Aeroplane Monthly 1998-09 / B.Jones - Perfecting the power (3)

Before it was brought into the Proteus test programme, Airspeed Ambassador G-AKRD had been used for Centaurus development. It was used for Proteus de-icing trials, with a water spray grid fitted on the port side as shown.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

The unpainted prototype Ambassador G-AGUA making its first take-off in the hands of Chief Test Pilot George Errington at Christchurch on 10.7.47. The trim tab broke away on the centre rudder which as a result was then converted to a central fixed fin.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (1)

George Errington made a few tentative trial hops in the prototype Ambassador G-AGUA before the first flight was made on July 10, 1947. Note the absence of spinners and the open entry hatch.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (1)

George Errington made a few tentative trial hops in the prototype Ambassador G-AGUA before the first flight was made on July 10, 1947. Note the absence of spinners and the open entry hatch.

Мировая Авиация 105

Прототип Ambassador в одном из первых испытательных полетов - коки винтов еще не установлены. Крыло машины имело большое относительное удлинение, хотя такое решение являлось спорным, и эффект от этого был не очень заметным.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (1)

The prototype Ambassador in August 1948, less spinners but in its demonstration livery.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

A further view of prototype G-AGUA (RT665) with centre rudder fixed after the first flight and with spinners fitted. It is seen with the port engine stopped and propeller feathered, flying over Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight coast with the Solent in the background.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

G-AGUA on test in 1951 demonstrates single-engine flying with the port Centaurus stopped and propeller feathered. By this time the propellers had been changed to the reversible type.

АвиаМастер 1998-05 / С.Корж - Задуманный для мира в дни войны /Ретроспектива/

Как ни странно, но наиболее грозным противником «Вайкаунта» оказался «Амбассадор» - лайнер с поршневыми двигателями.
The prototype Ambassador, G-AGUA, shortly before the 1947 SBAC Show at Radlett.
Prototype G-AGUA on an early flight still has its wartime style D/F loop in its streamlined egg-shaped fairing above the cabin. Geared trim tabs are now fitted on the outer rudders and spinners have been installed.

Aeroplane Monthly 1985-05 / K.Desmond - Arthur E. Hagg

The prototype Ambassador, G-AGUA, ended its experimental life as a static radio aerial test rig at Christchurch followed by a period at Filton as an engine test rig. It was finally scrapped at Stansted.
Perhaps the epitome of aerodynamic perfection uas Hogg's Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

In the air off the Christchurch coast. G-AGUA shows its high aspect ratio almost laminar-flow wing, cleanly curved fuselage lines and its two Centaurus 130 engines with big spinners

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

In October 1949, G-AGUA running up both of its close-cowled Centaurus engines. The Vickers Warwick with which George Errington carried out the Centaurus single-engine testing is seen in the background.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Vickers Warwick - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

Airspeed designed the power pack for the installation of the Centaurus 661 on the production Ambassador and it is seen here on prototype G-AGUA which now also has the production undercarriage

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-02 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (1)

The prototype Ambassador, G-AGUA, being towed from the Christchurch experimental shop to the flight shed in May 1947.

Air-Britain Archive 2004-01 / Feedback

The fuselage of G-AGUA at Hatton Cross, probably between late 1960 and mid-1963.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

Second prototype G-AKRD, the first Ambassador with pressurised cabin and Centaurus 630 in 1948. It carried the old type D/F 'egg' but it and the first prototype (for a short time) were the only ones to do so.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

Second prototype G-AKRD (RT668) painted as the BEA 'Elizabethan' class with the airline titles below the windows and the three crowns shield on the nose. Later named 'Golden Lion', it did not in fact fly BEA services but went on to become a flying testbed for Proteus, Tyne and Dart propjets.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

G-AKRD seen on single engine trials. The propeller had an automatic drag-limiting system, torque falling to 30% of take-off power resulting in a 'super coarse' pitch which reduced drag and allowed feathering in 5 seconds. In the photograph G-AKRD is wearing the early BEA winged logo on the nose.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

The second prototype Ambassador, G-AKRD, in BEA livery.

Aeroplane Monthly 1986-09 / ??? - At last! the 1948 show

George Errington brings in Airspeed Ambassador G-AKRD, the second prototype.

