BAC Jet Provost

 

BAC Jet Provost. Photo by Ian Bracegirdle

 

The Jet Provost was developed from the Piston Provost, as a side by side 2 seat single engine training aircraft. The prototype first flew on the 26th June 1954. The "JP" as it was affectionately known, was used in a variety of roles for over 40 years. Being replaced by the Tucano in the early 1990's.

The JP was probably most famously known for display teams such as The Blades, Macaws and The Red Pelicans. One of the last RAF Stations to retire the JP was RAF Finningley, with 6FTS with navigation training aircraft in the mid 1990's.

A few examples of the Jet Provost are still used at Cosford as ground instructional airframes and for ground handling training. The JP is still much sought after with many examples being retained in private ownership.

 

 

 

Images courtesy of Bruce Martin, Chris Cannon, Ian Bracegirdle and Ross Cannon