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{{Short description|British experimental aircraft (1949–1967)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{distinguish|Boeing 707}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = Avro 707
|name= Avro 707
|image = File:Avro 707B VX790 in flight c1951.jpg
|image= File:Avro 707B VX790 in flight c1951.jpg
|caption = Avro 707B ''VX790'' in flight, 1951. [[NACA]] air intake.
|caption= Avro 707B ''VX790'' in flight, 1951. [[NACA]] air intake.
|type= [[Experimental aircraft]]
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|manufacturer= [[Avro]]
|type = [[Experimental aircraft]]
|designer=
|manufacturer = [[Avro]]
|first_flight= 4 September 1949
|designer =
|introduction=
|first flight = 4 September 1949
|retired= 1967
|introduced =
|status= 3 aircraft survive in museums
|retired = 1967
|primary_user= Avro
|status = 3 aircraft survive in museums
|more_users= [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] <br />Australian Aeronautical Research Council
|primary user = Avro
|produced= <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
|more users = [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] <br />Australian Aeronautical Research Council
|number_built= 5
|produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
|unit cost=
|number built = 5
|variants=
|unit cost =
|developed_into= [[Avro Vulcan]]
|variants with their own articles =
}}
}}
The '''Avro 707''' (also known as '''Type 707''') is an experimental aircraft designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer [[Avro]].<ref>Force V: The history of Britain's airborne deterrent, by Andrew Brookes. Jane's Publishing Co Ltd; First Edition 1 Jan. 1982, {{ISBN|0710602383}}, p.43, 44, 47, 48.</ref>
|}


The '''Avro 707''' (also known as '''Type 707''') is a British experimental aircraft built to test the [[tailless aircraft|tailless]] thick [[delta wing]] configuration chosen for the Avro 698 jet [[bomber]], later named the [[Avro Vulcan|Vulcan]]. In particular, the low-speed characteristics of such aircraft were not well known at the time. Aerodynamically, it was a one-third scale version of the Vulcan.
It was developed to test the [[tailless aircraft|tailless]] thick [[delta wing]] configuration chosen for the Avro 698 jet [[bomber]], later named the [[Avro Vulcan|Vulcan]]. In particular, the low-speed characteristics of such aircraft were not well known at the time. Aerodynamically, it was a one-third scale version of the Vulcan. The second prototype, ''VX790'', was built to the ''707B'' configuration, featuring a longer nose, alternative cockpit canopy, a modified wing with (51°) sweep, and an elongated nose wheel leg for a greater angle of incidence during both landing and take offs. The twin-seat ''707C'', the final variant, which had been designed to perform delta wing orientation training with the [[Royal Air Force]]; however, no production aircraft would ultimately be produced. The handful of 707s that were produced were largely used for flight testing purposes.

On 4 September 1949, the first Avro 707 performed its [[maiden flight]]; low-speed testing began shortly thereafter. Higher speed testing commenced in late 1953 using the third aircraft, the first ''707A''. After development of the Vulcan had been completed, the four surviving 707s continued to be flown as general research aircraft. The prototype 707C was involved in various research programmes, the majority of which were unconnected to the Vulcan. Numerous tests involving the type were conducted by both the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] (R.A.E) and the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Australia. During the early 1950s, the Avro 707 performed several public appearances at the [[Farnborough Airshow]]s. The last flying Avro 707 was grounded during 1967; three aircraft have been preserved and placed on static display in museums.


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
[[File:Avro 707A WD280 in flight c1951.jpg|thumb|An Avro 707A in flight, 1951.]]
[[File:Avro 707A WD280 in flight c1951.jpg|thumb|An Avro 707A in flight, 1951.]]
The 707 was a "proof-of-concept" delta design that was principally the work of [[Stuart Davies (engineer)|Stuart D. Davies]], Avro chief designer. The diminutive experimental aircraft initially incorporated a wing with about 50° sweep, without a horizontal tail on a fin with trailing edge sweep. The trailing edge of the wing carried two pairs of control surfaces: inboard [[elevator (aircraft)|elevators]] and outboard [[aileron]]s. Retractable [[air brake (aircraft)|airbrakes]] were provided above and below the wings.<ref>Buttler 2007, p. 54.</ref>
The Avro 707 originated as a "proof-of-concept" [[delta wing]] aircraft that was principally the work of [[Stuart Davies (engineer)|Stuart D. Davies]], Avro's chief designer. It was a relatively compact aircraft that initially incorporated a wing with about 50° sweep, without a horizontal tail on a fin with [[trailing edge]] sweep. The trailing edge of this wing carried two pairs of control surfaces: inboard [[elevator (aeronautics)|elevators]] and outboard [[aileron]]s. These flight surfaces worked in conjunction with a conventional [[rudder]].<ref name = "jackson 422"/> Retractable [[air brake (aeronautics)|airbrakes]] were also provided above and below the wings.<ref>Buttler 2007, p. 54.</ref> The aircraft featured all-metal stressed-skin construction.<ref name = "jackson 422">Jackson 1965, p. 422.</ref>

