The Kirby Cadet glider first flew in 1937.
Early examples had a rubber shock-absorbing skid,
but later versions had a fixed main wheel, a modified nose and a less
tall rudder.
During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force adopted
the glider for air cadet training.Total production was over 430.
The Cadet opposite was built during the War in London, by sub-contractor
Ottley Motors Ltd., as one of a batch of 30. Its early service is not
known, but in 1947 it was at No.41 Gliding School. In 1949 it
was at RAF Woodvale.
The Cadet went into preservation in 1963. and it was acquired by the
Yorkshire Air Museum in May 2000. |
Used by 1471 Squadron ATC from RAF Salmesbury from 1942 onwards
Many cadets cycled each Sunday from Horwich to
Salmesbury, and most obtained their International Gliding Certifiacte
and Badge.
One cadet in particular later flew Gliders in the
Arhem landings. |
Chipmunk |
Later version of Cadet with fixed main wheel and lower fin. |
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Interest in the Bulldog began when a replacement was required for
the venerable Chipmunk (see above), then the standard elementary trainer.
In 1972 orders were placed for the Series 120 Bulldog, which been
modified by strengthening the airframe, to produce a fully aerobatic
aircraft, and fitting a standard full RAF instrument panel.
Known as the Bulldog T1, the new version first flew on 30 January
1973, It was first delivered to the Central Flying School, then to
Little Rissington, in April.
The Bulldog is now operated by the University Air Squadrons (UAS)
and Air Experience Flights (AEF)
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Bulldog
|
Recently introduced into RAF service, the Grob Tutor T1 replaced
the Royal Air Force's ageing fleet of Bulldog primary training aircraft.
Ninety of the new aircraft are used by University Air Squadrons and
Air Experience Flights at 14 locations around the country.
Unusually, the aircraft are not owned and maintained by the RAF, but
carry civilian registrations and are serviced under a Private Finance
Initiative (PFI).
Bombardier, the contractor, will own and maintain the Tutor IIs, and
at some sites also provide such essential flying support services
as air traffic control and fire cover, saving the MoD an estimated
30 Million (Uk pounds) over the life of the 10 year contract. Entered
Service: year 1999.
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Grob Tutor |
