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Vickers Supermarine Type 510 VV106 in flight with pointed nose probe
The Vickers Supermarine Type 510 was, to all intents and purposes, a Vickers Supermarine Attacker fitted with a thin swept wing and tailplane.
The Vickers Supermarine Type 510 was designed by Vickers Supermarine against Specification E.1/46, as an experimental aircraft suitable for investigating the high subsonic regime. The design retained both the 5,100 lb Nene engine of the Vickers Supermarine Attacker, and its tailwheel undercarriage.
The prototype Vickers Supermarine Type 510 (VV106) was flown for the first time on 29th December 1948, and became the first swept wing type to land on an aircraft carrier in November 1950. As it was not equipped for catapult launching, take-off was effected using rocket assisted take-off gear (RATOG).
Vickers Supermarine Type 517 VV106 deck landing trials on HMS Illustrious November 1950
The combination of the swept wing, and tailwheel undercarriage, gave the Type 510 difficult handling characteristics in crosswind operation. There was also some longitudinal instability at the stall. Despite a number of proposed modifications from Vickers Supermarine, interest in the project faded away.
The Vickers Supermarine Type 517 was in essence, the Type 510 modified to have a hinged rear fuselage to facilitate a powerful trim system. The second prototype (VV119) was first flown as the Vickers Supermarine Type 528 on 27th March 1950, retaining the tailwheel undercarriage layout.
Vickers Supermarine Type 528 VV119 with nose probe and tailwheel undercarriage
Shortly afterward, the aircraft was modified further with a lengthened nose, engine reheat (afterburning) and tricycle undercarriage. With these changes it was redesignated as the Vickers Supermarine Type 535 Swift, making its maiden flight in August 1950.
Vickers Supermarine Type 535 VV119 showing lengthened nose and initial fin shape
Vickers Supermarine Type 535 VV119 showing final fin shape
To follow on into the full production of the Swift one needs to refer to the Supermarine Type 541 page elsewhere on this website.
Specification (Type 510)
| Powerplant | One 5,000 lb thrust Rolls-Royce Nene 2 |
| Span | 31 ft 8.5 in |
| Maximum Weight | 12,790 lb |
| Capacity and armament | Single pilot only |
| Maximum Speed | 635 mph at 15,000 ft |
Number built
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2 Prototypes
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VV106 initially Type 510, modified to become Type 517
VV119 initially Type 528, modified to become Type 535
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Survivors
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Vickers Supermarine
Type 517 (VV106)
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FAA Museum reserve collection Cobham Hall, Yeovilton
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