The prototypes were ordered by the [[Ministry of Supply]] to [[List of Air Ministry specifications|Specification E.15/48]]. The aircraft were produced quickly using a few components from other aircraft including the first prototype using a [[Gloster Meteor]] canopy.{{#tag:ref|"Off-the-shelf" parts included an [[Avro Athena]] main undercarriage leg and Gloster Meteor nose leg.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 174">Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 174.</ref>|group=N}}<ref>Buttler 2007, p. 52.</ref> The 707 programme provided valuable insights into the Vulcan's flight characteristics, most of the information coming from the second and third prototypes which flew before the Vulcan. All 707s were powered by a single [[Rolls-Royce Derwent]] centrifugal turbojet. The air intake on the first prototype and later 707B was located on the upper rear fuselage.<ref>Winchester 2005, p. 123.</ref> Five 707s were built altogether.<ref>Buttler 2007, pp. 54–55.</ref>{{#tag:ref|The last three Avro 707s flew after the Vulcan's first flight on 30 August 1952.|group=N}}
The prototypes were ordered by the [[Ministry of Supply]] to fulfil [[List of Air Ministry specifications#1940–1949|Specification E.15/48]], which called for a low-speed research aircraft that would be a one-third scale version of [[Avro Vulcan|Avro's B.35/46]] design for a [[strategic bomber]]. Production of this aircraft was accelerated by using several components from other aircraft, such as the canopy of the first prototype being taken from a [[Gloster Meteor]].{{#tag:ref|"Off-the-shelf" parts included an [[Avro Athena]] main undercarriage leg and Gloster Meteor nose leg.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 174">Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 174.</ref><ref name = "jackson 422"/>|group=N}}<ref>Buttler 2007, p. 52.</ref><ref name = "bae official">{{cite web |url = https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/heritage/avro-707 |title = Avro 707 |publisher = [[BAE Systems]] |access-date = 31 December 2023}}</ref> The Avro 707 programme provided valuable insights into the Vulcan's flight characteristics, most of the information coming from the second and third prototypes which flew before the Vulcan. A half-scale aircraft, the ''Avro 710'', was cancelled when it became clear that it would be less time-consuming to develop a high-speed variant of the Avro 707 instead.<ref>Laming 2002, p. 27.</ref><ref name="blackman21">Blackman 2007, p. 21.</ref>

All Avro 707s were powered by a single [[Rolls-Royce Derwent]] centrifugal turbojet engine. The air intake on the first prototype and later 707B was located on the upper rear fuselage.<ref>Winchester 2005, p. 123.</ref> Some aircraft were outfitted with [[ejection seat]]s.<ref>Laming 2002, p. 29.</ref> In total, five Avro 707s were completed.<ref>Buttler 2007, pp. 54–55.</ref>{{#tag:ref|The last three Avro 707s flew after the Vulcan's first flight on 30 August 1952.|group=N}}


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[File:Avro 707 Farnborough 1951.jpg|thumb|The Avro 707B at [[Farnborough Airshow|Farnborough]], in 1951.]]
[[File:Avro 707 Farnborough 1951.jpg|thumb|The Avro 707B at [[Farnborough Airshow|Farnborough]], in 1951.]]
The first, the Avro '''707''', ''VX784'' first flew from [[Boscombe Down]] on 4 September 1949 with Squadron Leader Samuel Eric Esler, DFC, AE, at the controls. The prototype crashed less than a month later, on 30 September, near [[Blackbushe Airport|Blackbushe]], killing Esler.<ref>"Hewitt 2003, Ireland's Aviator Heroes of World War II, p. 168"</ref> The next prototype, ''VX790'', renamed the '''707B''', had a longer nose, different cockpit canopy, a wing of different (51°) sweep and a longer nose wheel leg to provide the high angle of incidence required by deltas for landing and take off. The 707B was given the same dorsal engine intake as the 707, although this was later modified to a [[NACA duct|NACA]] design. It first flew on 6 September 1950. Both these aircraft were built to test low speed characteristics.
On 4 September 1949, the first Avro ''707'', ''VX784'', performed its [[maiden flight]] from [[MOD Boscombe Down|RAF Boscombe Down]], Squadron Leader Samuel Eric Esler, DFC, AE, was at the controls.<ref name = "jackson 422"/> Two days later, it was statically displayed at the [[Farnborough Airshow]]. However, testing with the first prototype was cut shortly when, on 30 September 1949, it crashed near [[Blackbushe Airport|Blackbushe]] during a test flight, killing Esler.<ref>Hewitt 2003, p. 168.</ref><ref name = "jackson 422"/> The loss of the first prototype led to the construction of the second prototype being temporarily halted while the design was re-examined, leading to several refinements being implemented.<ref name = "dunsfold history">{{cite web |url = https://dunsfoldairfield.org/avro-707b/ |title = Avro 707B |publisher = Dunsfold Airfield History Society |access-date = 31 December 2023}}</ref>

