Hi all
I’ve been doing a bit of reading about post war RAF training methods and three aircraft that are largely forgotten today, the Avro Athena, the Boulton Paul Balliol and the Percival Prentice.
A few questions relating to these types have sprung to mind.
Firstly, I know that twelve examples of the Balliol were supplied to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and I’m told that at least one airframe still exists, so can anyone give me details of this aircraft (picture etc)?
Secondly, are there any substantial remains of an Avro Athena anywhere?
Thirdly, am I the only one who’s pleased that the Shuttleworth Collection is restoring to flying condition an example of the very much unloved Prentice?
Speaking of the Prentice I’m not convinced of the two students, one instructor idea though.
All the best
Andy
By: robbelc - 9th November 2004 at 21:42
The Athena was only built in small numbers. There was the T1 prototype with Mamba and the T1A protytype with Dart. But 17 T2’s (VW890 prototype)were built with merlin 35’s and operated as gunnery trainers, doubt if they lasted long though. Serial numbers were VR566-VR580, none survive.
The Prentice was also supplied to Argentina, and I think one is preserved there? Looking at my copy of ‘aircraft of the world 1953’ it says the prentice was licence built in India, something I didn’t know? The Prentice was supposed to be like flying a brick and be too stable to be a trainer. Thats why the upturned wingtips were fitted to disturb the airflow. Add to that it was very thirsty and slow so only a handfull made it into the civil market out on the 200 odd Freddie Laker brought.
By: Arabella-Cox - 9th November 2004 at 21:30
I think 2 of the Sri Lanken T2 Balliols still survive.
CA-302 with the Sri Lanken Air Force Museum in Ratmalana and
CA-310 with the recruiting centre in Diyatalawa.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Yep I new I had seen a website somewhere, DGH as above is correct
By: Andy in Beds - 9th November 2004 at 20:56
I think 2 of the Sri Lanken T2 Balliols still survive.
CA-302 with the Sri Lanken Air Force Museum in Ratmalana and
CA-310 with the recruiting centre in Diyatalawa.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Thanks DGH
Pictures anyone??
Cheers
Andy
By: DGH - 9th November 2004 at 20:48
I think 2 of the Sri Lanken T2 Balliols still survive.
CA-302 with the Sri Lanken Air Force Museum in Ratmalana and
CA-310 with the recruiting centre in Diyatalawa.
Hope this helps. 🙂
By: Toddington Ted - 9th November 2004 at 20:45
Percival Prentice
I have been reading about this aircraft, (I don’t remember it in service!) which was designed to accommodate 2 students, one sitting next to the instructor and one behind. Powered by a Gypsy Queen in line engine (I think) it was thought of by several RAF pilots as being underpowered with the streamlining of a garden shed. One quote I have seen in print was that many thought the Prentice to be “some lind of a bad joke”. Anyone know more about the virtues and vices of this somewhat ungraceful (in some eyes) machine?
By: Arabella-Cox - 9th November 2004 at 20:01
‘Firstly, I know that twelve examples of the Balliol were supplied to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and I’m told that at least one airframe still exists, so can anyone give me details of this aircraft (picture etc)?’
Andy
Yes I worked by the RCYAF Balliols at Katunayake from 1958-1960, here is a link to my Webshots photos http://image01.webshots.com/1/0/62/39/39506239nYNpJx_ph.jpg
I am also in touch with the OC #2 Squadron plus another 30 bods from that era including some RCYAF personnel
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November 9, 2004 at 7:43 pm