London Air Park
Encyclopedia
London Air Park, also known as Hanworth
Air Park, was a grass airfield, operational 1917-1919 and 1929-1947. It was situated on the southeastern edge of Feltham
, now part of the London Borough of Hounslow
. In the 1930s, it was best known as a centre for private flying, society events, visits by the Graf Zeppelin
airship, and for aircraft manufacture by General Aircraft Limited
(GAL) 1934-1949.
(RFC), at his small factory in Richmond, Surrey. That was followed by an order for one hundred Maurice Farman MF.11
Shorthorns. Whitehead then purchased the whole of Hanworth Park, plus an area northwest of the park. Hanworth Park House, in the centre of the park, was occupied by the British Red Cross
for recuperation of wounded servicemen. The Longford River
, flowing west-east, was partly culverted and covered, to permit aircraft to taxy over it. Large factory buildings and assembly sheds were constructed on the separate northwest site, to accommodate production of an order from Sopwith Aviation Company
of Kingston upon Thames
for Sopwith Pup
s. The original company was taken over by Whitehead Aviation Construction Co Ltd, that later became Whitehead Aircraft (1917) Ltd. The first Pups, initially built at Whitehead's Richmond works, were flown from Hanworth aerodrome in early 1917. In 1917, the aerodrome was officially designated an Aircraft Acceptance Park, a location where aircraft were finally assembled and tested before delivery to RFC squadrons. The factory employed 600 workers in 1916, and by 1918 covered 325000 sq ft (30,193.5 m²). In 1917, the Whitehead Flying School was formed, using Caudron G.3
s. Production of Pups ended in early 1918, when 820 had been completed. The final aircraft production was of 500 Airco D.H.9s, ending in October 1919. Whitehead offered several projected aircraft designs; a seaplane was built, but never flown.
(UCC) leased the southwest section of the former Whitehead works, for subsequent production of underground trains (1928), 'Feltham' metal-framed tram
s (1929), and trolleybus
es (1930), and then closed in 1932. In 1926, Aston Martin
purchased buildings at the northern end of the industrial site nearest to Feltham, for car production that continued until 1956.
that set out the terms of an agreement with NFS. NFS then developed Hanworth Park as a functional aerodrome, re-named London Air Park, with Hanworth Park House as a country club and the headquarters of NFS. Hangars were erected in four separate areas of the park. On 31 August 1929, Hanworth aerodrome was re-opened by Mary Russell, Duchess of Bedford
. The first training aircraft used by NFS were Simmonds Spartan
s, DH.60X Moth
s and DH.60M Moths, followed by Blackburn Bluebird IV
s. During 1930, NFS started operating Desoutter
s for air-taxi and charter work. Following a financial loss in the first year, Sir Alan Cobham
joined the board, and Colonel the Master of Sempill
became Chairman.
London Air Park gained notoriety for garden party fly-ins ('aerial tea parties'), air pageants and air races, and often presence of celebrities such as Stanley Baldwin
MP PM; Louis Bleriot
; Sir Sefton Brancker
; The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce; Barbara Cartland
; Sidney Cotton
; Florence Desmond
; Amelia Earhart
; Bert Hinkler
; Amy Johnson
; Sir Philip Sassoon
; foreign royalty, diplomats, etc. On 5 July 1930, Hanworth hosted the King's Cup Air Race. On 18 August 1931, the German airship 'Graf Zeppelin' (D-LZ127) visited Hanworth. On 2 July 1932, it returned as part of a round-Britain tour, and next day operated paid flights over London.
