I can remember, in about 1963, the Rotodyne landing vertically at Westland’s Hayes factory, where I had been an apprentice, until ejected. The noise caused a mass rush to Bournes Bridge over the railway, to witness its unannounced arrival. It maneuvered into position and touched down safely. I heard it’s only visit to Hayes was for it to be fitted with seats prior to the forthcoming SBAC Show at Farnborough. I can’t understand why this can’t have been undertaken at its usual base at White Waltham.
It only ever carried the military serial XE521.
As an ATC Cadet, I once flew over the top of the Rotordyne at White Waltham, while its rotors were rotating, with white exhaust trails streaming from the tip mounted jet exhausts! The flight in the Chipmunk was nice as well!

A large number of aircraft…Jetsteams to be precise, awaiting the chop at Kingman AZ. [ATTACH=CONFIG]225432[/ATTACH]

Some years ago I picked up two pieces of a gun turret on the beach at Bracklesham Bay, which is only 4 or 5 miles from Selsey. I wonder if they originated from the same aircraft. The bits I found, I donated to the Tangmere museum, after spending several years hanging from a nail in my garage!

Another plane with tip tanks…:eagerness: [ATTACH=CONFIG]225263[/ATTACH]

Low tech aircraft refueling of an Auster…[ATTACH=CONFIG]225225[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]224506[/ATTACH] You’ll need a jeep if you want to move them around.

Now I remember why I leave the country mid December! Oh, to our American friends, Happy Holidays seems more appropriate for the time of year than the other option. Lincoln, can you start a petition to ban Happy Christmas please. Thanking you in anticipation…:eagerness:

Hawk to Skyhawk![ATTACH=CONFIG]223693[/ATTACH]