Jaguar XW566 was the eighth and final prototype and the first British assembled machine, the first flight being from Warton in April 1971.

The aircraft spent much of its career with the manufacturer undertaking the development of navigation and attack systems. Some of this work was undertaken in conjunction
with the RAE and A&AEE, including the development of Low Light TV (LLTV) and helmet mounted systems.

In February 1982 the aircraft was transferred to RAE Farnborough and commenced trials work in June 1982. This work included trials with ‘Head Up Displays’ (HUD), together with LLTV and vibration studies.

In 1985 it was grounded and used for Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) and lightning strike investigation work. QinetiQ retired it in 2004, subsequently transferring it on
loan to the FAST Museum.

Technical Specifications

Crew : 2
Length : 16.83m (55ft 3in)
Wingspan : 8.69m (28ft 6in)
Height : 4.89m (16ft 1in)
Engine : 2 Rolls-Royce, Ardour Mk102 afterburning Turbofan
Thrust (each engine) : 32.5kN (7,300 lbf)
Maximum Speed : 1,350km/h (840mph) at sea level
Service Ceiling : 14,000m (46,000ft)
Empty Weight : 7,000kg (15,432lb)
Loaded Weight : 10,954kg (24,149lb)
Range : 815km (506 miles)