Air-Britain Archive 2004-03 / J.Meaden, M.Fillmore - The Comper lightplanes /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Post-war owner Ron Clear (right) with his Swift G-ACTF is visited by C A Butler who flew G-ABRE to Australia in record time in 1931. Behind is the Airspeed Ambassador second prototype G-AKRD on which Ron Clear made the first flight 26.8.48. Three Ambassadors were sold to Butler Air Transport at the end of their careers with BEA. They no longer survive but the Swift does, as part of the Shuttleworth Collection.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Comper Swift / CLA.7 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1930

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

The 16 ft 6 in. diameter 4-blade de Havilland propeller with hollow steel blades for the Proteus engine being tested on the Centaurus engined Ambassador G-AKRD

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Ambassador 2 production prototype G-ALFR c/n 5210 being used for tropical trials 13.8.51 to 20.9.51. The extensive trials were flown by Ron Clear and it is seen here at Khartoum base before flying to Wadi Seidna where most of the trials were carried out.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

BEA’s Elizabethan G-ALFR at the 1955 SBAC Show, Farnborough.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1954 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Airspeed Ambassador Airliner (two 2,600 h.p. Bristol Centaurus 661 engines).
Ambassador G-ALZN, named Elizabethan, was BEA’s fleet flagship and remained with the company for ten years ending its days with Dan-Air.
BEA's flagship G-ALZN c/n 5212 "RMA Elizabethan". On 11.8.54, due to an ATC error in the Paris Control Zone, it made contact with DC-4 F-BBDP in cloud but escaped with a damaged wingtip.

Мировая Авиация 10

Ambassador компании BEA похож на самолет, упавший в Мюнхене 6 февраля 1958 года.

Air-Britain Archive 1996-01 / Casualty Compendium (60)

Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZN c/n 5212 was BEA flagship "Elizabethan" after which the class was named. This early photo of G-ALZN shows the clean lines of the design. The collision damage on 11.8.54 was minor and easily repaired enabling the aircraft to continue in service.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

C/n 5213 G-ALZP operated the first scheduled London - Paris service for BEA.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Ambassador G-ALZO, named Sir Christopher Marlowe by BEA, passed to the Royal Jordanian Air Force in 1960 and became part of the Dan-Air fleet in 1963.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Dan-Air's G-ALZO made the last Ambassador passenger flight on September 26, 1971, when the late Capt Tom Phethean flew her from Jersey to Gatwick. The editor was one of the lucky passengers.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Ambassador 2 c/n 5226 G-ALZO was originally registered in sequence as G-AMAD but changed during production. It is seen here in final Dan-Air colours, being directed to its parking position at Gatwick on 5.8.66. On 26.9.71 this aircraft performed the type's last scheduled passenger service.

Aeroplane Monthly 1987-01 / M.Oakey - Grapevine

The Duxford Aviation Society's latest acquisition, Airspeed Ambassador 2 G-ALZO, arrived at Duxford by road on October 17, 1986. It was the last of its type to make a commercial flight, on October 28, 1971.

Мировая Авиация 105

Счастливчики, которым удалось воспользоваться сервисом класса "Silver Wing" авиакомпании BEA на линии Лондон - Париж, получали на борту шампанское и изысканную пищу. Первоначально эта служба была организована на лайнерах Handley Page H.P.42.

Aeroplane Monthly 2000-12 / M.Dible - Flying the Decca Ambassador /Radar demonstrator/

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.

Aeroplane Monthly 2000-12 / M.Dible - Flying the Decca Ambassador /Radar demonstrator/

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.

