9 March
The first flight of the Slingsby T53 two-seat glider (sailplane). This
was the first all-metal glider built in the United Kingdom.
5 May
The first all-British satellite, UK-3 (Ariel 3), is launched into orbit
from the Western Test Range in California.
23 May
The Hawker Siddeley Nimrod prototype makes its first flight.
8 June
The first launch of a British Petrel rocket from the South Uist Range
in the Outer Hebrides.
4 July
The United Kingdom government begins sonic boom tests over the country,
using Royal Air Force English Electric Lightnings to produce random booms.
28 December
The first flight of a production Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR1 is made at
Dunsfold in Surrey.