Percival Provost T1
Serial Number:
WV562
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 84/A/1184
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Transport & Training
Adopted as the RAF's basic trainer in 1953, the Provost
remained in service in that role until replaced by a development of the
design, the Jet Provost, in 1961.
The Provost was selected for production following competitive trials with
the Handley Page HPR2. The first flight took place on 24 February 1950.
First production deliveries were made to the Central Flying School. The
first Flying Training School (FTS) to be so equipped was No.6 FTS at Ternhill
in October 1953. Other FTSs equipped were at Syerston, Hullavington, Feltwell
and Worksop.
The Provost proved to be a popular machine with good aerobatic qualities
and 397 aircraft were delivered to the RAF.
The Provost was the last piston engined basic trainer to be used by the
RAF. The last training unit re-equipped with a jet-powered version of
the design, called the Jet Provost, in August 1961 but a few Provosts
lingered on until the last one was retired in November 1969.
