.

This was the first C of A issued to a turbine transport aircraft anywhere in the world.

Photo source - Chris Knott (Air Photographic International)

58

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1949 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show taken on very early colour slide film.

After the show a restricted Certificate of Airworthiness (No.7796) was issued after 290 hours and 160 flights.

This was the first C of A issued to a turbine transport aircraft anywhere in the world.

Photo source - WO Dinsdale collection via Steven Jefferson

59

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1949 at the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show taken on very early colour slide film.

After the show a restricted Certificate of Airworthiness (No.7796) was issued after 290 hours and 160 flights.

This was the first C of A issued to a turbine transport aircraft anywhere in the world.

Photo source - WO Dinsdale collection via Steven Jefferson

60

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
September 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England 11 September 1949 during the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show.

After the show a restricted Certificate of Airworthiness (No.7796) was issued after 290 hours and 160 flights.

This was the first C of A issued to a turbine transport aircraft anywhere in the world.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

61

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
October 1949

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken arriving at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England circa October 1949.

Photo source - Daily Mail Photo Library

62

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken during a publicity flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 March 1950.

It is now painted in the new BEA livery.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

63

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken during a publicity flight from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England 16 March 1950.

It is now painted in the new BEA livery.

Note the 'BEA' lettering replacing the G-A part of the underwing registration.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

64

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at an unknown location in March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

Photo source - FlightGlobal Photo Library

65

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands 20 March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

BEA Photo Ref 2131

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

66

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands 20 March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

A nice selection of BP Aviation Services vehicles suitably arranged for publicity photo purposes as well as refuelling and servicing the aircraft.

Photo source - British Petroleum (BP) Photo Library

67

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at an unknown location in March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

Vickers Photo Ref 6021B

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

68

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Kastrup Airport, Copenhagen, Denmark 25 March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

BEA Captain Wylie James Wakelin ex RNZAF in uniform and Vickers test pilot Joseph 'Mutt' Summers are photographed after their arrival.

Photo source - Ed Jones collection

69

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
March 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Kloten Airport, Zurich, Switzerland in March 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

Note the conventional gravity over-wing refuelling which was replaced with a pressure sytem through the No.1 and No.4 engine nacelles on later production aircraft.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

70

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
April 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at an unknown location in April 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

71

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
April 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Bromma Airport, Stockholm, Sweden in April 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

Photo source - Lars Alegren

72

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
April 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Bromma Airport, Stockholm, Sweden in April 1950 during an eight European Capital tour with the aircraft painted in a new BEA livery.

A nice closeup study of the No.1 Rolls-Royce Dart engine nacelle and propeller.

Photo source - Lars Alegren

73

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
May 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at an unknown location 16 May 1950.

Photo Ref V419

Photo source - Brian N Stainer (Aviation Photo News)

74

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
June 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken at Khartoum Airport, Sudan circa June 1950 during tropical trials.

Photo source - Evans / Pharcide

75

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
June 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken flying near Mount Kilimanjaro, (Kibo cone), Tanganyika during hot and high tropical trials in Africa 22 June 1950.

The photograph was taken from Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta C.1 VX541 which was being flown solo by Vickers test pilot Brian Alexander Powell with the photographer in the cabin at the removed port rear door position wearing a tethered safety harness.

The Valetta was on loan from the Ministry as a tender and photo hack and was finally delivered to them on its return to the UK.

Photo source - Derek Harvey

76

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
June 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken flying near Mount Kilimanjaro, (Kibo cone), Tanganyika during hot and high tropical trials in Africa 22 June 1950.

The photograph was taken from Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta C.1 VX541 which was being flown solo by Vickers test pilot Brian Alexander Powell with the photographer in the cabin at the removed port rear door position wearing a tethered safety harness.

The Valetta was on loan from the Ministry as a tender and photo hack and was finally delivered to them on its return to the UK.

Photo source - Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd

77

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
June 1950

Re-registered from the Ministry of Supply VX211 for civil trials use. Taken flying near Mount Kilimanjaro (Kibo cone), Tanganyika at 19,600 feet during hot and high tropical trials in Africa 22 June 1950.

