Fairey Delta 2 Scale Models

The Fairey Delta 2 or FD2 (internal designation Type V within Fairey) was a British supersonic research aircraft produced in response to a specification from the Ministry of Supply for a specialised aircraft for conducting investigations into flight and control at transonic and supersonic speeds. Key features of the type include the adoption of a delta wing and a droop-nose. On 6 October 1954, the Delta 2 conducted its maiden flight, flown by Fairey test pilot Peter Twiss; a total of two aircraft would be produced. The Delta 2 was the final aircraft to be produced by Fairey as an independent manufacturer.

The Fairey Delta 2 is the first jet aircraft to exceed 1000 mph in level flight. On 10 March 1956, it set a new world speed record of 1,132 mph during a test flight. The Delta 2 held the absolute World Air Speed Record for over a year. It continued to be used for test flights, and was allocated to the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) in 1958.

Specifications (Fairey Delta 2)

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 51 ft 7½ in (15.74 m)
Wingspan: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
Height: 11 ft 0 in (3.35 m)
Wing area: 360 ft2 (33.44 m2)
Empty weight: 11,000 lb (4990 kg)
Gross weight: 13,884 lb (6298 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Avon 200, 10,000 lbf (44.59 kN)