In 1932, NFS financial losses continued, and the British government withdrew its subsidy. In June 1933, NFS was in receivership, but continued to function until October 1934. The NFS flying club re-formed as the London Air Park Flying Club.
moved most of its UK final assembly, testing and sales of its autogiros from the Avro facility at Hamble
to Hanworth. It also operated the Cierva autogiro flying school, and it conducted flight testing of Weir W-2 and W-3 experimental autogiros on behalf of the Weir Group
, who helped finance Cierva. Production and rebuilds included 66 Avro-built Cierva C.30s, until 1948. In 1933, the British Klemm Aeroplane Co Ltd
was formed, and produced 28 BK Swallows and six BK.1 Eagle
s, in rented premises in the northeast section of the former Whitehead factory. In 1935, it was renamed British Aircraft Manufacturing Co Ltd, and went on to produce 107 Swallow 2s, plus 36 Eagle 2s, one British Aircraft Cupid
, three British Aircraft Double Eagles, and two Cierva C.40s, until 1937. In 1934, the British Aircraft Company
was taken over by Robert Kronfeld
, and in 1935 he moved its operations from Maidstone
to Hanworth. It was renamed British Aircraft Company (1935) Ltd, later Kronfeld Ltd, and it produced 33 B.A.C. Drones and one Kronfeld Monoplane before receivership in September 1937. In 1935, Light Aircraft Ltd assembled 16 American-built Aeronca C-3s at Hanworth. On 15 April 1936, the Aeronautical Corporation of Great Britain was formed, and built a modified version as the Aeronca 100 at Walton aerodrome, Peterborough
. At the end of 1936, about 21 examples had been made, mostly unsold. All completed Aeronca 100s were taken over by Aircraft Exchange & Mart, who then sold five to the London Air Park Flying Club to add to the Aeronca C-3s already in use. On 5 June 1937, Tipsy Aircraft Company Ltd was formed to manufacture Tipsy Trainer
s under licence from Avions Fairey
, first at Hanworth, then at Slough
in 1939. 15 examples were built before World War II
, then 3 more at Hanworth 1947-1948. Less significant production, and unsuccessful 1930s types unique at Hanworth included Angus Aquila
, Arpin A-1
, Broughton-Blayney Brawney, Pickering-Pearson KP.2.
, were re-capitalised by investment group British Pacific Trust, and were re-formed in a new company also named General Aircraft Limited. Also included in the new company were the assets of National Flying Services Ltd, the owner of London Air Park, plus adjoining industrial premises built in 1917 by Whitehead Aircraft Ltd. The aerodrome management was delegated to Aircraft Exchange & Mart Ltd. Hanworth Park House was converted into Hanworth Park Hotel. In 1935, GAL transferred production of its Monospar series from Croydon to Hanworth, and in 1936 it produced 89 Hawker Fury II
s for the RAF, followed by the conversion of 125 Hawker Hind
s into trainers. On 1 June 1935, Flying Training Ltd, that was owned by Blackburn Aircraft, began to operate as No.5 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School (No.5 E&RFTS), using aircraft types including Blackburn B-2
and Hawker Hart
Trainer. In 1938, the London Air Park Flying Club joined the Civil Air Guard
scheme, in which the government subsidized training fees in return for call-up commitments. GAL took over and developed the CW Cygnet
design.
. On 16 June 1940, it moved to Meir, Staffordshire. Rollason Aircraft Services Ltd, later renamed Field Consolidated Aircraft Services Ltd, carried out repairs and refurbishment of Airspeed Oxford
s and de Havilland Tiger Moth
s, as part of the Civilian Repair Organisation. GAL took over most buildings on and around Hanworth Park, then consolidated the factory area, and it added a large flight shed facing the park. GAL designed and developed its own designs, with quantity production of GAL.48 Hotspur and GAL.49 Hamilcar
gliders. It also produced less-successful designs, including GAL.33 Cagnet
, GAL.38 Fleet Shadower
, GAL.45 Owlet
, GAL.47 (AOP)
, GAL.55, plus GAL.56 experimental flying wing gliders. Sub-contract work included construction of Fairey Firefly
Mk.I monoplanes, plus major assemblies for types including Blackburn Shark
, Supermarine Spitfire
, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
, Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
. On 3 October 1940, a German incendiary bomb destroyed production of Cygnets and Albemarle sections. GAL converted Hawker Hurricane
s with catapult launching equipment for use on convoy escort ships, and for landing on aircraft carriers.
