Jet Provost

Jet Provost
Alan Wilson · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Jet Provost
Caption	A Jet Provost T.5 in flight.
Type	Basic trainer
Manufacturer	Hunting Aircraft
Designer	Hunting Percival
First flight	26 June 1954
Introduced	1955
Retired	1993 (Royal Air Force)
Primary user	Royal Air Force
Number built	734
Developed from	Percival Provost
Developed into	BAC Strikemaster

Jet Provost. The Jet Provost is a British jet-powered basic trainer aircraft that was developed by Hunting Aircraft from the piston-engined Percival Provost. It was the first purpose-built jet trainer for the Royal Air Force, entering service in 1955 and becoming a cornerstone of RAF pilot training for nearly four decades. The aircraft was renowned for its ruggedness, simplicity, and excellent handling characteristics, which prepared generations of pilots for advanced aircraft like the Hawker Hunter and English Electric Lightning.

Development and design

The development of the Jet Provost was initiated by Hunting Percival in response to an Air Ministry requirement for a jet-powered trainer to replace the de Havilland Vampire T.11. The design team, led by Henry Millicer, based the new aircraft on the successful Percival Provost airframe but incorporated a new forward fuselage to accommodate a Rolls-Royce Viper turbojet engine. The first prototype, a modified Provost designated the P.56, flew on 26 June 1954 from Luton Airport. The design emphasized durability and ease of maintenance, featuring a robust tricycle landing gear and side-by-side seating for student and instructor under a large canopy that offered excellent visibility. Subsequent development, including the T.3 and definitive T.5 models, introduced more powerful Viper engine variants, pressurised cockpits, and upgraded avionics, cementing its role as a primary trainer.

Operational history

The Jet Provost entered service with the Royal Air Force's Central Flying School at RAF Little Rissington in 1955. It quickly proved its worth, leading to a major order for the improved T.3 variant, which equipped RAF Flying Training Command units across the UK, including RAF Syerston, RAF Church Fenton, and RAF Cranwell. The aircraft formed the backbone of the RAF's University Air Squadrons and was also used by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, from 1964 until they transitioned to the Folland Gnat. Beyond the UK, the Jet Provost saw extensive service with the Royal Air Force of Oman and the Sri Lanka Air Force, where it was employed in light attack roles during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The type was finally retired from RAF service in 1993, replaced by the Short Tucano.

Variants

The main production variants of the Jet Provost were developed sequentially. The initial pre-production and early production models were the T.1 and T.2, powered by early Rolls-Royce Viper engines. The significantly improved T.3 introduced a more powerful Viper 102 engine, a redesigned canopy, and increased fuel capacity. The T.4 was a pressurised development of the T.3. The definitive and most-produced version was the T.5, featuring a further uprated Viper 202 engine, full cockpit pressurisation, and modernised instrumentation. A dedicated armed export variant derived from the T.5 was developed as the BAC Strikemaster, which saw combat service with several air forces, including those of Kuwait, Oman, and Singapore.

Operators

The primary operator was the Royal Air Force, which used the type across numerous training squadrons and stations. Significant export customers included the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Royal Sudanese Air Force, and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. The Jet Provost was also operated by the Royal Navy for training duties and by the Royal Australian Air Force for evaluation purposes. Following retirement from military service, many airframes entered the civilian market, being operated by private owners and display teams like the Jet Provost Vintage Pair.

Specifications (T.5)

* **Crew:** 2 (student and instructor) * **Length:** 10.36 m (34 ft 0 in) * **Wingspan:** 10.77 m (35 ft 4 in) * **Height:** 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in) * **Empty weight:** 2,811 kg (6,197 lb) * **Powerplant:** 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper 202 turbojet, 11.12 kN (2,500 lbf) thrust * **Maximum speed:** 708 km/h (440 mph, 382 kn) at 7,620 m (25,000 ft) * **Range:** 1,481 km (920 mi, 800 nmi) * **Service ceiling:** 11,580 m (38,000 ft) * **Armament:** (Optional) Up to 1,000 lb (454 kg) of ordnance on underwing hardpoints, including SNEB rocket pods or practice bombs.

Category:British jet aircraft 1950–1959 Category:Military trainer aircraft 1950–1959