The next prototype, ''VX790'', renamed the ''707B'', had a longer nose, different cockpit canopy, a wing of different (51°) sweep and a longer nose wheel leg to provide the high angle of incidence required by deltas for landing and take off. The Avro 707B was given the same dorsal engine intake as the first prototype, although this was later modified to a [[NACA duct|NACA]] design. It first flew on 6 September 1950; the aircraft quickly proved to be relatively docile in flight.<ref name = "jackson 422"/><ref name = "dunsfold history"/> Both the 707 and 707B were largely flown to test low speed characteristics.<ref name = "jackson 422"/>


The third aircraft, designated '''707A''', ''WD280'' was built for higher speed testing. Experience with the dorsal intake of the earlier 707 and 707B had shown that as speed increased, the cockpit induced turbulence which interrupted the intake airflow, so the intakes were moved to the wing roots.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176">Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 176.</ref> When the Vulcan appeared, it looked very much like an enlarged 707A. Later, this 707A was used to test the compound leading edge sweep subsequently used on all Vulcans. Although the first Vulcan prototype was already flying, a second 707A ''WZ736'' was built to speed the development programme, making its maiden fight on 20 February 1953.
The third aircraft, designated ''707A'', ''WD280'' was built for higher speed testing.<ref name = "jackson 423"/> Experience with the dorsal intake of the earlier 707 and 707B had shown that as speed increased, the cockpit induced turbulence which interrupted the intake airflow, thus the intakes were repositioned to the [[wing root]]s.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176">Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 176.</ref> It was not designed for [[supersonic]] flight as it was felt this would necessitate both power-operated flight controls and far greater engine power.<ref name = "jackson 423"/> When the Vulcan appeared, it looked very much like an enlarged 707A. Later, this 707A was used to test the compound leading edge sweep subsequently used on all Vulcans. Although the first Vulcan prototype was already flying, a second 707A ''WZ736'' was produced to speed the development programme. It made its maiden fight on 20 February 1953.<ref name = "jackson 423"/>


The final variant was the two-seat '''707C'''; originally four examples were ordered by the RAF for use in orientation training revolving around flying aircraft with delta wing configurations. The 707C had "side-by-side" seating with dual-controls but the production order was cancelled with only the sole prototype, ''WZ744'' built.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176"/> The 707C had its maiden flight on 1 July 1953 and was ultimately employed in other research that did not involve Vulcan development.<ref name="Buttler p. 55">Buttler 2007, p. 55.</ref>
The final variant was the two-seat ''707C''; originally four examples were ordered by the RAF with the intention of conducting orientation training for flying aircraft with delta wing configurations using the type.<ref name = "jackson 423"/> The 707C was provisioned with a wider cockpit to accommodate a "side-by-side" seating arrangement and dual flight controls. However, the production order was cancelled; accordingly, only the sole prototype, ''WZ744'', was built.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176"/> The 707C had its maiden flight on 1 July 1953 and was ultimately employed in other research that did not involve Vulcan development.<ref name="Buttler p. 55">Buttler 2007, p. 55.</ref><ref name="blackman21"/>


[[File:Avro Vulcan VX770 VX777 FAR 13.09.53 edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|Two Avro 707As, a 707B and a 707C with both Vulcan prototypes at the SBAC [[Farnborough Air Show]] in September 1953]]
[[File:Avro Vulcan VX770 VX777 FAR 13.09.53 edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|Two Avro 707As, a 707B and a 707C with both Vulcan prototypes at the SBAC [[Farnborough Air Show]] in September 1953]]