, and conversion of de Havilland Mosquito
s for use as target tugs. In 1948, GAL designed and built the GAL.60 Universal
freighter, but the Hanworth factory and airfield were too small for the project. On 1 January 1949, GAL merged with Blackburn Aircraft
, and the first GAL.60 was transported in sections by road to Brough Aerodrome
, Yorkshire, where development and production continued as the Blackburn Beverley. In 1946, Heathrow came into use as the principal London Airport, and for several years flights at Hanworth were subject to Heathrow air traffic clearance, eventually growing to delays of several hours; no fixed-wing flights are recorded after 1955. In 1956, Feltham Urban District Council purchased Hanworth Park, and the former GAL factory was taken over by Thorn-EMI.
and its playing fields are enclosed, and at the northeast edge is a public sports facility once known as Feltham Airparcs but renamed in 2010 as Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre & Library
Hanworth
Hanworth lies to the south east of Feltham in the London Borough of Hounslow. The name is thought to come from the Anglo Saxon words “haen” and “worth”, meaning “small homestead”....
Air Park, was a grass airfield, operational 1917-1919 and 1929-1947. It was situated on the southeastern edge of Feltham
Feltham
Feltham is a town in the London Borough of Hounslow, west London. It is located about west south west of central London at Charing Cross and from Heathrow Airport Central...
, now part of the London Borough of Hounslow
London Borough of Hounslow
-Political composition:Since the borough was formed it has been controlled by the Labour Party on all but two occasions. In 1968 the Conservatives formed a majority for the first and last time to date until they lost control to Labour in 1971. Labour subsequently lost control of the council in the...
. In the 1930s, it was best known as a centre for private flying, society events, visits by the Graf Zeppelin
LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin
LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin was a German built and operated passenger-carrying hydrogen-filled rigid airship which operated commercially from 1928 to 1937. It was named after the German pioneer of airships, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, who was a Graf or Count in the German nobility. During its operating life,...
airship, and for aircraft manufacture by General Aircraft Limited
General Aircraft Limited
General Aircraft Limited was a British aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1931 to amalgamation with Blackburn Aircraft in 1949 to become Blackburn and General...
(GAL) 1934-1949.
Aircraft production 1916-1919
At the end of 1915, the Whitehead Aircraft Co Ltd, headed by John Alexander Whitehead, manufactured six B.E.2b aircraft for the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
(RFC), at his small factory in Richmond, Surrey. That was followed by an order for one hundred Maurice Farman MF.11
Farman MF.11
|-See also:-External links:* * *...
Shorthorns. Whitehead then purchased the whole of Hanworth Park, plus an area northwest of the park. Hanworth Park House, in the centre of the park, was occupied by the British Red Cross
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross Society is the United Kingdom branch of the worldwide impartial humanitarian organisation the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The society was formed in 1870, and is a registered charity with over 31,000 volunteers and 2,600 staff. At the heart of their work...
for recuperation of wounded servicemen. The Longford River
Longford River
The Longford River is an artificial waterway that diverts water 19km from the River Colne at Longford to Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace where it reaches the Thames on the reach above Teddington Lock....
, flowing west-east, was partly culverted and covered, to permit aircraft to taxy over it. Large factory buildings and assembly sheds were constructed on the separate northwest site, to accommodate production of an order from Sopwith Aviation Company
Sopwith Aviation Company
The Sopwith Aviation Company was a British aircraft company that designed and manufactured aeroplanes mainly for the British Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps and later Royal Air Force in the First World War, most famously the Sopwith Camel...
of Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is the principal settlement of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in southwest London. It was the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned and is now a suburb situated south west of Charing Cross. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the...
for Sopwith Pup
Sopwith Pup
The Sopwith Pup was a British single seater biplane fighter aircraft built by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It entered service with the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service in the autumn of 1916. With pleasant flying characteristics and good maneuverability, the aircraft proved very...
