All heads turn to watch the arrival of the world’s first four-jet airliner as John Cunningham, de Havilland chief test pilot, brings in the prototype Comet 1 G-ALVG. The four 5,000lb-thrust de Havilland Ghost engines emit a low whistle as the 36-passenger airliner drops onto its two large-diameter mainwheels. It was the Comet’s first public appearance, the first flight having been made on July 27, 1949, from Hatfield.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: De Havilland Comet / D.H.106 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

Massive Westland Wyvern TF.2 second prototype VP113 provided a snappy display, thanks to the power of its 4,000 e.h.p. Armstrong Siddeley Python turboprop engine: after unfolding its wings in front of the crowd it made a rapid take-off, upward-rolled with ease, flew inverted and made tight, fast turns within the airfield perimeter. The excellent field of view from the high-set cockpit attracted favourable comment, as did the ejection seat - unusual equipment for a propeller-driven aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Westland Wyvern - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946

The prototype B3/45 shows off its plan view in a vertically banked turn on the opening day of the 1949 Farnborough show.
Roland Beamont flew blue English Electric Canberra prototype WN799 at the new bomber’s first Farnborough.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

Avro Python-Lancaster TW911 flies over with its inboard Merlins stilled and its 4,000 e.h.p. Armstrong-Siddeley Python turboprops delivering the power for a zestful performance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Avro Lancaster / Type 683 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1941

The highlight of the 1949 Farnborough week was the mighty Bristol Brabazon, G-AGPW. Flown for the first time just three days before the show's opening on Wednesday, September 7, it made its debut on September 8 in the hands of “Bill" Pegg.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bristol Brabazon / Type 167 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

One-third the size of the Brabazon, Vickers Type 630 Viscount prototype G-AHRF was the progenitor of a far more successful line. It was flown by G. R. “Jock” Bryce, who displayed it with both port propellers feathered and impressed spectators with the quietness of the two working Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vickers Viscount - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1948

Short Sealand G-AKLP had been ordered by British West India Airways for Caribbean island services, so it appeared at the show as VP-TBA RMA St Vincent. The following year Tom Brooke-Smith took it to the West Indies for route-proving and tropical trials, but, since it was not designed for operation from the open sea, they were unsuccessful. The aircraft subsequently returned to the UK and took up its old registration.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short SA.6 Sealand - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1948

Easily the most unorthodox shape at the show was Cierva Air Horse VZ724, flown in from Eastleigh by Alan Marsh. Although it had been displayed in the static park the previous year, this was the first time the Farnborough crowds had seen it fly: it created quite a stir with its towering structure and majestic progress. The Air Horse's three 47ft-diameter rotors were driven by a single Rolls-Royce Merlin 24. All-up weight was 7,500lb.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Cierva W.11 Air Horse - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1948

Supermarine 510 prototype VV106 on finals after its breathtaking display in the hands of Mike Lithgow. Visibly faster than anything else in the display, VV106 shot past the spectators at 660 m.p.h. and 100ft, showing off its rapid rate of roll and whipping into tight vertical turns. Later named Swift, the type was the first British swept-wing jet fighter to go into RAF service, with 56 Sqn on February 13, 1954.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Swift - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1948

In gleaming metal finish with dark blue company emblem and trim, Handley Page Hermes V first prototype G-ALEU was dazzlingly displayed by Sqn Ldr H. G. Hazelden. Powered by four Bristol Theseus turboprops, the Hermes V was the fastest turboprop transport at the show, with a speed of 351 m.p.h.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Production Handley Page Hermes IV G-ALDA was an early performer in the display, flown by Douglas Broomfield. This was the Mk IV’s second SBAC show, so the 40-seater Bristol Hercules-powered airliner allowed itself to be upstaged by its turboprop descendant, Hermes V G-ALEU. Following service with BOAC, G-ALDA was leased to Airwork for a trooping charter to Suez; Airwork later bought the aircraft, and it had a succession of further owners before being scrapped at Southend in 1965.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Hermes / H.P.81 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Another Short flying-boat, Solent G-AHIU RMA Solway, took time off from flying the South African route to take part in the display.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Short Seaford / Solent / S.45 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1944

Avro Shackleton GR.I second prototype VW131 begins its impressive display at low level and high speed, with port contraprops feathered and bomb-bay yawning. Powered by four Rolls-Royce Griffons, VW131 was armed with twin 20mm cannon in nose and dorsal positions, plus 0 5in machineguns in the tail turret.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Avro Shackleton / Type 696 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

In contrast to the Brabazon, Handley Page Marathon Mk 2 feederliner G-AHXU was the smallest civil prop-jet type at the show. It was put through its paces by Hugh Kendall.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Handley Page Marathon / H.P.R.1 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1946