T
he Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer
ticked plenty of boxes when it came
to establishing a market for a new
aircraft in the 1950s. It could land
in remarkably confined spaces and was well
suited to many military roles.
Spectators at Farnborough Air Show in
September 1955 were wowed when they saw
the prototype G-ANTP making its first public
demonstrations.
People were impressed by its very short
take-off, climb and landing performance. Here
was a 16-passenger, twin-engined, feederliner
which could unstick at 60mph (96.5km/h) from
250ft (76m) of tarmac and land with a ground
roll of a mere 180ft (55m). Everything looked
set for success for Scottish Aviation Limited
(SAL).
The company had been founded in1935, when it embarked on a pilot training
programme, but aircraft repairs became a
staple after the outbreak of World War Two in
September 1939.
It worked on many types, including the
Short Sunderland and Blackburn Skua.
The company also built components for
Hurricanes, and 1,200 Spitfires were reworked
at its Prestwick base in southwest Scotland.
Post-war the company turned its experience
to converting Dakotas to civil use.The first homegrown SAL aircraft was
the aptly named Prestwick Pioneer and the
prototype, VL515, flew on November 5, 1947.
It was designed as a frontline communications
machine, able to operate from short, unmade
surfaces and make steep approaches and
climbs.
The single-engined Pioneer proved
very effective, flying into rough clearings,
supporting British Army strongholds as part
of the effort to counter communist infiltration
in parts of Malaysia in the 1950s. The notable
take-off and landing abilities were achieved
with the aid of full-span, leading-edge slats
and Fowler flaps, operated by a single control.
In normal circumstances, a 150ft (46m)
surface was sufficient and it could carry a pilot
plus four passengers and baggage 40 miles
(64km) at 120mph (193km/h).Stephen Skinner looks at the capabilities
and career of this rugged twin-engine aircraft.
TWIN PIONEER
A STOL STORY
16 Aviation News incorporating Jets February 2018Above: G-APRS was airworthy until a
few years ago and is currently for sale at
Coventry. It had a varied career serving with
several operators, including Fisons, British
United and the ETPS as XT610. Subsequently
it flew with Flight One as G-BCWF before
restoration to its initial registration of
G-APRS. Key Collection16-20_pioneerDC.mfDC.indd 16 05/01/2018 15: