AVRO 707

The Avro 707 was a one-third scale model of the Avro 698. The proposed Avro 710, a half scale high speed model, was not proceeded with. It was necessary to build these scale models as Avro had no experience of the flying characteristics of delta wing aircraft. They were also used to investigate various air intake shapes and positions for the proposed jet engines and as a training aircraft.

VX784, the 1st. Avro 707, flew in September 1949, but tragically crashed in the same month. Flight Lieutenant Eric Esler, was killed in the accident. The 2nd. Avro 707, VX790, designated Avro 707B, was first flown in September 1950 by Avro test pilot Wing Commander Roland Falk. This aircraft was equipped with an ejector seat.

Three other Avro 707 were built, two high speed Avro 707A, WD280 & WZ736, and a two-seat training aircraft the Avro 707C, WZ744. Avro 707s proved the delta platform design and also highlighted that a ground incidence of 3.5 degrees would give the best take-off attitude. This required an increase in the length of the nose wheel on the Avro 707.

(Left hand side Colour and Monochrome Photographs - Above: WZ744, the only Avro 707C. It was a 2-seat training aircraft, built to give pilots experience of flying delta winged aircraft. This view shows the much wider cockpit used on Avro 707C, allowing side-by-side seating.)

(Right hand side Colour and Monochrome Photographs showing - Two views of the Avro 707A, WD280, the first high speed model with cheek intakes and original wing platform in the photo on the left, and displaying in the right hand picture, the cranked wing shape which featured on most of the production Avro 698 Vulcans.)

(Right hand side Colour Photograph - Above: Avro 707s information with the prototype Avro 698 Vulcan.)