Мировая Авиация 105

"Decca Navigator Company" использовала Ambassador для испытаний навигационного оборудования. В 1949 году прототип Ambassador был оснащен навигационной системой Decca Mk 6 и автоштурманом. В 1964 году "Decca" купила самолет короля Марокко (G-ALZP, на снимке), ранее принадлежавший BEA.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Ambassador G-ALZP seen during owner­ship by Decca Navigator. Named Sir Richard Greville by BEA, ’ZP flew with the Jordanian Air Force, was registered in Morocco as CN-MAK and after service with Decca was scrapped during 1973, at West Mailing, Kent.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Following a short but interesting career in Jordan and Morocco, c/n 5213 was taken over by the Decca Navigator Co in 1963. It is seen here as G-ALZP in the company's markings at Gatwick in February 1968.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Seen here at Cambridge, c/n 5213 spent two years as the King of Morocco's CN-MAK.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZR c/n 5214 in BEA colours dramatically demonstrates the Ambassador's single engine capabilities in spite of the obviously unpleasant weather conditions.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZR c/n 5214 "Sir Walter Raleigh" just after take-off shows the undercarriage not yet fully retracted. All the wheels retracted forwards and the slipstream aided extension and locking down in the event of hydraulic failure.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Ambassador tailpiece showing G-ALZR in close-up.

Aeroplane Monthly 1990-02 / Personal album. Civil

Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador 2 G-ALZR at Elmdon, Birmingham on December 18, 1965. Seen here in BKS livery, 'ZR was originally delivered to BEA as Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1957 it was acquired by Rolls-Royce and used as a Tyne testbed, registered G-37-4. Following its conversion for freight duties at Southend, BKS operated the aircraft from 1964 until it was damaged beyond repair at Gatwick on July 26, 1969.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

After freight door conversion at Southend, G-ALZR flew with BKS for five years before being sold to Dan-Air.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZR during its later career as a freighter with BKS in 1965. This followed its use by Rolls-Royce as G-37-4 for Tyne turboprop development. It was uneconomical to repair following a nosewheel collapse in 1969 and was sold to Dan-Air for spares use. BKS got its name from the initials of three directors' names. Barnby, Keegan and Stevens, all ex-Crewsair.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZS c/n 5215 "William Shakespeare" on public display with a queue waiting to explore the inside. Briefly painted as LN-BWE for Norronafly, this was not taken up and instead it became HB-IEK with Globe Air.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZS in a classic above-cloud study from 1954.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Although we have illustrated Globe Air's HB-IEK c/n 5215 before, this photograph depicts a rather different colour scheme which we are sure must pre-date the well known bold black and red colours shown previously.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZT c/n 5216 "Sir John Hawkins" seen here at Heathrow on 15.4.58, was soon to be handed over to BKS.

Air-Britain Archive 1983-02 / U.K. C of A Applications (14)

Shown at Newcastle in the company of BKS Ambassador G-ALZT, is Autocrat G-AIBR (2151) in Brooklands Aviation colours during 1960. The aircraft was withdrawn from use in 1970.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Auster J/1 - J/5 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

Ambassador 2 c/n 5217 G-ALZU "RMA Lord Burghley" flew with BEA for almost six years before its much-publicised charter flight accident at Munich 6.2.58. It is seen here refuelling at Heathrow.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZV c/n 5218 "RMA Earl of Leicester" undergoing servicing in the BEA base at Heathrow.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

BEA's G-ALZW c/n 5219 "RMA Sir Francis Walsingham" undergoing servicing in the 1950s, with G-ALZT and one other Ambassador further down the line. The seldom seen rear freight hatch is visible behind the portable steps, opened upwards like the passenger doors.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZW moved on to BKS, entering service in 1964 and is seen here taxying in its new markings. Except for the cabin-cooling white tops most Ambassadors kept their natural-metal finish throughout their long careers.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

All three of the Butler Air Transport Ambassadors moved to Dan-Air in 1959 and regained their British registrations, as G-ALZX seen here at Blackbushe after the rain from a warm front. Not often noticed is the fact that on production Ambassadors the fixed tail bumper was changed to a wide tailwheel.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

C/n 5220 as VH-BUI but without Butler Air Transport titles, probably on its return from Australia 1958

Air Pictorial 1958-03 / Register Review / Airport News

An Ambassador in marks other than British is unique indeed; VH-BUI, seen here at Archerfield, Brisbane, is the former L.A.P. habitue, G-ALZX.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

C/n 5221 seen prior to delivery to the Royal Jordanian Air Force wearing dual marks 107/G-ALZY and with no Arabic script.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

