The Boulton Paul P.111 is an experimental aircraft.
It was amongst the first aircraft designed to explore the characteristics of the tailless delta wing configuration.
The P.111 prototype performed its maiden flight on 10 October 1950.
On 2 July 1953, the P.111A first flew from RAF Boscombe Down.
Shortly afterwards, the anti-spin parachute mounted on the rear port fuselage was strengthened so it could be deployed as a braking parachute, while the pilot was also given control over the strength of the power controls.
The aircraft was operated by the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) in a series of explorations of delta wing characteristics, for its later flights, the P.111A was based at RAE Bedford.
During this time, it was flown with each of the three wing tips.
The final flight of the P.111A was conducted on 20 June 1958.
Shortly after this, the sole aircraft was donated to the Cranfield College of Aeronautics, where it was used as a training airframe.
In 1975, it was acquired by the Midland Aircraft Preservation Society via a long term loan for its Midland Air Museum at Coventry Airport, on 13 July 1975, the P.111A was transported by road to the museum, where it was placed on static public display.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
26 ft 1 in (7.95 m) (without nose probe)
Wingspan
25 ft 8 in (7.82 m) (29 ft 9 in (9.07 m) or 33 ft 6 in (10.21 m) with optional detachable wingtips)
