actually WJ874 and ex G-CDSX.

This is the first prototype Avro 707, the type itself being an experimental delta wing design for use in the development of the Vulcan bomber. VX784 made its first flight on 4 September 1949 but crashed less than a month later, on 30 September.

The Merlin-powered prototype Avro Athena advanced trainer at its Woodford birthplace during initial trials. Small numbers of the type were delivered to the RAF but did not remain in service for an extended period. As with other types, Avro did not allocate c/ns to their military aircraft production - they viewed the RAF serial as sufficient identification.

The prototype Shackleton just after its maiden flight.

This is WJ874 painted as VN799, the Canberra prototype, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canberra's first flight on 13 May 1949. Ten years earlier two other aircraft, WT478 and WJ877, had been painted in these same markings to celebrate the type's 40th anniversary.

This is the former WJ874, which made its last operational flight on 1 Sep 2005 and was then flown from Marham to Coventry on 9 Nov 2005 on delivery. Air Atlantique Classic Flight painted it in these markings as VN799, the Canberra prototype. Back in 1999 it had also been painted in those same markings, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canberra's first flight on 13 May 1949. In 1989 WT478 and WJ877 also flew in these markings for the 40th anniversary. The circled "P" is not a code but indicated a Prototype aircraft. In July 2015 the aircaft moved on to the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre.

Registered in 1981. Photo from: Civil Aviation Historical Society, Melbourne, Australia

The prototype Avro 707. First flew at Boscombe Down 4th September 1949. Crashed near Blackbushe 30 th of the same month.

Actually ex WJ874.

The prototype Avon Sabre seen here when it was an instructional airframe. Now with the RAAF Museum, Point Cook.

The prototype Avro Shackleton on an early test flight from Woodford soon after its first flight on 9 March 1949. Obtained from Avros 60 years ago.

The Tudor 8 was a conversion from Tudor 4 G-AGST and was fitted with four Rolls-Royce Nene 4 turbojets, first flying thus on 6 September 1948. It was demonstrated at that year's Farnborough Air Show. This one-off type was fitted with a tailwheel undercrriage, and was developed into the tri u/c Avro 706 Ashton. VX195 was broken up in 1951. From Avros 60 years ago.