The photograph was taken from Ministry of Supply Vickers Valetta C.1 VX541 which was being flown solo by Vickers test pilot Brian Alexander Powell with the photographer in the cabin at the removed port rear door position wearing a tethered safety harness.

The Valetta was on loan from the Ministry as a tender and photo hack and was finally delivered to them on its return to the UK.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

78

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 28 July 1950 after arriving from Wisley Airfield, Surrey, England.

The following day it operated the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

79

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Assoc of Transport Photographers & Historians ATPH

80

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

81

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

The front row (l to r) has Norman Hill (Redifon Ltd), Captain A G Lamplugh (British Aviation Insurance) George Edwards (Vickers Chief Designer), Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle (Jet Engine Designer), Sir Arnold Overton (Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Anthony Milward (BEA General Manager for Continental Services).

The man in the hat is Air Chief Marshal Sir Alec Coryton (Ministry of Aircraft Production) with Peter Masefield (Managing Director of BEA) standing on the steps with Capt W G James (BEA) to his left.

Does anyone recognise the person between George Edwards and Frank Whittle?

Details please to information@vickersviscount.net

BEA Photo Ref 2452

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

82

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

The front row (l to r) has Norman Hill (Redifon Ltd), Captain A G Lamplugh (British Aviation Insurance) George H Edwards (Vickers Chief Designer), Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle (Jet Engine Designer), Sir Arnold Overton (Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Anthony Milward (BEA General Manager for Continental Services).

The man in the hat is Air Chief Marshal Sir Alec Coryton (Ministry of Supply) with Peter G Masefield (Managing Director of BEA) standing on the steps with Capt W G James (BEA) to his left.

Does anyone recognise the person between George Edwards and Frank Whittle?

Details please to information@vickersviscount.net

Keystone Press Agency Ltd Photo Ref BM/564592

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

83

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Notable amongst this group is Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle (carrying the briefcase) and Peter G Masefield, Chairman of BEA (standing left of the lady with his back turned) and standing on the left Sir Arnold Overton (Ministry of Civil Aviation).

Does anyone recognise the lady?

Details please to information@vickersviscount.net

Photo source - Arthur Hustwitt (Memorial) collection

84

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

In the background is a Swissair Convair 240.

Photo source - Arthur Hustwitt (Memorial) collection

85

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 prior to the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Everyone is now on board and the engines are being started.

Other passengers are casually walking out to their aircraft blissfully unaware of this historic occasion.

Photo source - Arthur Hustwitt (Memorial) collection

86

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 ready to depart on the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

87

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England 29 July 1950 taxying out to the runway with the departure of the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

88

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
July 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France 29 July 1950, having operated the world's first turbine powered scheduled commercial service, flight number BE392X2 from Northolt Airport, Middlesex, England.

A BEA photo.

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

89

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England in August 1950 prior to its departure on a daily scheduled commercial service to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Vickers Photo Ref 6032D

Photo source - Ed Jones collection

90

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England in August 1950 prior to its departure on a daily scheduled commercial service to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Vickers Photo Ref 6032J

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

91

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England in August 1950 prior to its departure on a daily scheduled commercial service to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

A closeup view of the aerials.

Taken from Vickers Photo Ref 6032J

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

92

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England in August 1950 prior to its departure on a daily scheduled commercial service to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

A closeup of the rear fuselage.

The small badge near the rear door appears to have 'Certificate of Airworthiness' on it.

Taken from Vickers Photo Ref 6032J

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

93

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Northolt Airport, Ruislip, Middlesex, England in August 1950 prior to its departure on a daily scheduled commercial service to Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.

Photo source - Ann Owen

94

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France in August 1950, having arrived from Northolt Airport, Middlesex, England on one of the daily trial flights.

The flight generally took about 70 minutes.

Note the French Navy 'Aeronavale' Avro Lancaster in the background alongside a USAF Douglas C-47 and C-54.

