Percival Provost#Survivors

The origins of the Provost can be found in the issuing of Air Ministry specification T.16/48, which called for a single-engined basic trainer aircraft to meet Operational Requirement 257, seeking a replacement for the Royal Air Force's (RAF) existing fleet of Percival Prentice trainers.Meekcoms and Morgan 1994, p. 380. A major priority of the specification was to introduce more direct supervision and observation of student pilots by instructors in order to reduce the rate of late-stage dropouts.Cross, Roy. [https://books.google.com/books?id=zO4223-q49EC&pg=PA34 "New RAF Trainer."] Flying Magazine, September 1952. Vol. 51, No. 3. pp. 34-35. ISSN 0015-4806. On 11 September 1948, this specification was issued, attracting the attention of various aviation companies; the Air Ministry ultimately received in excess of 30 proposals. Percival was amongst those companies that decided to produce a response, their design has been attributed to the Polish-born aeronautical engineer, Henry Millicer (Millicer later moved to Australia, where he designed the award-winning Victa Airtourer light aircraft).

After reviewing the numerous submissions, the Air Ministry selected a pair of designs, the Percival P.56 and the Handley Page H.P.R. 2, and issued contracts for the construction of prototypes to both companies. On 13 January 1950, Percival was received its contract for a pair of prototypes, both of which being powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engine. Additionally, the company decided to construct a third prototype, powered by the more powerful Alvis Leonides Mk 25 radial engine.

On 24 February 1950, the Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah-powered prototype serial number WE522 performed its maiden flight.Thetford 1957, {{page needed|date=June 2019}}. Months later, an extensive evaluation was performed of the Provost prototypes, which was flown head-to-head with the rival H.P.R. 2 at RAF Boscombe Down; it also underwent tropical trials overseas. Reportedly, feedback from trials was largely favourable, especially of its handling characteristics, with only minor refinements being recommended.[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1951/1951%20-%201668.html "Schooling the Provost."] Flight International, 31 August 1951. p. 251. Ultimately, the Leonides-powered P.56 was selected for production as the Provost T.1; on 29 May 1951, an initial order for 200 aircraft was placed. During 1961, production of the type was terminated, by which point a total of 461 aircraft had reportedly been completed. The Percival Provost eventually formed the basis for a jet-powered derivative, the Jet Provost, which ultimately succeeded the piston-engined Provost as the principal

training platform of the RAF.

The Provost was an all-metal, single-engined, two-seat monoplane, featuring fixed conventional landing gear with a fully-castering tailwheel. It was developed to provide training that was better-suited to the increasingly-complicated operational aircraft that were then being brought into service. The main two seats in the cockpit were positioned in a side-by-side configuration, enabling the instructor to sit directly alongside the student, easing training by allowing for mutual close observation and for flight procedures to be more readily demonstrated; a third seat had been originally specified for use by an observer, but this position was later omitted following little use.Cross 1952, pp. 34–35, 59. The cockpit was considered to be relatively bulky amongst its contemporary rivals, a feature that did not heavily impinge upon the aircraft's overall performance. The type was designed to be easy to maintain; various components were intentionally interchangeable where possible and there was a generous provision of access hatches in the fuselage.

Production aircraft were powered by a single Alvis Leonides 25 engine, capable of providing up to {{convert|550|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}; the performance of this engine meant that Provost was roughly twice as powerful as the preceding Percival Prentice.Cross 1952, pp. 35–58. The engine operated smoothly across various speeds and produced relatively low noise levels from within the cockpit. The Provost had a roll rate and handling similar to the best fighters upon entering service, it was also known for its rapid rate of climb and generous power provision from its engine.Cross 1952, p. 58. Its performance level has been contrasted to that of aerobatic aircraft, which strongly appealed to some instructor-pilots, although it was deemed to be somewhat excessive for general flying purposes.Flight International 1951, p. 353. According to aviation periodical Flight International, the stall characteristics of the Provost were relatively gentle, it was also quite easy to recover from a spin.Flight International 1951, p. 354.

The self-centering stick is relatively sensitive during flight, flying pilots had to be aware of this during landing to ensure that the tail is not raised too high for the propeller arc; however, it could be readily trimmed for hands-off flight. Recovery from a spin was achieved by a combination of pushing forwards on the stick and applying full rudder, while a spin could be deliberately induced by pulling hard back on the stick and applying opposite force using the rudder. The ailerons are used to perform various manoeuvres; a full roll can be performed in four seconds via full aileron deflection.Flight International 1951, pp. 354-355. Both the ailerons and elevators are relatively light compared with contemporary peers; the controls are reportedly well-harmonised in general. Landing the Provost is also relatively easy, being aided by a high level of external visibility for the pilot, a low tendency to float prior to round-out, and fairly low viable approach speeds; it also possesses good side-slip capabilities.Flight International 1951, p. 355.