s. The original company was taken over by Whitehead Aviation Construction Co Ltd, that later became Whitehead Aircraft (1917) Ltd. The first Pups, initially built at Whitehead's Richmond works, were flown from Hanworth aerodrome in early 1917. In 1917, the aerodrome was officially designated an Aircraft Acceptance Park, a location where aircraft were finally assembled and tested before delivery to RFC squadrons. The factory employed 600 workers in 1916, and by 1918 covered 325000 sq ft (30,193.5 m²). In 1917, the Whitehead Flying School was formed, using Caudron G.3
Caudron G.3
The Caudron G.3 was a single-engined French biplane built by Caudron, widely used in World War I as a reconnaissance aircraft and trainer. In comparison to its competitors, it had a better rate of climb and it was considered especially suitable in mountainous terrain.-Development:The Caudron G.3...
s. Production of Pups ended in early 1918, when 820 had been completed. The final aircraft production was of 500 Airco D.H.9s, ending in October 1919. Whitehead offered several projected aircraft designs; a seaplane was built, but never flown.
Production 1920-1932
In 1920, diversification plans failed, Whitehead Aircraft was dissolved, 2,000 workers were dismissed, and J.A. Whitehead went bankrupt. In January 1924, Feltham Garden Suburbs Ltd acquired Hanworth Park and other assets of Whitehead Aircraft. In 1925, the Union Construction CompanyUnion Construction Company
The Union Construction Company was a company set up in 1901 and associated with Charles Yerkes, an American associated with the London Underground at that time...
(UCC) leased the southwest section of the former Whitehead works, for subsequent production of underground trains (1928), 'Feltham' metal-framed tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
s (1929), and trolleybus
Trolleybus
A trolleybus is an electric bus that draws its electricity from overhead wires using spring-loaded trolley poles. Two wires and poles are required to complete the electrical circuit...
es (1930), and then closed in 1932. In 1926, Aston Martin
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire...
purchased buildings at the northern end of the industrial site nearest to Feltham, for car production that continued until 1956.
Private flying 1929-1934
In November 1928, National Flying Services Ltd (NFS) was formed, under a proposal by the Hon Frederick Guest for a central organisation to co-ordinate a national network of flying clubs and aerodromes. In January 1929, the British government published a White PaperWhite paper
A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that helps solve a problem. White papers are used to educate readers and help people make decisions, and are often requested and used in politics, policy, business, and technical fields. In commercial use, the term has also come to refer to...
that set out the terms of an agreement with NFS. NFS then developed Hanworth Park as a functional aerodrome, re-named London Air Park, with Hanworth Park House as a country club and the headquarters of NFS. Hangars were erected in four separate areas of the park. On 31 August 1929, Hanworth aerodrome was re-opened by Mary Russell, Duchess of Bedford
Mary Russell, Duchess of Bedford
Dame Mary Russell, Duchess of Bedford, DBE, RRC, FLS was an English aviatrix and ornithologist.-Early and personal life:...
. The first training aircraft used by NFS were Simmonds Spartan
Simmonds Spartan
|-See also:-External links:*...
s, DH.60X Moth
De Havilland DH.60 Moth
The de Havilland DH 60 Moth was a 1920s British two-seat touring and training aircraft that was developed into a series of aircraft by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.-Development:The DH 60 was developed from the larger DH 51 biplane...
s and DH.60M Moths, followed by Blackburn Bluebird IV
Blackburn Bluebird IV
|-See also:-External links:**...
s. During 1930, NFS started operating Desoutter
Desoutter Mk.II
-Bibliography:* Kalevi Keskinen, Kari Stenman: Koulukoneet - Suomen ilmavoimien historia 22, Itä-Uudenmaan paino, Loviisa, 2003, ISBN 951-98751-5-8* Tervonen, Ismo: Veljekset Karhumäki Suomen ilmailun pioneereina 1924-1956, Apali Oy, ISBN 952-5026-25-6....
s for air-taxi and charter work. Following a financial loss in the first year, Sir Alan Cobham
Alan Cobham
Sir Alan John Cobham, KBE, AFC was an English aviation pioneer.A member of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I, Alan Cobham became famous as a pioneer of long distance aviation. After the war he became a test pilot for the de Havilland aircraft company, and was the first pilot for the newly...
joined the board, and Colonel the Master of Sempill
William Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill
William Francis Forbes-Sempill, 19th Lord Sempill was a British engineer. Before succeeding his father to the titles of Lord Sempill and Baronet of Craigevar in 1934, he was known by the title Master of Sempill....
became Chairman.
