Percival Jet Provost T1

Serial Number: XD674
Period: Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 86/A/39
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Transport & Training

Known universally as the 'JP', the Jet Provost, introduced all-jet training for pupil pilots for the first time in the RAF.

The Jet Provost was a private venture adaptation of the Provost primary trainer. XD674, shown here, first flew on 26 June 1954 and was the first of nine T1 Jet Provosts built.

Comparative trials between Piston and Jet Provost T1 equipped flights took place at No.2 Flying Training School (FTS), RAF Hullavington in August 1955. Results were such that all-jet pilot training was made standard in the RAF, the first Air Force to achieve this.

An improved version, the T3, with uprated engine, shorter undercarriage, wingtip tanks and other modifications first flew in June 1958 and 201 were built.

In November 1961, the T4 was flown and a total of 185 were delivered. Later, to cope with training requirements at higher altitudes, a pressurised version, the T5, was produced. The first aircraft flew on 28 February 1967 and 110 of this variant were produced. One of these aircraft, XW323, was used by HRH Prince Charles during his pilot training and is displayed at RAF Museum London.

Many well known aerobatic teams used these aircraft including the 'Red Pelicans' and the 'Lincolnshire Poachers'.

Replacement of Jet Provosts by turboprop Tucanos began in 1988 and the programme was completed in 1993.

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