History of the Vanguard
In 1953 Vickers began design studies for a four engine, longer range ‘big brother’ to
the Viscount. The new aircraft was designated V870 and was prompted by a detailed
specification from BEA (British European Airways) for an aircraft capable of operating
economically on short to medium range routes.
The final design (redesignated V900) was to be powered by the Rolls-Royce Tyne turboprop. The
name Vanguard was chosen by BEA who initially ordered 6 aircraft, increased by a further 14
aircraft, a year later in 1956.
Manufacture of the Vanguard prototype was undertaken at Weybridge in Surrey. The aircraft
rolled out of the factory on 4th December 1958 and once again test pilot ‘Jock’ Bryce was at
the controls when Vanguard (G-AOYW) took to the air for the first time on 20th January 1959.
Production aircraft soon followed with BEA’s first aircraft flying on 22nd April 1959.
In total, just 44 Vanguards were delivered to the airlines, but the Vanguard was to find success
in later life. Trans Canada Airlines began to withdraw the aircraft from passenger service in
1967 before converting them to freighters. In 1968 BEA followed suit when Aviation Traders of
Southend Airport began a similar freight conversion.
The new freighters were designated Type 953C Merchantman. At last the aircraft found the
perfect niche in cargo operations with BEA and later with a number of pure cargo operations.
In 1996 the sister aircraft to our cockpit section (G-APEP) made its final flight to Brooklands
Aviation Museum in Surrey bringing to a close the type’s 35 year service career.
