Gloster

Javelin

The last design of the Gloster Aircraft Company Ltd to enter service was the GlosterGA.5 Javelin, an all weather fighter with its unique tailed delta configuration.

The first prototype Gloster GA.5 Javelin (WD804) was taken by road from Hucclecote to Moreton Valence for its first flight, which took place on 26th November 1951. Gloster Chief Test Pilot Bill Waterton was at the controls and he described the aircraft 'as easy to fly as an Anson' although in his report he did express concern over the inadequate power controls.

The first production Javelin FAW.1 (XA544) flew on 22nd July 1954 and significant developmental changes had been made between the initial GA.5 and the production aircraft, including changes to the canopy, nose profile, wing planform and flight controls. Modifications, in particular to the wing, continued during the aircraft’s production run.

Gloster Javelin FAW5 XA694.

Air Service Training at Hamble was responsible for the design of the forward fuselage modifications for the Gloster Javelin T. Mk 3 operational trainer which contained dual-controls under a bulged canopy.

The T. Mk 3 prototype (WT841) was also assembled at Hamble, before being disassembled and moved by road to Gloucester for its first flight. This took place on 20th August 1956 and a further 22 production Javelin T. Mk 3 were subsequently built by Gloster.

Air to air photograph of Gloster Javelin FAW9 XH793.

Including the GA.5 prototypes, Gloster built 302 Javelin aircraft whilst Sir W.G. Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd built a further 133 at Coventry, giving a total of 435 aircraft.

The most important marks were the Javelin FAW.4 (50 aircraft, first flown 19 September 1955), Javelin FAW.5 (64) and the Javelin FAW.7 (142). Seventy-six of the Javelin FAW.7 aircraft were subsequently modified to become Javelin FAW. 9.