Hunter with chute, Valley in 80’s?

Low level line abreast formation…with Valettas

Low level line abreast formation….without Valettas.

Farnborough 1960 Victor B2 XH669 on low flypast. The photo was taken by my father and I was originally wondering if this was take off although looked a little early for wheels up. However, have found a similar and somewhat better shot on line and it is a flypast. Those were the days.

Found another shot in 1944 of same hangers at Horsham St Faith

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24302898@N08/3218985912/in/photostream/

Err…….. no 😉

The Brabazon hangar was actually built BEFORE the Hatfield flight test hangar that is now a fitness club etc., and is smaller in span.

Also, it’s not made of steel 😉

It’s made of aluminium 🙂

Which is predominately why it was listed, as at the time of construction it was the world’s largest permanent aluminium structure, and probably still is to this day.

The Brabazon hangar is often cited as being the largest clear span structure, but technically it’s a triple span structure.

I think the largest real single span steel structure is currently Terminal 5 at Heathrow?

This is interesting. Can we infer that the main reason for listing at Hatfield was architectural rather than the buildings historic aviation connection. Even if this is the case are the Brabazon hangers not of architectural interest whatever the technicalities are regarding the span? And surely the former homes of the Beatles are of no architectural interest and yet they are Gll Listed. I am thinking this is more to do with sustainability in the sense of on going maintenance costs and who owns them. In the Beatles case they are owned by the NT who only take on properties if they have the funding in place for onward preservation. Is there a reluctance to list sites if the current owner is not prepared or unable to maintain them?

Can anybody give an update in view of the closure of Filton? Are these hangers still not listed?

I agree. However every forecast you look at shows population increase over the next 25 plus years – mainly from increasing life expectancy and an increase of births ovder deaths, exacerbated by rapidly increasing single occupancy dwelling. So all these people have to live somewhere and we are a small over-crowded island. I am glad I do not have to make the planning decisions!!:(

Apologies for thread drift but it relates to your post.

Posted by jettisoning in “RAF Church Fenton in news” thread
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/1015…_airbase_site/

The need for more housing or the profit motivation illustrated. Although I accept the two locations are totally different and this doesn’t involve the closure of the airfield, yet.
“very difficult to sell, (houses) particularly in what is a very challenging housing market at present”. Of course house sales doesn’t necessarily relate to housing needs.
Interesting posts on other Filton threads.