Even after the Vulcan development phase was over, the four surviving 707s, in individual bright blue, red, orange and silver (natural metal) colour schemes, continued in use as research aircraft.<ref name="Buttler p. 55"/> After the compound sweep investigation<ref>Jackson 1965, p. 423.</ref> and a period with the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] (R.A.E) carrying out handling trials with powered controls,<ref name="Cooper p.108">Cooper 2006, p. 108.</ref> the first 707A went to the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Australia for low-speed delta wing airflow measurements. The second 707A was also at the R.A.E from June 1953 for aerodynamic and later, automatic control investigations.
Even after the Vulcan development phase was over, the four surviving 707s, in individual bright blue, red, orange and silver (natural metal) colour schemes, continued in use as research aircraft.<ref name="Buttler p. 55"/><ref name="blackman21"/> After the compound sweep investigation,<ref name = "jackson 423">Jackson 1965, p. 423.</ref> and a period with the [[Royal Aircraft Establishment]] (R.A.E) carrying out handling trials with powered controls,<ref name="Cooper p.108">Cooper 2006, p. 108.</ref> the first 707A went to the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Australia for low-speed delta wing airflow measurements. The second 707A was also at the R.A.E from June 1953 for aerodynamic and later, automatic control investigations.


The Avro 707B joined the R.A.E. in September 1952<ref name="Cooper p.108"/> and was one of the aircraft used by the [[Empire Test Pilots School]] from January to September 1956,<ref>Cooper 2006, p. 85.</ref> when it was damaged on landing, and broken up at R.A.E. Bedford.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176"/> The two-seat 707C joined the R.A.E. January 1956; perhaps its most substantial research contribution was to the development of [[Aircraft flight control systems#Fly-by-wire control systems|fly-by-wire control]] systems, one of the first of their kind, and fitted with a side stick controller. This aircraft was flying with the R.A.E. until September 1966 when it achieved its full airframe time.<ref name="ElectricHunter">Wilson, Michael, Technical editor. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%201822.html "Avionics: RAE Electric Hunter."] ''Flight International'', 28 June 1973. Retrieved: 3 July 2011.</ref>
During September 1952, the Avro 707B joined the R.A.E.,<ref name="Cooper p.108"/> becoming one of the aircraft used by the [[Empire Test Pilots School]] from January to September 1956,<ref>Cooper 2006, p. 85.</ref> when it was damaged on landing, and broken up at R.A.E. Bedford.<ref name="Harlin and Jenks p. 176"/><ref name = "dunsfold history"/> The two-seat 707C joined the R.A.E. in January 1956; perhaps its most substantial research contribution was to the development of [[Aircraft flight control systems#Fly-by-wire control systems|fly-by-wire control]] systems, one of the first of their kind, and fitted with a side stick controller. This aircraft was flying with the R.A.E. until September 1966 when it achieved its full airframe time.<ref name="ElectricHunter">Wilson, Michael, Technical editor. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1973/1973%20-%201822.html "Avionics: RAE Electric Hunter."] ''Flight International'', 28 June 1973. Retrieved: 3 July 2011.</ref>


The Avro 707s made public appearances at the [[Farnborough Airshow]]s in both September 1952 and 1953. In 1952, the first prototype Vulcan flew with the 707s A and B and in 1953, the four surviving 707s flew alongside the first two Avro 698 Vulcan prototypes.
The Avro 707s made numerous public appearances at the [[Farnborough Airshow]] throughout the 1950s. During 1952, the first prototype Vulcan flew with the 707s A and B and in 1953, the four surviving Avro 707s flew alongside the first two Avro 698 Vulcan prototypes.


==Surviving aircraft==
==Surviving aircraft==
[[File:Avro 707A WZ736 MSIM 10.08.85R edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|The second Avro 707A ''WZ736'' displayed next to an [[Avro Shackleton]] at the [[Museum of Science and Industry (Manchester)|Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester]] in 1985]]
[[File:Avro 707A WZ736 MSIM 10.08.85R edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|The second Avro 707A ''WZ736'' displayed next to an [[Avro Shackleton]] at the [[Museum of Science and Industry (Manchester)|Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester]] in 1985]]


