XL563 was the first production T7 and first flew from Dunsfold on 11th October 1957, being allocated to the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) Boscombe Down for trials work.

The aircraft was then allocated to support the P1127 and Bristol T188 programmes before arriving at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) at Farnborough on 2nd May 1963.

XL563 served at the IAM until it was retired in July 1993. Whilst with the IAM, the aircraft was involved in many important trials, including the development of aircrew clothing and ’g’ protection.

Following retirement, the aircraft was mounted on a plinth and displayed outside the RAF No1 Officers’ Mess at Farnborough. However, when the mess was demolished to make way for the Aviator Hotel, XL563 was dismantled and sold. Eventually FAST was able to locate and purchase the majority of the parts and re-assemble the aircraft at the FAST Museum.

Technical Specifications

Crew : 1
Length : 13.98m (45ft 10in)
Wingspan : 10.26m (33ft 8in)
Height : 4.01m (13ft 2in)
Engine : Single Rolls-Royce Avon Mk 122
Thrust : 45.13kN (10,145 lbf)
Maximum Speed : 1,003km/h (623mph) at 36,000 ft
Service Ceiling : 15,240m (50,000ft)
Empty Weight : 6,406kg (14,122lb)
Loaded Weight : 8,051kg (17,750lb)
Range : 620km (385 miles)