Photo source - Peter Upton collection

95

British European Airways Corporation (BEA)
G-AHRF
August 1950

Loaned from Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd to carry out trial commercial operations. Taken at Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France in August 1950.

It is about to return to Northolt Airport, Middlesex, England on one of the daily trial flights.

The flight generally took about 70 minutes.

Photo source - Peter Upton collection

96

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1950

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken on its way to the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1950 still in BEA livery but it did not take part in the flying display during the week.

Vickers Photo Ref 6015E

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

97

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1950

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken on its way to the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1950 still in BEA livery but it did not take part in the flying display during the week.

Vickers Photo Ref 6015F

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

98

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
September 1950

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken on its way to the Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) air show at Farnborough Airfield, Hampshire, England in September 1950 still in BEA livery but it did not take part in the flying display during the week.

Vickers Photo Ref 6016K

Photo source - Richard Stanton collection

99

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
May 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken during a publicity flight 14 May 1952, three months before its sad demise.

BEA Photo

Photo source - Des Pike collection

100

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
May 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken during a publicity flight 14 May 1952, three months before its sad demise.

BEA Photo Ref 2458

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

101

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
August 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken at Khartoum Airport, Sudan in late August 1952.

It was damaged beyond economic repair when the starboard main undercarriage leg collapsed on landing.

Note the tracked trolley supporting the starboard side to enable it to be moved from the runway area.

Remains of this aircraft were reportedly buried in the sands.

(NFB photo)

Photo source - Peter J Marson collection

102

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
August 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken at Khartoum Airport, Sudan in late August 1952.

It was damaged beyond economic repair when the starboard main undercarriage leg collapsed on landing.

Note the tracked trolley supporting the starboard side to enable it to be moved from the runway area.

Remains of this aircraft were reportedly buried in the sands.

(NFB photo)

Photo source - Peter J Marson collection

103

Vickers-Armstrongs (Aircraft) Ltd
G-AHRF
August 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken at Khartoum Airport, Sudan in late August 1952.

It was damaged beyond economic repair when the starboard main undercarriage leg collapsed on landing.

Note the tracked trolley supporting the starboard side to enable it to be moved from the runway area.

Remains of this aircraft were reportedly buried in the sands.

(NFB photo)

Photo source - Peter J Marson collection

104

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
August 1952

Returned from BEA commercial operation trials. Taken at Khartoum Airport, Sudan in late August 1952.

It was damaged beyond economic repair when the starboard main undercarriage leg collapsed on landing.

This view shows the extensive damage to the starboard flaps and curled propeller blades.

Remains of this aircraft were reportedly buried in the sands.

(NFB photo)

Photo source - Brian R Burrage collection (gallery 1)

105

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 2023

Taken at Fairoaks Airport, Surrey, England 16 July 2023.

Tom is sitting in de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk G-DHCC with the owner / pilot Tony de Bruyn before setting off to fly over Wisley Airfield via the Brooklands Museum to commemorate the first flight of the prototype Viscount on this day in 1948.

At the time the runway was just grass!

A limited number of commemorative covers were taken on board.

Photo source - Tom Singfield

106

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 2023

Taken flying over the Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey, England 16 July 2023 with ex BAF Viscount G-APIM (C/N 412) in view by the wingtip.

Tom is in de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk G-DHCC with the owner / pilot Tony de Bruyn.

They are on their way to Wisley Airfield to commemorate the first flight of the prototype Viscount on this day in 1948.

At the time the runway was just grass!

They made a low pass along the closed runway which has concrete blocks on it to prevent anyone from landing on it.

This airfield has long been abandoned and has had various plans to convert the land to housing use.

Photo source - Tom Singfield

107

Ministry of Supply
G-AHRF
July 2023

This is an example of the commemorative cover carried on board.

A limited number carry the pilot's name and T Dixon, the artist who designed the Jersey stamp.

A greater number of covers just have Tony's signature.

Send an email to information@vickersviscount.net if you want to order a cover, subject to availability.

Photo source - Tom Singfield

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Photo of BEA - British European Airways Viscount G-AOJC

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