No 707s are now airworthy. Both examples of the Avro 707A variant survive. One, ''WZ736'', was preserved in Great Britain at the [[Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester]], but has been transferred to the [[Boscombe Down Collection]] at Old Sarum, while the other, ''WD280'', is preserved in Australia at the [[RAAF Museum]] at [[Point Cook, Victoria]]. Also in Great Britain is ''WZ744'', the single 707C, which was displayed at the [[RAF Museum]], Cosford near [[Wolverhampton]] and is currently stored out of public view with its space in the museum's Test Flight hall taken by the [[British Aerospace EAP]].<ref>Jackson 1965, pp. 422–445.</ref>
No Avro 707s are presently airworthy. Both examples of the 707A variant survive. One, ''WZ736'', was preserved in Great Britain at the [[Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester]], but has been transferred to the [[Boscombe Down Aviation Collection]] at Old Sarum, while the other, ''WD280'', is preserved in Australia at the [[RAAF Museum]] at [[Point Cook, Victoria]]. Also in Great Britain is ''WZ744'', the single 707C prototype, which was displayed at the [[RAF Museum]], Cosford near [[Wolverhampton]] and is currently stored out of public view with its space in the museum's Test Flight hall taken by the [[British Aerospace EAP]].<ref>Jackson 1965, pp. 422–445.</ref>


==Operators==
==Operators==
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{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Avro Aircraft since 1908<ref name=Jackson>{{cite book |last1=Jackson |first1=A.J. |title=Avro Aircraft since 1908 |url=https://archive.org/details/avroaircraftsinc1908jack_906 |url-access=limited |date=1965 |publisher=Putnam |location=London |pages=[https://archive.org/details/avroaircraftsinc1908jack_906/page/n158 319]-333}}</ref>
|ref= ''Avro Aircraft since 1908''<ref name=Jackson>{{cite book |last1 = Jackson |first1 = A.J. |title = Avro Aircraft since 1908 |url=https://archive.org/details/avroaircraftsinc1908jack_906 |url-access = limited |date = 1965 |publisher = Putnam |location = London |pages = [https://archive.org/details/avroaircraftsinc1908jack_906/page/n158 319]-333}}</ref>
|prime units?=imp
|prime units?= imp
<!--
<!--
General characteristics
General characteristics
-->
-->
|crew=2
|crew= 2
|length ft=42
|length ft= 42
|length in=4
|length in= 4
|length note=
|length note=
|span ft=34
|span ft= 34
|span in=2
|span in= 2
|span note=
|span note=
|height ft=11
|height ft= 11
|height in=7
|height in= 7
|height note=
|height note=
|wing area sqft=420
|wing area sqft= 420
|wing area note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|wing area note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=[[NACA airfoil|NACA 0010 mod]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|airfoil= [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0010 mod]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=10000
|gross weight lb= 10,000
|gross weight note=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight lb=
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Powerplant
Powerplant
-->
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce Derwent 8]]
|eng1 name= [[Rolls-Royce Derwent|Rolls-Royce Derwent 8]]
|eng1 type=[[centrifugal-flow turbojet]] engine
|eng1 type= [[centrifugal-flow turbojet]] engine
|eng1 lbf=3600
|eng1 lbf= 3,600
|eng1 note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|eng1 note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
<!--
<!--
Performance
Performance
-->
-->
|max speed mph=464
|max speed mph= 464
|max speed note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|max speed note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
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|climb rate note=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft=22.6
|wing loading lb/sqft= 22.6
|wing loading note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|wing loading note={{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=0.38{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|thrust/weight= 0.38{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}


|more performance=<!--</br>
|more performance=<!--</br>
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
* '''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->
* '''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->


|avionics=
|avionics=
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}}
}}


==Notes==
==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=N}}
{{Reflist|group=N}}


