BAC Jet Provost T.5

Developed by Hunting Percival who also developed the Piston Provost during the early 1950s, the Jet Provost was initially designed in anticipation of the RAF eventually requiring a jet trainer. The RAF eventually supported the project in 1953 and in order to rapidly produce a working prototype many parts from the Piston Provost were re-used resulting in a first flight in June 1954. Featuring performance close to jet fighters of the time but with more forgiving handling characteristics, the Jet Provost was updated throughout its production life, including armed versions being produced for a number of export customers which were capable of light combat duties alongside their trainer role. A more powerful and heavily armed dedicated combat version of the Jet Provost was also eventually produced named the Strikemaster. The Strikemaster was ordered by eleven nations including New Zealand.

The Jet Provost T.1 formally entered service with the RAF at RAF Hullavington in 1957, with the main production T.3 version entering service in 1959. Utilised as the Basic Jet Trainer for all RAF pilots, the type received numerous updates until the Jet Provost T.5 entered service in 1969 with a more powerful engine and a pressurised cockpit. This more powerful variant allowed the RAF to use the Jet Provost for other duties including aerobatic displays, tactical weapons training and some advanced flight training. The Jet Provost was eventually retired from RAF service in 1993 when it was replaced by the Short Tucano.

A pair of Jet Provosts will be appearing on static display at RIAT25, a T.3A provided by the Classic Jet Preservation Group and a T.5 owned by Viper Classic Aircraft.

Photo Credit: Duncan Chase