London Air Park gained notoriety for garden party fly-ins ('aerial tea parties'), air pageants and air races, and often presence of celebrities such as Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, KG, PC was a British Conservative politician, who dominated the government in his country between the two world wars...
MP PM; Louis Bleriot
Louis Blériot
Louis Charles Joseph Blériot was a French aviator, inventor and engineer. In 1909 he completed the first flight across a large body of water in a heavier-than-air craft, when he crossed the English Channel. For this achievement, he received a prize of £1,000...
; Sir Sefton Brancker
Sefton Brancker
Air Vice-Marshal Sir William Sefton Brancker KCB AFC , commonly known as Sir Sefton Brancker, was a pioneer in British civil and military aviation.-Early life:...
; The Hon Mrs Victor Bruce; Barbara Cartland
Barbara Cartland
Dame Barbara Hamilton Cartland, DBE, CStJ , was an English author, one of the most prolific authors of the 20th century...
; Sidney Cotton
Sidney Cotton
Frederick Sidney Cotton OBE was an Australian inventor, photographer and aviation and photography pioneer, responsible for developing and promoting an early colour film process, and largely responsible for the development of photographic reconnaissance before and during the Second World War...
; Florence Desmond
Florence Desmond
Florence Desmond was the stage name of Florence Dawson, an English actress, comedienne and impersonator....
; Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Mary Earhart was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean...
; Bert Hinkler
Bert Hinkler
Herbert John Louis Hinkler AFC DSM , better known as Bert Hinkler, was a pioneer Australian aviator and inventor. He designed and built early aircraft before being the first person to fly solo from England to Australia, and the first person to fly solo across the Southern Atlantic Ocean...
; Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson
Amy Johnson CBE, was a pioneering English aviator. Flying solo or with her husband, Jim Mollison, Johnson set numerous long-distance records during the 1930s...
; Sir Philip Sassoon
Philip Sassoon
Sir Philip Albert Gustave David Sassoon, 3rd Baronet, GBE, CMG , was a British politician, art collector and social host, entertaining many celebrity guests at his homes, Port Lympne, Kent, and Trent Park, Hertfordshire, England.-Family:Sassoon was a member of the prominent Sassoon family and...
; foreign royalty, diplomats, etc. On 5 July 1930, Hanworth hosted the King's Cup Air Race. On 18 August 1931, the German airship 'Graf Zeppelin' (D-LZ127) visited Hanworth. On 2 July 1932, it returned as part of a round-Britain tour, and next day operated paid flights over London.
In 1932, NFS financial losses continued, and the British government withdrew its subsidy. In June 1933, NFS was in receivership, but continued to function until October 1934. The NFS flying club re-formed as the London Air Park Flying Club.
Aircraft production 1932-1939
In 1932, the Cierva Autogiro CompanyCierva Autogiro Company
The Cierva Autogiro Company was a British developer of autogyros established in 1926.It was set up to further the designs of Juan de la Cierva with the financial backing of James George Weir, a Scottish industrialist and aviator.-History:...
moved most of its UK final assembly, testing and sales of its autogiros from the Avro facility at Hamble
Hamble-le-Rice
Hamble-le-Rice is a village in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, UK. It is best known for being an aircraft training centre during the Second World War and is a popular yachting location...
to Hanworth. It also operated the Cierva autogiro flying school, and it conducted flight testing of Weir W-2 and W-3 experimental autogiros on behalf of the Weir Group
Weir Group
The Weir Group plc is an engineering company headquartered in East Kilbride, Scotland. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.-History:...