Royal Jordanian Air Force 107 seen later on a visit to Dakar with the Royal coat of arms below the cockpit window and the flags of 23 nations that it had visited. The Air Force titles and the serial have been added in Arabic and the flag on the centre fin modified.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZY came home and joined Dan-Air later in 2.63; they operated a fleet of no less than 9 Ambassadors and used another for spares.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZZ seen at Cambridge in 1960 painted in full Norronafly colours but wearing the registration G-ALZZ over the intended Norwegian marks LN-BWF. As with G-ALZS/LN-BWE the sale was not proceeded with and both aircraft followed the same route via Overseas Aviation and Globe Air and back to the UK again to Autair International.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZZ c/n 5222 seen here 12.65 following purchase with 'LZS and 'LZV by Autair in 1963. They were reconfigured as 65 seaters, initially for a daily London - Blackpool service and the fuselage and tail were painted all over in blue and white.

Мировая Авиация 105

С 1963 по 1968 годы компания "Autair" использовала три самолета, ранее принадлежавших "Globe Air". "Autair International Airways" базировалась в Лутоне, Великобритания, и в ее парк входили Ambassador с бортовыми номерами G-ALZS, G-ALZV и G-ALZZ (на снимке).

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Ambassador G-ALZZ, subject of the picture, is seen in Autair colours having already served with BEA as Edmund Spenser and Globe Air of Switzerland. ’ZZ was scrapped at Luton in May 1969.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Another picture of Autair’s G-ALZZ on lease to Skyways Coach Air.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-ALZZ was leased to Skyways Coach Air for the summer of 1968 and is seen here at Luton 18.5.68 in this rare view prior to delivery in modified titling.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-AMAA in standard BEA colours served the national carrier for nearly six years as "RMA Sir Francis Knollys"

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

Shell Aviation Ltd purchased G-AMAA from BEA in January 1960 and the aircraft ended its days at Lasham, as spares for Dan-Air’s Ambassador fleet.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

After BEA service G-AMAA was sold to Shell Aviation in executive configuration, finally becoming a source of spares for Dan-Air.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-AMAB c/n 5224 "RMA Sir Francis Bacon" parked on grass and flying two flags from the cockpit at an unidentified aviation event during the period 10.52 to 8.4.55. On the latter date it was damaged beyond repair in a forced landing at Dusseldorf, but here it appears to be attracting 'walkthrough' visitors and even has a cycle parked against the rear fuselage!

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-AMAC c/n 5225 "RMA Sir Robert Cecil" with short metal steps attached for boarding. It appears to be at a military base and there is a Beech C-45 behind marked "RA 70" on the fin/rudder

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Beechcraft Model 18 / C-45 Expeditor - СШАUSA - 1937

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

G-AMAD "RMA Sir Francis Drake" c/n 5211 seen here in BEA colours, was used in route proving trials in 1951 by the airline and the manufacturers jointly. Quite why it was necessary to shuffle the registrations of the first three production aircraft in order to do this is still unclear!

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-AMAD at Newcastle/Woolsington with BKS, with whom it served as a passenger aircraft for ten years before being converted to a freighter and used to carry horses, as was the case when it crashed at Heathrow on 3.7.68.

Air Pictorial 1957-10 / Register Review / Airport News

G-AMAD, first of the former B.E.A.C. Ambassadors sold to a British operator, is now flying on the B.K.S. scheduled service from Woolsington to Dublin.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

G-AMAD was sold to BKS after five years of service with BEA. It was this aircraft that crashed at Heathrow on July 3, 1968.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

A fine publicity photo of G-AMAE, c/n 5227, in an earlier Dan-Air colour scheme, probably taken shortly after conversion from Butler Air Transport's VH-BUK.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

G-AMAF c/n 5228 "RMA Lord Howard of Effingham" which flew the last BEA Elizabethan service on 30.7.58, from Cologne to London.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

G-AMAG c/n 5229 was the first of two conversions for Shell Aircraft Ltd following BEA service.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

BEA’s Elizabethan G-AMAG unsticks from Heathrow in 1954. This Ambassador later passed to Shell Aviation Ltd and finally to Dan-Air. In September 1968 ’AG was damaged beyond repair at Manston, Kent.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

G-AMAH c/n 5230 RMA Sir Christopher Hatton parked out at Luqa, Malta, with batteries being charged. 38 Sqn Shackletons in the background were at Luqa from 1954 which dates the photo between 1954 and 1957

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Avro Shackleton / Type 696 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

C/n 5230 became VH-BUJ with Butler Air Transport in August 1957, retaining the BEA name "RMA Sir Christopher Hatton" and replacing the Union flag with a Southern Cross on the centre fin, it is seen here following its return to the UK a year later.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

A BEA Elizabethan being flown on FIDO experimental work.