The three-piece canopy was designed for good crashworthiness and to facilitate instrument flying training in daylight, via extendible amber screens and blue-tinted goggles to prevent the pupil seeing outside the cockpit, while the instructor (wearing no goggles) could see through the amber panels. The Provost was also equipped with then-modern very high frequency (VHF) radio aids, which enabled pilots to conduct landings through cloud cover using a Ground Controlled Approach; this better enabled the training of pilots to fly in cloudy conditions and to navigate at night.Cross 1952, p. 59. The majority of controls are logically grouped together, the majority of which being set on the central console positioned between the two seats.Flight International 1951, pp. 353-354. According to author David Ogilvy, the complexity of the cockpit was a deliberate design choice; contrary to earlier trainer aircraft, which were typically simplified so students would find them easy to fly, the Provost intentionally exposed beginners to an advanced environment more representative of the varied tasks of aircraft operations.Ogilvy 2007, pp. 38, 41.

File:Percival P.56 Provost T1 XF877 Valley 030967 edited-4.jpg

During 1953, the Provost entered service with the RAF, the first batch of aircraft were delivered to the Central Flying School (CFS) at RAF South Cerney. The CFS carried out intensive flight trials in May and June 1953 prior to instructor training commencing. The Provost was more capable than the Prentice it replaced, which allowed students to move straight on to the De Havilland Vampire after completing training on the Provost. On 1 July 1953, 6 Flying Training School at RAF Ternhill started to re-equip with the Provost. The first pupil training course to use the Provost started in October 1953. No. 22 Flying Training School at RAF Syerston was the next to convert and it was followed by 2 FTS at RAF Cluntoe, Northern Ireland, 3 FTS at RAF Feltwell and then the Royal Air Force College at RAF Cranwell.Ogilvy 2007, p. 38.

By September 1954, the Provost had replaced the older Prentice in RAF service entirely.[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%202579.html "Hunting Percival Provost 53 and Mk 1."] Flight International, 10 September 1954. p. 406. Starting during 1956, the type began to be issued to several University Air Squadrons, the first of these being the Queen's University Air Squadron, Belfast in January 1956. The last RAF production aircraft was delivered in April 1956. The aircraft served with the RAF until the early 1960s, when it was replaced by the newer Jet Provost. A few Provosts continued in service throughout the 1960s with the Central Navigation & Control School (later Central Air Traffic Control School) at RAF Shawbury, the last example being retired during 1969. Several retired airframes were renumbered with maintenance serials and used for training of airframe and engine tradesmen. At least five Percival Provost have survived as civilian aircraft.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

File:Percival P.56 Provost T.53 183 IAC Baldnl 29.07.67 edited-3.jpg at Baldonnel airfield Ireland in 1967]]

The first export order was placed in May 1953 by Southern Rhodesia, for four T.1 aircraft which were designated the T.51. Later, the Royal Rhodesian Air Force followed with an order for twelve armed trainers, designated the T.52, which were delivered in 1955.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In January 1954, the Irish Air Corps ordered four T.51 aircraft and in 1960, a further order for six armed T.53 variants.{{Citation needed|date=June 2019}}

In 1954, the Burmese Air Force also ordered 12 armed T.53 variants and eventually operated a total of 40 aircraft.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In May 1957, the newly formed Sudan Air Force ordered four T.53 armed variant; two were lost in accidents shortly after delivery, a further three were bought in 1959, followed by five former RAF aircraft.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Former RAF aircraft were delivered to Royal Air Force of Oman as armed T.52 variants. In 1955, the Royal Iraqi Air Force ordered 15 armed Provost T.53s, with the first delivered in May 1955. The final export customer was the Royal Malaysian Air Force, who obtained 24 T.51 trainers between 1961 and 1968.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In 1968, Rhodesia obtained further aircraft using a convoluted route to circumvent an arms embargo.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

;Percival P.56 Mark 1

:Two prototypes with Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engines for evaluation; both later fitted with Leonides engines; (WE522 & WE530).

;Percival P.56 Mark 2

:One Alvis Leonides-engined prototype for evaluation (G-23-1 / WG503).

;Provost T.Mk 1

:Two-seat, Leonides-powered basic trainer for the Royal Air Force.

;Provost T.51

:Unarmed export version for the Irish Air Corps.