==Citations==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==Bibliography==
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last = Blackman |first = Tony |title = Vulcan Test Pilot: My Experiences in the Cockpit of a Cold War Icon |location = London, UK |publisher = Grub Street |date = 2007 |ISBN = 978-1-904943-88-4}}
* Buttler, Tony. "Avro Type 698 Vulcan (Database)." ''Aeroplane,'' Vol. 35, No. 4, Issue No. 408, April 2007.
* {{cite magazine |last = Buttler |first = Tony |title = Avro Type 698 Vulcan (Database) |magazine = Aeroplane |volume = 35 |number = 4 |date = April 2007}}
*Buttler, Tony and Jean-Louis Delezenne. ''X-Planes of Europe: Secret Research Aircraft from the Golden Age 1946-1974''. Manchester, UK: Hikoki Publications, 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-902-10921-3}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Buttler |first1 = Tony |first2 = Jean-Louis |last2 = Delezenne |title = X-Planes of Europe: Secret Research Aircraft from the Golden Age 1946-1974 |location = Manchester, UK |publisher = Hikoki Publications |date = 2012 |ISBN = 978-1-902-10921-3}}
* Cooper, Peter J. ''Farnborough: 100 years of British Aviation''. Hinkley, UK: Midland Books, 2006. {{ISBN|1-85780-239-X}}.
* {{cite book |last = Cooper |first = Peter J. |title = Farnborough: 100 years of British Aviation |location = Hinkley, UK |publisher = Midland Books |date = 2006 |ISBN = 1-85780-239-X}}
* Harlin, E.A. and G.A. Jenks. ''Avro: An Aircraft Album.'' Shepperton, Middlesex, UK: Ian Allan, 1973. {{ISBN|978-0-7110-0342-2}}.
* {{cite book |last1 = Harlin |first1 = E.A. |first2 = G.A. |last2 = Jenks |title = Avro: An Aircraft Album |location = Shepperton, Middlesex, UK |publisher = Ian Allan |date = 1973 |ISBN = 978-0-7110-0342-2}}
* Jackson, A.J. ''Avro Aircraft since 1908''. London: Putnam & Co., 1965.
* {{cite book |last = Hewitt |first = John C. |title = Ireland's Aviator Heroes of World War II |publisher = Mercier Press Ltd. |date = 2003 |isbn = 1-78117-388-5}}
* Jackson, Robert. ''Combat Aircraft Prototypes since 1945.'' New York: Arco/Prentice Hall Press, 1986. {{ISBN|0-671-61953-5}}.
* {{cite book |last = Jackson |first = A.J. |title = Avro Aircraft since 1908 |location = London, UK |publisher = Putnam & Co. |date = 1965}}
* Winchester, Jim. "Avro 707 (1949)". ''X-Planes and Prototypes''. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2005. {{ISBN|1-904687-40-7}}.
* {{cite book |last = Jackson |first = Robert |title = Combat Aircraft Prototypes since 1945 |location = New York, US |publisher = Arco/Prentice Hall Press |date = 1986 |ISBN = 0-671-61953-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Laming |first = Time |author-link = Tim McLelland |title = The Vulcan Story: 1952–2002 |location = Enderby, Leicester, UK |publisher = Silverdale Books |date = 2002 |ISBN = 1-85605-701-1}}
* {{cite book |last = Winchester |first = Jim. |chapter = Avro 707 (1949) |title = X-Planes and Prototypes |location = London, UK |publisher = Amber Books Ltd. |date = 2005 |ISBN = 1-904687-40-7}}


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1949]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1949]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 00:42, 27 November 2024

Avro 707
Avro 707B VX790 in flight, 1951. NACA air intake.
General information
TypeExperimental aircraft
ManufacturerAvro
Status3 aircraft survive in museums
Primary usersAvro
Royal Aircraft Establishment
Australian Aeronautical Research Council
Number built5
History
First flight4 September 1949
Retired1967
Developed intoAvro Vulcan

The Avro 707 (also known as Type 707) is an experimental aircraft designed and produced by the British aircraft manufacturer Avro.[1]

It was developed to test the tailless thick delta wing configuration chosen for the Avro 698 jet bomber, later named the Vulcan. In particular, the low-speed characteristics of such aircraft were not well known at the time. Aerodynamically, it was a one-third scale version of the Vulcan. The second prototype, VX790, was built to the 707B configuration, featuring a longer nose, alternative cockpit canopy, a modified wing with (51°) sweep, and an elongated nose wheel leg for a greater angle of incidence during both landing and take offs. The twin-seat 707C, the final variant, which had been designed to perform delta wing orientation training with the Royal Air Force; however, no production aircraft would ultimately be produced. The handful of 707s that were produced were largely used for flight testing purposes.

On 4 September 1949, the first Avro 707 performed its maiden flight; low-speed testing began shortly thereafter. Higher speed testing commenced in late 1953 using the third aircraft, the first 707A. After development of the Vulcan had been completed, the four surviving 707s continued to be flown as general research aircraft. The prototype 707C was involved in various research programmes, the majority of which were unconnected to the Vulcan. Numerous tests involving the type were conducted by both the Royal Aircraft Establishment (R.A.E) and the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Australia. During the early 1950s, the Avro 707 performed several public appearances at the Farnborough Airshows. The last flying Avro 707 was grounded during 1967; three aircraft have been preserved and placed on static display in museums.

Design and development

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An Avro 707A in flight, 1951.

