Back to collections

de Havilland Comet 1XB

Serial No: G-APAS
Period: Post-WWII
Reference: 84/A/1186
Museum: Midlands
Location: Hangar 1
On Display: Yes

The first flight of the Comet, the world’s first jet powered airliner, took place on 27 July 1949. With a cruising speed of 725kph (450mph) and a range of 4024 km (2500 miles), the prototype established many records on long distance flights. With jet engines and a pressurised cabin, it offered unprecedented levels of comfort and speed for the 36-40 passengers.

Unfortunately several disasters were to befall the Comet; in 1952 and 1953 there were take-off accidents and a Comet broke up in a violent storm over India.

On 10 January 1954 the first production Comet crashed into the Mediterranean whilst en route from Rome to London. This was closely followed by a similar incident involving a Comet en route from Rome to Johannesburg resulting in withdrawal of the Certificate of Airworthiness. The cause was found to be fatigue failure of the pressure cabin.

After further development of the type the Comet 4 was used as an RAF transport aircraft and formed the basis of the design which later became the Nimrod of which an example can also be seen at Cosford.”

Buy your gifts online
PLEASE SUPPORT US

Buy your gifts online

Great aviation gift ideas for all the family

Make a donation
PLEASE SUPPORT US

Make a donation

Make a difference through a donation

Leave a Legacy
PLEASE SUPPORT US

Leave a Legacy

Leave a gift that inspires future generations

Schools and Colleges
ONLINE CLASSES

Schools and Colleges

Fascinating workshops to inspire the next generation

Collections Online
DISCOVER MORE

Collections Online

Explore our Collections online

Give Monthly

Give monthly to support our work year-round