Concorde 002

Rumour has it, the reason it ended up at Yeovilton is because a public figure associated with Bristol wanted the Concorde nearby/at Filton in recognition of those who built it and because Yeovilton was the closest aviation museum it went there. Might have had something to do with the Science Museum wanting it under cover, not sure though.

HP111, since when as the historical significance ever stopped such a thing before?

There was some questioning at the time as to whether the new hangar would ever get built as the cost of steel was rising sharply at the time. Thankfully it all worked out. I guess 002 is now stuck forever where it is. Cutting it up to move it would damage an historic object.

thanks for the answers. Thats put that little baby to bed!!

I remember listening to Commander Dennis White the director (?) of the FAAM talk about the arrival of 002 at Yeovilton.
As a good FAA Officer he thought it a good idea to stand by the runway and ‘Bat’ it in. As the approaching aircraft grew larger in his view he said he realised he was probably standing just a little too close to the runway for comfort, but knowing the press had gathered behind him for the photo opertunity ‘The Honor of the Service’ dictated that he stood his ground, bats in hand. He was proud that he did, for when 002 passed it was accompanied by the rather expensive sound of camera lenses hitting the tarmac as the press dived for cover. 😀

I remember all the publicity about 002 at the time. Problem was no one wanted it. It wasn’t anything to do with Fleet air arm so Yeovilton didn’t want it either. However it eventually ended up there. I paid 50p admission to look over it. That day Concorde was outside and in the pouring rain I got soaked as there was a queue of people but it was worth it. Fantastic! The admission fees from the aircraft alone was said to have paid for its own hanger to be built.

Concorde 002 is owned by the Science Museum and displayed at Yeovilton