The Avro 707 originated as a "proof-of-concept" delta wing aircraft that was principally the work of Stuart D. Davies, Avro's chief designer. It was a relatively compact aircraft that initially incorporated a wing with about 50° sweep, without a horizontal tail on a fin with trailing edge sweep. The trailing edge of this wing carried two pairs of control surfaces: inboard elevators and outboard ailerons. These flight surfaces worked in conjunction with a conventional rudder.[2] Retractable airbrakes were also provided above and below the wings.[3] The aircraft featured all-metal stressed-skin construction.[2]

The prototypes were ordered by the Ministry of Supply to fulfil Specification E.15/48, which called for a low-speed research aircraft that would be a one-third scale version of Avro's B.35/46 design for a strategic bomber. Production of this aircraft was accelerated by using several components from other aircraft, such as the canopy of the first prototype being taken from a Gloster Meteor.[N 1][5][6] The Avro 707 programme provided valuable insights into the Vulcan's flight characteristics, most of the information coming from the second and third prototypes which flew before the Vulcan. A half-scale aircraft, the Avro 710, was cancelled when it became clear that it would be less time-consuming to develop a high-speed variant of the Avro 707 instead.[7][8]

All Avro 707s were powered by a single Rolls-Royce Derwent centrifugal turbojet engine. The air intake on the first prototype and later 707B was located on the upper rear fuselage.[9] Some aircraft were outfitted with ejection seats.[10] In total, five Avro 707s were completed.[11][N 2]

Operational history

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The Avro 707B at Farnborough, in 1951.

On 4 September 1949, the first Avro 707, VX784, performed its maiden flight from RAF Boscombe Down, Squadron Leader Samuel Eric Esler, DFC, AE, was at the controls.[2] Two days later, it was statically displayed at the Farnborough Airshow. However, testing with the first prototype was cut shortly when, on 30 September 1949, it crashed near Blackbushe during a test flight, killing Esler.[12][2] The loss of the first prototype led to the construction of the second prototype being temporarily halted while the design was re-examined, leading to several refinements being implemented.[13]

The next prototype, VX790, renamed the 707B, had a longer nose, different cockpit canopy, a wing of different (51°) sweep and a longer nose wheel leg to provide the high angle of incidence required by deltas for landing and take off. The Avro 707B was given the same dorsal engine intake as the first prototype, although this was later modified to a NACA design. It first flew on 6 September 1950; the aircraft quickly proved to be relatively docile in flight.[2][13] Both the 707 and 707B were largely flown to test low speed characteristics.[2]

The third aircraft, designated 707A, WD280 was built for higher speed testing.[14] Experience with the dorsal intake of the earlier 707 and 707B had shown that as speed increased, the cockpit induced turbulence which interrupted the intake airflow, thus the intakes were repositioned to the wing roots.[15] It was not designed for supersonic flight as it was felt this would necessitate both power-operated flight controls and far greater engine power.[14] When the Vulcan appeared, it looked very much like an enlarged 707A. Later, this 707A was used to test the compound leading edge sweep subsequently used on all Vulcans. Although the first Vulcan prototype was already flying, a second 707A WZ736 was produced to speed the development programme. It made its maiden fight on 20 February 1953.[14]

The final variant was the two-seat 707C; originally four examples were ordered by the RAF with the intention of conducting orientation training for flying aircraft with delta wing configurations using the type.[14] The 707C was provisioned with a wider cockpit to accommodate a "side-by-side" seating arrangement and dual flight controls. However, the production order was cancelled; accordingly, only the sole prototype, WZ744, was built.[15] The 707C had its maiden flight on 1 July 1953 and was ultimately employed in other research that did not involve Vulcan development.[16][8]

Two Avro 707As, a 707B and a 707C with both Vulcan prototypes at the SBAC Farnborough Air Show in September 1953

Even after the Vulcan development phase was over, the four surviving 707s, in individual bright blue, red, orange and silver (natural metal) colour schemes, continued in use as research aircraft.[16][8] After the compound sweep investigation,[14] and a period with the Royal Aircraft Establishment (R.A.E) carrying out handling trials with powered controls,[17] the first 707A went to the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Australia for low-speed delta wing airflow measurements. The second 707A was also at the R.A.E from June 1953 for aerodynamic and later, automatic control investigations.