Мировая Авиация 105

Ambassador стал последним самолетом компании "Airspeed", создавшей несколько интересных машин. В 1951 году "Airspeed Ltd" вошла в состав фирмы "de Havilland". На снимке прототип Ambassador.

Мировая Авиация 112

13 марта 1952г.: BEA выпустила на линию Лондон - Париж авиалайнер Ambassador. К апрелю в эксплуатации находились уже шесть машин.
Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador.

Aeroplane Monthly 1987-11 / R.Riding - Aggie's airline

The same Rapide pictured at Heathrow on October 7, 1953 - a BEA Ambassador is taking off in the background.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: De Havilland Dragon Rapide / Dominie / D.H.89 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1934

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

A typical BEA publicity photo showing passengers boarding an unidentified Ambassador. While the Bristol Centaurus engine features prominently, it is also clear that the mainwheels show two completely different tread patterns.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Airspeed's power-pack cowlings on the Centaurus were cleverly designed to open up clear of personnel working on the engines, having rods to hold them up (like the Tiger Moth!). Here at the tropical trials they could have provided some shade with the nose away from the sun, the servicing apparently being done in the open air.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Unusual in opening upwards, the passenger doors of the Ambassador looked small but proved to be perfectly satisfactory for twenty years.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Ambassador production under way with the first three production aircraft marked 3, 4 and 5 and other fuselages under construction in the background. On No.3 nearest, the top of the centre fin is not yet completed, perhaps because of alterations to fix the rudder centrally.

Air-Britain Archive 1996-03 / The de Havilland DH.114 Heron /The Whole Truth/ (8)

Heron 2D c/n 14100 G-AOHB of Shell following a wash and brush-up outside the company's hangar at Heathrow during the early sixties. A second Heron, either G-AOGC or more likely G-ANUO, may be seen left, with one of their Ambassadors, G-AMAA or G-AMAG visible behind. On the right is the tailplane of Aden Airways Canadair C-4 VR-AAT.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Canadair CL-2 / CL-4 Argonaut - КанадаCanada - 1946De Havilland Heron / D.H.114 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1950

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Close-up of the Eland installation in the production prototype aircraft G-ALFR. This Ambassador was painted in full BEA colours complete with name "RMA Golden Hind", above which, instead of the "Elizabethan Class" titling used by the airline, can be seen the partly-obscured "Eland's Prototype" - the missing word possibly being Turboprops (?). This view also shows the recessed rearward facing spotlight in the nose, used to illuminate the engine at night if required.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Ambassador был красивым самолетом. Если бы машина с самого начала была оснащена ТВД (как в свое время предлагалось), ей бы, возможно, удалось разделить успех с лайнером Fokker F27 Friendship. Самолет оснащался ТВД (на снимке машина с двигателями Eland), но только для испытаний.
G-ALFR "RMA Golden Hind" wore BEA colours throughout its trials and retained them when in 1955 it was used by Napier as a flying testbed for the Eland turboprop - with the addition of the engine name on the nose. It was afterwards reconverted to Centaurus power and actually flew in airline service with Dan-Air for over three years.