, who helped finance Cierva. Production and rebuilds included 66 Avro-built Cierva C.30s, until 1948. In 1933, the British Klemm Aeroplane Co Ltd
British Aircraft Manufacturing
The British Aircraft Manufacturing Company Limited was a 1930s British aircraft manufacturer based at London Air Park, Hanworth, Middlesex, England.-History:...
was formed, and produced 28 BK Swallows and six BK.1 Eagle
British Aircraft Eagle
-External links:* *...
s, in rented premises in the northeast section of the former Whitehead factory. In 1935, it was renamed British Aircraft Manufacturing Co Ltd, and went on to produce 107 Swallow 2s, plus 36 Eagle 2s, one British Aircraft Cupid
British Aircraft Cupid
The British Aircraft Cupid was a two seat, single-engined monoplane, a smaller version of the B.A. Eagle designed for touring and training. Only one was built.-Design and development:...
, three British Aircraft Double Eagles, and two Cierva C.40s, until 1937. In 1934, the British Aircraft Company
British Aircraft Company
The British Aircraft Company was a British aircraft manufacturer based in Maidstone. It was founded by C H Lowe-Wylde and produced gliders and light aircraft during the 1930s.-Glider production:...
was taken over by Robert Kronfeld
Robert Kronfeld
Squadron Leader Robert Kronfeld, AFC, was an Austrian-born gliding champion and sailplane designer of the 1920s and 30s. He became a British subject and an RAF test pilot...
, and in 1935 he moved its operations from Maidstone
Maidstone
Maidstone is the county town of Kent, England, south-east of London. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town linking Maidstone to Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically, the river was a source and route for much of the town's trade. Maidstone was the centre of the agricultural...
to Hanworth. It was renamed British Aircraft Company (1935) Ltd, later Kronfeld Ltd, and it produced 33 B.A.C. Drones and one Kronfeld Monoplane before receivership in September 1937. In 1935, Light Aircraft Ltd assembled 16 American-built Aeronca C-3s at Hanworth. On 15 April 1936, the Aeronautical Corporation of Great Britain was formed, and built a modified version as the Aeronca 100 at Walton aerodrome, Peterborough
Peterborough
Peterborough is a cathedral city and unitary authority area in the East of England, with an estimated population of in June 2007. For ceremonial purposes it is in the county of Cambridgeshire. Situated north of London, the city stands on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea...
. At the end of 1936, about 21 examples had been made, mostly unsold. All completed Aeronca 100s were taken over by Aircraft Exchange & Mart, who then sold five to the London Air Park Flying Club to add to the Aeronca C-3s already in use. On 5 June 1937, Tipsy Aircraft Company Ltd was formed to manufacture Tipsy Trainer
Tipsy B
The Tipsy B was a small sports two-seat monoplane designed by E.O.Tips, and built in both Belgium and the UK. A total of 42 was built, and a few are still flying.-Design and development:...
s under licence from Avions Fairey
Avions Fairey
Avions Fairey was the Belgian-based subsidiary of the British Fairey Aviation that built Fairey aircraft designs for the Belgian government.-History:...
, first at Hanworth, then at Slough
Slough
Slough is a borough and unitary authority within the ceremonial county of Royal Berkshire, England. The town straddles the A4 Bath Road and the Great Western Main Line, west of central London...
in 1939. 15 examples were built before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, then 3 more at Hanworth 1947-1948. Less significant production, and unsuccessful 1930s types unique at Hanworth included Angus Aquila
Angus Aquila
The Angus Aquila was a 1930s British single-seat low-wing monoplane designed and built by Arthur Leighton Angus. It had a open cockpit and was powered by a Salmson AD.9 radial engine. The Aquila was registered G-ABIK and test flown in early 1931 at Hanworth Aerodrome near London but it was...
, Arpin A-1
Arpin A-1
-Bibliography:...
, Broughton-Blayney Brawney, Pickering-Pearson KP.2.