During September 1952, the Avro 707B joined the R.A.E.,[17] becoming one of the aircraft used by the Empire Test Pilots School from January to September 1956,[18] when it was damaged on landing, and broken up at R.A.E. Bedford.[15][13] The two-seat 707C joined the R.A.E. in January 1956; perhaps its most substantial research contribution was to the development of fly-by-wire control systems, one of the first of their kind, and fitted with a side stick controller. This aircraft was flying with the R.A.E. until September 1966 when it achieved its full airframe time.[19]

The Avro 707s made numerous public appearances at the Farnborough Airshow throughout the 1950s. During 1952, the first prototype Vulcan flew with the 707s A and B and in 1953, the four surviving Avro 707s flew alongside the first two Avro 698 Vulcan prototypes.

Surviving aircraft

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The second Avro 707A WZ736 displayed next to an Avro Shackleton at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester in 1985

No Avro 707s are presently airworthy. Both examples of the 707A variant survive. One, WZ736, was preserved in Great Britain at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, but has been transferred to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at Old Sarum, while the other, WD280, is preserved in Australia at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria. Also in Great Britain is WZ744, the single 707C prototype, which was displayed at the RAF Museum, Cosford near Wolverhampton and is currently stored out of public view with its space in the museum's Test Flight hall taken by the British Aerospace EAP.[20]

Operators

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 Australia
 United Kingdom

Specifications (707C)

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Data from Avro Aircraft since 1908[21]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Off-the-shelf" parts included an Avro Athena main undercarriage leg and Gloster Meteor nose leg.[4][2]
  2. ^ The last three Avro 707s flew after the Vulcan's first flight on 30 August 1952.

Citations

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  1. ^ Force V: The history of Britain's airborne deterrent, by Andrew Brookes. Jane's Publishing Co Ltd; First Edition 1 Jan. 1982, ISBN 0710602383, p.43, 44, 47, 48.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Jackson 1965, p. 422.
  3. ^ Buttler 2007, p. 54.
  4. ^ Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 174.
  5. ^ Buttler 2007, p. 52.
  6. ^ "Avro 707". BAE Systems. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  7. ^ Laming 2002, p. 27.
  8. ^ a b c Blackman 2007, p. 21.
  9. ^ Winchester 2005, p. 123.
  10. ^ Laming 2002, p. 29.
  11. ^ Buttler 2007, pp. 54–55.
  12. ^ Hewitt 2003, p. 168.
  13. ^ a b c "Avro 707B". Dunsfold Airfield History Society. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d e Jackson 1965, p. 423.
  15. ^ a b c Harlin and Jenks 1973, p. 176.
  16. ^ a b Buttler 2007, p. 55.
  17. ^ a b Cooper 2006, p. 108.
  18. ^ Cooper 2006, p. 85.
  19. ^ Wilson, Michael, Technical editor. "Avionics: RAE Electric Hunter." Flight International, 28 June 1973. Retrieved: 3 July 2011.
  20. ^ Jackson 1965, pp. 422–445.
  21. ^ Jackson, A.J. (1965). Avro Aircraft since 1908. London: Putnam. pp. 319-333.
  22. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Bibliography

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  • Blackman, Tony (2007). Vulcan Test Pilot: My Experiences in the Cockpit of a Cold War Icon. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-904943-88-4.
  • Buttler, Tony (April 2007). "Avro Type 698 Vulcan (Database)". Aeroplane. Vol. 35, no. 4.
  • Buttler, Tony; Delezenne, Jean-Louis (2012). X-Planes of Europe: Secret Research Aircraft from the Golden Age 1946-1974. Manchester, UK: Hikoki Publications. ISBN 978-1-902-10921-3.
  • Cooper, Peter J. (2006). Farnborough: 100 years of British Aviation. Hinkley, UK: Midland Books. ISBN 1-85780-239-X.
  • Harlin, E.A.; Jenks, G.A. (1973). Avro: An Aircraft Album. Shepperton, Middlesex, UK: Ian Allan. ISBN 978-0-7110-0342-2.
  • Hewitt, John C. (2003). Ireland's Aviator Heroes of World War II. Mercier Press Ltd. ISBN 1-78117-388-5.
  • Jackson, A.J. (1965). Avro Aircraft since 1908. London, UK: Putnam & Co.
  • Jackson, Robert (1986). Combat Aircraft Prototypes since 1945. New York, US: Arco/Prentice Hall Press. ISBN 0-671-61953-5.
  • Laming, Time (2002). The Vulcan Story: 1952–2002. Enderby, Leicester, UK: Silverdale Books. ISBN 1-85605-701-1.
  • Winchester, Jim. (2005). "Avro 707 (1949)". X-Planes and Prototypes. London, UK: Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 1-904687-40-7.
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