;Provost Mk 52

:Armed export version for the Rhodesian Air Force and Sultanate of Oman.

;Provost Mk 53

:Armed export version for Burma, Iraq, Ireland and Sudan.

File:percival provost xf877 arp.jpg

File:jet and prop provosts arp.jpg T.5a in formation]]

File:3614 Percival Provost T.52 (8643531266).jpg.]]

;{{BIR}}

• Burma Air Force

;{{flag|Iraq|1963}}

• Iraqi Air Force{{cite book |last1=Sipos |first1=Milos |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |title=Wings of Iraq, Volume 1: The Iraqi Air Force, 1931-1970 |date=2020 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-913118-74-7 |page=38}}

;{{IRL}}

• Irish Air Corps

;{{MYS}}

• Royal Malaysian Air Force

;{{OMN}}

• Royal Air Force of Oman

;{{flag|Rhodesia}}

• Rhodesian Air Force - No. 6 Squadron{{harvnb|Cooper|Weinert|Hinz|Lepko|2011|page=210}}

;{{SUD}}

• Sudanese Air Force{{harvnb|Cooper|Weinert|Hinz|Lepko|2011|page=111}}

;{{UK}}

• Empire Test Pilot's School
• Royal Air Force
• Cambridge University Air Squadron#
• Central ATC School (CATCS)
• Central Flying School
• Central Navigation and Control School
• No. 11 Air Experience Flight RAF
• No. 2 Flying Training School RAF
• No. 3 Flying Training School RAF
• No. 6 Flying Training School RAF
• No. 22 Flying Training School RAF
• London University Air Squadron
• Manchester University Air Squadron
• Queen's University Air Squadron
• Royal Air Force College

;{{ZWE}}

• Zimbabwe Air Force - Historic Flight{{harvnb|Cooper|Weinert|Hinz|Lepko|2011|page=235}}

;On display

• UB211 – Provost T.53 on display at the Defence Services Museum in Naypyitaw.{{cite journal |journal=Air-Britain News |title=Preservation Notes - Myanmar |date=March 2014 |publisher=Air-Britain |page=380}}

;On display

• 3036 – Provost T.52 on static display at the China Aviation Museum in Beijing.{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost 52, s/n 3036 AFZ, c/n PAC/F/358 |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=119092 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}

;On display

• 183 – Provost T.51 on display at the Irish Air Corps Museum and Heritage Centre in Baldonnel, Dublin.Ellis 2012, p. 309.
• 184 – Provost T.51 on display with the South East Aviation Enthusiasts Group at Dromod, Leitrim.Ellis 2012, p. 311.

• FM-1037 – Provost T.51 on display at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum in Kuala Lumpur.{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost 51, s/n FM-1037 RMaAF, c/n P56/278 |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=125587 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}

• UB232 – Provost on display at the Ashburton Aviation Museum at Ashburton, Canterbury.{{cite web |title=Our Aircraft |url=http://www.aviationmuseum.co.nz/cms/our-aircraft |website=Ashburton Aviation Museum |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV666 – Provost T.1 airworthy at Subritzky and House Partnership in Dairy Flat, Auckland.{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost T.1, s/n WV666 RAF, c/n PAC/F/183, c/r ZK-JOT |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=71444 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}

;On display

• WV494 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum in Muscat. It is painted as XF868.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}

;Airworthy

• XF597 – Provost T.1 airworthy with Provost Preservation in Saffron Walden, Essex.Ellis 2012. p. 15.[http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=reg&fullregmark=BKFW "Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Register G-BKFW."] Civil Aviation Authority, Retrieved: 19 January 2017.
• XF603 – Provost T.1 airworthy at the Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden, Bedfordshire.{{cite web |title=PERCIVAL PISTON PROVOST T.1 |url=http://www.shuttleworth.org/collection/percivalprovost |website=Shuttleworth |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• XF690 – Provost T.1 airworthy with a private operator in Somerset.[http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=reg&fullregmark=MOOS "Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Register G-MOOS."] Civil Aviation Authority, Retrieved: 19 January 2017.