Air Pictorial 1955-10 / J.Stevens - Farnborough 1955

The Eland Ambassador.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

Ambassador G-AKRD, fitted with Bristol Proteus 705 engines, makes a low pass at the 1954 SBAC Show at Farnborough. The same aircraft was later fitted with two different Rolls-Royce Dart engines.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

As Proteus testbed, G-AKRD from above shows the long Proteus nacelles and jetpipes and the outboard fins and rudders in line with the propeller slipstream. Part of the initials 'BEA' are still visible on top of the port wing in this view.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

G-AKRD being flown as a testbed for the Proteus 705 turboprop engines for the Britannia. The jetpipes were carried over the wing clear of the existing structure which was not affected.
The second prototype Airspeed Ambassador, G-AKRD, as a testbed for the Proteus 705 intended for the Britannia 100. First flown thus powered on December 22,1953, it appeared in the following year’s SBAC Display.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

For de-icing tests of the Proteus the spray rig is seen attached to the forward fuselage of G-AKRD. An unexpected problem was ice impact damage to the hollow steel propeller blades.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

Tyne Ambassador G-37-3 taxying provides a good view of the 3-fin tail unit with combined aerodynamic and mass balance ahead of the rudder hinge and trim tab on the rudder trailing edge of the outboard units.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

G-AKRD was obtained by Rolls-Royce and used as a testbed for their Tyne turboprop with a similar installation to the Proteus. Flown as G-37-3, Capt Gillman credited it with a fighter-like climb rate of 4,000 ft/min

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALZR c/n 5214 became the second Tyne Ambassador with Rolls-Royce as G-37-4.

Aeroplane Monthly 1985-02 / Personal album

Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZR on finals at Luqa, Malta on May 27, 1959. The unfamiliar looking engines are Rolls-Royce Tynes. The aircraft subsequently flew with BKS and Dan-Air before being damaged beyond repair at Gatwick in July 1969.

Air Pictorial 1958-10 / J.Stevens - Some Thoughts on Farnborough

The starboard Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop engine of the Airspeed Ambassador test-bed.

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

G-37-3/G-AKRD late in its career as a testbed for the Rolls-Royce Dart RDa10 (port nacelle) and RDa8 (starboard nacelle) in which role it did not suffer the airframe limiting speeds of the hard-worked Dart Dakota G-37-2.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

An Ambassador fuselage during water tank tests.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

The cockpit of the prototype Ambassador in 1947.

Aeroplane Monthly 2000-12 / M.Dible - Flying the Decca Ambassador /Radar demonstrator/

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.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

After the accident to G-AMAB the reversing action of the propellers on all Ambassadors was disconnected. This photo (of G-AMAA) shows the notice above the captain's blind-flying panel which reads 'Propeller Braking Inoperative'.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

TOP: Stripping, cleaning and first stages of etch-primer protection of the flight deck. The manual is from the second prototype Ambassador, G-AKRD.
LEFT: Most cabin fittings except seats are still in place, including the galley and hat-rack netting.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1980 / Encyclopedia of Aviation - Aircraft A-Z - v1

Interior of an Airspeed Ambassador.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-03 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (2)

The passenger cabin layout of a BEA Silver Wing Elizabethan. grenville

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

Ambassador passenger cabin, almost certainly that of 2nd prototype G-AKRD. The intrusive wing centre section bisected the cabin.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-02 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (3)

Shell fitted out its Ambassador aircraft as executive machines with luxury accommodation as seen in the Aeroplane photograph.

Aeroplane Monthly 2000-12 / M.Dible - Flying the Decca Ambassador /Radar demonstrator/

“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.

Aeroplane Monthly 2000-12 / M.Dible - Flying the Decca Ambassador /Radar demonstrator/

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.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

The Ambassador arrived at Duxford on October 16, 1986, and is shown on the following day. It had been dismantled at Lasham in five days.
Restoration work is about to begin at Duxford on sole surviving Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZO, seen the day after its arrival there in October 1986.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZO under restoration in Duxford's Hangar 5 in November 2001. In the foreground is a Liberator wing.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Consolidated B-24H / B-24J Liberator - СШАUSA - 1943

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

Eight of the "Sunday Team”: Sarah and Bryan Mead, Phil Parsons, Ray Wright, Cliff Griffin, Paul Cattermole, Paul Sheperd and Keith Isaacson.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

The restored starboard Centaurus showing the high standard of workmanship and the "petal" cowling, with Keith Isaacson and Ray Wright.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

The port Bristol Centaurus engine undergoing first stages of cleaning and priming.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

TOP: Reskinning work in progress in the nose area; Ray Wright will rebuild the buckled nosewheel.
MIDDLE: Paul Sheperd at work on the inside of a wingtip.
BOTTOM: Sarah Mead and her father Bryan working on an elevator; Sarah is using a rotary brush to clean back to bare metal while Bryan drills out rivets before skin removal.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

TOP: Ray Wright rivets a restored elevator skin. Duralac sealing compound is applied where lamination takes place.
BOTTOM LEFT: Ray Wright (left) sprays a protective wax and oil solution into a restored elevator interior and Phil Parsons mans the hand pump.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The port undercarriage assembly; the yoke casting has been heat-treated to prevent possible cracking.

Aeroplane Monthly 2002-05 / R.Carvell - A "New" Elizabethan /In the workshop/

TOP: Ray Wright inspects the starboard restored Centaurus engine. Aircraft are great dust collectors!
MIDDLE: Keith Isaacson works on trim tab ribbing, some of which he produced at home. After etching, they received three coats of "Duxford Green".
BOTTOM: Ray Wright burnishes the starboard elevator back to bare metal and Keith Isaacson rivets the outer skin back in place.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-ALFR lies engineless but otherwise intact at Christchurch on 13.11.50 after shedding its two Centaurus at the point of its heavy touchdown.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-AMAD in an undignified position after the starboard undercarriage leg collapsed on landing at Christchurch during trials.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

A busy scene at Southend 14.6.63 with Carvairs, Bristol Freighters, Vikings and DC-3s in evidence. Also visible, and arrowed, is the fuselage of G-AMAF which was being used for spares by BKS at the time.

Другие самолёты на фотографии: Another planes on the photo: Aviation Traders ATL.98 Carvair - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1961Bristol Freighter / Type 170 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935Vickers Viking / Valetta - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1945

Air-Britain Archive 2003-01 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (2)

G-AMAD upside down and broken in two after the 3.7.68 accident at Heathrow. It crashed on final approach after rolling to the left when a flap actuating rod failed and allowed the port flap to retract.

Мировая Авиация 10

Обломки носового отсека самолета тлеют после катастрофы. Это был сильный удар для британского футбола. Каждый год болельщики "Манчестер Юнайтед" отмечают годовщину катастрофы минутой молчания на стадионе "Олд Траффорд" в субботу, ближайшую к 6 февраля.

Мировая Авиация 10

Вид искореженных обломков самолета объясняет гибель большого количества людей, и это действительно чудо, что некоторые игроки, такие как Бобби Чарлтон и Денни Бланчфлауэр, серьезно не пострадали во время катастрофы. Остатки самолета были исследованы членами германского федерального авиационного комитета и компанией BEA.

Мировая Авиация 10

На фотографии представлена ужасающая картина последствий катастрофы. Коттедж, разрушенный левой плоскостью Ambassador, вскоре загорелся. Видно, как пожарные пытаются потушить огонь.

Aeroplane Monthly 1985-05 / K.Desmond - Arthur E. Hagg

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

A Drawing of the Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador Airliner.

Aeroplane Monthly 1988-08

AMBASSADOR - B.E.A.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

The cover of the BEA Elizabethan brochure with a scene showing more than a passing resemblance to the photograph opposite. It appears to be acceptable for some passengers to arrive on the apron by estate car in those more innocent days! Once again it is G-AMAD "RMA Sir Francis Drake" that features in the promotion.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

This doctored photograph of c/n 5228 G-AMAF shows a turboprop Ambassador in BEA colours. The engines depicted by an artist appear to be Elands so the illustration may well pre-date the actual fitting of these engines in G-ALFR in 1955.

Air-Britain Archive 2003-03 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (4)

Cutaway drawing used to advertise the benefits of BEA's Elizabethan class aircraft and featuring, as was frequently the case, G-AMAD.

Aeroplane Monthly 1982-04 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's elegant Ambassador (3)

The Airspeed Ambassador

Aeroplane Monthly 1981-12 / D.Middleton - Airspeed's paper aeroplanes (1)

AS-67

Air-Britain Archive 2002-04 / D.King - The Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador /The Whole Truth/ (1)

Three-view silhouettes continued to be produced in peacetime for the Inter-Services Recognition Journal, such as this one of Airspeed's new Ambassador.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1954 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Airspeed A.S.57 Ambassador.