Decca’s first aircraft was Avro Nineteen G-AGWE, seen here at Blackbushe on May 14, 1953 with the company’s mobile radar van. An early BOAC Comet is taking off from the runway.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Avro Anson X - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1943De Havilland Comet / D.H.106 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

The successor to the Avro Nineteen, Vickers Valetta G-APKR, had previously seen RAF service as VW802. The author was aboard when it ended its career in a groundloop at Gatwick following an undercarriage collapse.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Vickers Viking / Valetta - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

The author locks up G-ALZP after a flight. The Ambassador’s high-wing configuration meant that refuelling was underwing - but oiling was still overwing. The clean cowling of the Centaurus engines is evident.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airspeed Ambassador / AS.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947

Decca’s Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador 2, G-ALZP, originally served with British European Airways as Sir Richard Grenville, and then became the King of Morocco’s personal aircraft. When acquired by Decca in 1963 it reverted to its original British registration.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airspeed Ambassador / AS.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947

During an overhaul by Air Couriers the Ambassador’s rear luggage bay was converted into an onboard workshop. Presumably the broomstick in the corner was for escape in the event of in-flight emergencies.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airspeed Ambassador / AS.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947

“Decca’s problem was how to install all of the displays without spoiling the magnificent decor”. This is the Royal Suite, fitted with a Decca “Harco” display with self-setting rolling map.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airspeed Ambassador / AS.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947

The cockpit of Ambassador G-ALZP, complete with three Decca moving-map displays (one below and inboard of each control wheel, and one central above the windscreen). These automatically obtained a fix and presented it to the pilot on a map, which also served as a permanent record of the aircraft’s track.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airspeed Ambassador / AS.57 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1947