GAL & preparation for war 1934-1939
In October 1934, General Aircraft Ltd (GAL) and Mono-spar Company Ltd, both operating at Croydon AirportCroydon Airport
Croydon Airport was an airport in South London which straddled the boundary between what are now the London boroughs of Croydon and Sutton. It was the main airport for London before it was replaced by Northolt Aerodrome, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport...
, were re-capitalised by investment group British Pacific Trust, and were re-formed in a new company also named General Aircraft Limited. Also included in the new company were the assets of National Flying Services Ltd, the owner of London Air Park, plus adjoining industrial premises built in 1917 by Whitehead Aircraft Ltd. The aerodrome management was delegated to Aircraft Exchange & Mart Ltd. Hanworth Park House was converted into Hanworth Park Hotel. In 1935, GAL transferred production of its Monospar series from Croydon to Hanworth, and in 1936 it produced 89 Hawker Fury II
Hawker Fury
The Hawker Fury was a British biplane fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s. It was originally named the Hornet and was the counterpart to the Hawker Hart light bomber.-Design and development:...
s for the RAF, followed by the conversion of 125 Hawker Hind
Hawker Hind
-See also:-Bibliography:* Crawford, Alex. Hawker Hart Family. Redbourn, Hertfordshire, UK: Mushroom Model Publications Ltd., 2008. ISBN 83-89450-62-3....
s into trainers. On 1 June 1935, Flying Training Ltd, that was owned by Blackburn Aircraft, began to operate as No.5 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School (No.5 E&RFTS), using aircraft types including Blackburn B-2
Blackburn B-2
|-See also:-External links:* * *...
and Hawker Hart
Hawker Hart
The Hawker Hart was a British two-seater biplane light bomber of the Royal Air Force , which had a prominent role during the RAF's inter-war period. The Hart was designed during the 1920s by Sydney Camm and built by Hawker Aircraft...
Trainer. In 1938, the London Air Park Flying Club joined the Civil Air Guard
Civil Air Guard
The Civil Air Guard was a 1938 scheme in which the UK government subsidized training fees for members of flying clubs, in return for future military call-up commitments.-History:...
scheme, in which the government subsidized training fees in return for call-up commitments. GAL took over and developed the CW Cygnet
General Aircraft Cygnet
|-References:****-See also:...
design.
Military activities 1939-1945
On 3 September 1939, No.5 E&RFTS dropped its 'reserve' status, and it was renamed No.5 EFTS; the fleet was then standardized with the Miles MagisterMiles Magister
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Amos, Peter. Miles Aircraft = The early years. Tonbridge: Air-Britain, 2009. ISBN 978 0 85130 410 6...
. On 16 June 1940, it moved to Meir, Staffordshire. Rollason Aircraft Services Ltd, later renamed Field Consolidated Aircraft Services Ltd, carried out repairs and refurbishment of Airspeed Oxford
Airspeed Oxford
The Airspeed AS.10 Oxford was a twin-engine aircraft used for training British Commonwealth aircrews in navigation, radio-operating, bombing and gunnery during the Second World War.-Design and development:...
s and de Havilland Tiger Moth
De Havilland Tiger Moth
The de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and was operated by the Royal Air Force and others as a primary trainer. The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952, when many of the surplus aircraft...
s, as part of the Civilian Repair Organisation. GAL took over most buildings on and around Hanworth Park, then consolidated the factory area, and it added a large flight shed facing the park. GAL designed and developed its own designs, with quantity production of GAL.48 Hotspur and GAL.49 Hamilcar
General Aircraft Hamilcar
The General Aircraft Limited GAL. 49 Hamilcar or Hamilcar Mark I was a large British military glider produced during the Second World War, which was designed to carry heavy cargo, such as the Tetrarch or M22 Locust light tank...
gliders. It also produced less-successful designs, including GAL.33 Cagnet
General Aircraft Cagnet
-References:*...
, GAL.38 Fleet Shadower
General Aircraft Fleet Shadower
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Bridgman, Leonard, ed. Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 1945-1946. London: Samson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd 1946....
, GAL.45 Owlet
General Aircraft Owlet
|-See also:...
, GAL.47 (AOP)
General Aircraft GAL.47
-External links:*...
, GAL.55, plus GAL.56 experimental flying wing gliders. Sub-contract work included construction of Fairey Firefly
Fairey Firefly
The Fairey Firefly was a British Second World War-era carrier-borne fighter aircraft and anti-submarine aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm ....
Mk.I monoplanes, plus major assemblies for types including Blackburn Shark
Blackburn Shark
-Bibliography:* Mason, Francis K. The British Bomber since 1914. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1994. ISBN 0-85177-861-5.* Shores, Christopher, Brian Cull and Yasuho Izawa. Bloody Shambles:Volume One:The Drift to War to the Fall of Singapore. London:Grub Street, 1992. ISBN 0-948817-50-X.*...
, Supermarine Spitfire
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries throughout the Second World War. The Spitfire continued to be used as a front line fighter and in secondary roles into the 1950s...
, Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
The Armstrong Whitworth A.W.38 Whitley was one of three British twin-engine, front line medium bomber types in service with the Royal Air Force at the outbreak of the Second World War...
, Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle
The Armstrong Whitworth A.W.41 Albemarle was a British twin-engine transport aircraft that entered service during the Second World War.Originally designed as a medium bomber that could be built by non-aviation companies without using light alloys, the Albemarle never served in that role, instead...
. On 3 October 1940, a German incendiary bomb destroyed production of Cygnets and Albemarle sections. GAL converted Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Hurricane
The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force...
s with catapult launching equipment for use on convoy escort ships, and for landing on aircraft carriers.
Decline 1945-1955
After World War II, some GAL activity continued, including production of sections of Fairey SpearfishFairey Spearfish
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, and conversion of de Havilland Mosquito
De Havilland Mosquito
The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft that served during the Second World War and the postwar era. It was known affectionately as the "Mossie" to its crews and was also nicknamed "The Wooden Wonder"...
s for use as target tugs. In 1948, GAL designed and built the GAL.60 Universal
Blackburn Beverley
The Blackburn B-101 Beverley was a 1950s British heavy transport aircraft built by Blackburn and General Aircraft and flown by squadrons of Royal Air Force Transport Command from 1957 until 1967.-Design and development:...
freighter, but the Hanworth factory and airfield were too small for the project. On 1 January 1949, GAL merged with Blackburn Aircraft
Blackburn Aircraft
Blackburn Aircraft Limited was a British aircraft manufacturer that concentrated mainly on naval and maritime aircraft during the first part of the 20th century.-History:...
, and the first GAL.60 was transported in sections by road to Brough Aerodrome
Brough Aerodrome
Brough Aerodrome is located at Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire, England.The site was first used by the Blackburn Aeroplane & Motor Company during World War I for the testing of seaplanes....
, Yorkshire, where development and production continued as the Blackburn Beverley. In 1946, Heathrow came into use as the principal London Airport, and for several years flights at Hanworth were subject to Heathrow air traffic clearance, eventually growing to delays of several hours; no fixed-wing flights are recorded after 1955. In 1956, Feltham Urban District Council purchased Hanworth Park, and the former GAL factory was taken over by Thorn-EMI.
Today
Hanworth Park remains substantially a public open space, with large areas of cultivated grass, plus other areas allowed to revert to scrubland. Hanworth Park House is unoccupied and fenced. The site of the former GAL factory is occupied by the Leisure West retail entertainment complex. In the northern corner of the park, Feltham Community CollegeFeltham Community College
Feltham Community College is located West London borough of Hounslow. Mrs. Victoria Eadie is the institution's new Headteacher. It is a Specialist Sports College.-Overview:...
and its playing fields are enclosed, and at the northeast edge is a public sports facility once known as Feltham Airparcs but renamed in 2010 as Hanworth Air Park Leisure Centre & Library