Ten years of valuable service

摘要

First registered on March 14, 1947, as Avro Tudor Mk 2G-AJJV(TS896), the prototype aircraft re-emerged as Mk 1 WB490, the first of six Ashtons at Woodford in August 1950, little more than 18 months since the project began. The aircraft's transition to flight was equally unprotracted, taxying trials beginning on August 31 with Jimmy Orrell at the controls and the maiden flight planned forthe next day, September 1, 1950. At 18.40hrs Orrell lifted WB490 from Woodford's main runway and exactly one hour later was touching down atthe A&AEE, Boscombe Down.