;On display

• WV605 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton, Suffolk.{{cite web |title=OUR AIRCRAFT |url=http://www.aviationmuseum.net/ouraircraft.htm |website=Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV606 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Newark Air Museum in Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire.{{cite web |title=Aircraft List |url=http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Aircraft-List |website=Newark Air Museum |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV679 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Wellesbourne Wartime Museum in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.Ellis 2012, p. 260.{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost T.1, s/n WV606 RAF, c/n PAC/56/133 |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=84068 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WW450/WW421 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum in Bournemouth, Dorset.{{cite web |title=Percival Provost |url=http://www.bamhurn.org/exhibits/percival-provost |website=Bournemouth Aviation Museum |access-date=28 July 2020 |date=29 April 2020}}
• WW442 – Provost T.1 on static display at the East Midlands Aeropark in Castle Donington, Leicestershire.{{cite web |title=AEROPARK EXHIBITS |url=http://www.eastmidlandsaeropark.org/aeropark-exhibits.html |website=East Midlands Aeropark |access-date=28 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=Percival Provost |url=http://www.demobbed.org.uk/aircraft.php?type=871 |website=Demobbed |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV493 – Provost T.1 on static display at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune, East Lothian.{{cite web |title=Aircraft location |url=http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-flight/things-to-see-and-do/explore-the-hangars/aircraft-location |website=National Museums Scotland |access-date=28 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost T.1, s/n WV493 RAF, c/n P56/056, c/r G-BDYG |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=87036 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV562 – Provost T.1 on static display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Cosford, Shropshire.{{cite web |title=Percival Provost T1 |url=http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/percival-provost-t1 |website=Royal Air Force Museum |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• XF840 – Provost T.1 cockpit on static display at the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in Tangmere, West Sussex.{{cite web |title=Percival Provost Cockpit |url=http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/museum-aircraft/percival-provost-cockpit |website=Tangmere Military Aviation Museum |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=28 July 2020}}

;Stored or under restoration

• 177 – Provost T.51 under restoration at Brighton City Airport in Lancing, West Sussex. It was damaged in an accident in 2010.Ellis 2012, p. 221.{{cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 56511 |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/56511 |website=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WV499 – Provost T.1 under restoration to airworthy by Paul & Simon Childs of Middlezoy, Somerset.{{cite web |title=PROVOST RESTORATION |url=http://middlezoyaerodrome.simplesite.com/443021195 |website=Middlezoy Aerodrome |access-date=28 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Percival Provost T.1, s/n WV499 RAF, c/n PAC/56/062, c/r G-BZRF |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=125525 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=28 July 2020}}
• WW388 – Provost T.1 in storage with Provost Preservation in Saffron Walden, Essex.Ellis 2012, p. 185.
• WW444 – Provost T.1 in storage in Rugeley, Staffordshire.Ellis 2012, p. 200.
• WW447 – Provost T.1 in storage at Brighton City Airport in Lancing, West Sussex.
• WW453 – Provost T.1 under restoration by Chris Collins for display at Middlezoy Aerodrome in Middlezoy, Somerset.Ellis 2012, p. 194.
• XF836 – Provost T.1 in storage with Provost Preservation in Saffron Walden, Essex. It was damaged in 1987.{{cite web |title=Provost Preservation UK |url=http://www.pressreader.com/uk/pilot/20190201/283343293335852 |website=PressReader |access-date=28 July 2020 |date=1 February 2019}}

;Airworthy

• XF914 – Provost T.1 airworthy with Michael H. Dale of Remington, Virginia.{{cite web |title=FAA REGISTRY [N435WV] |url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=435WV |website=Federal Aviation Administration |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |access-date=28 July 2020}}

;On display

• 3614 – Provost on static display at the Zimbabwe Military Museum in Gweru, Midlands.

File:Percival Provost T1 3-view silhouette.jpg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft,Angelucci 1981, {{page needed|date=January 2017}} and Military Aircraft of the World

|prime units?=imp

|crew=2

|length ft=28

|length in=6

|length note=

|span ft=35

|span in=0

|span note=

|height ft=12

|height in=0

|height note=

|wing area sqft=214

|wing area note=

|aspect ratio=

|airfoil=

|empty weight lb=3350

|empty weight note=

|gross weight lb=4399

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 name=Alvis Leonides 126

|eng1 type=9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine

|eng1 hp=550

|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=3

|prop name=constant-speed propeller

|prop dia ft=

|prop dia in=

|prop dia note=

|max speed mph=200

|max speed note= at sea level

|cruise speed mph=

|cruise speed note=

|stall speed mph=

|stall speed note=

|never exceed speed mph=

|never exceed speed note=

|range miles=650

|range note=

|combat range miles=

|combat range note=

|ferry range miles=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=4 hours

|ceiling ft=25000

|ceiling note=

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|glide ratio=

|climb rate ftmin=2200

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude={{cvt|10000|ft}} in 3 minutes 16 seconds

|lift to drag=

|wing loading lb/sqft=20.6

|wing loading note=

|fuel consumption lb/mi=

|power/mass={{cvt|0.276|hp/lb}}

|more performance=

|armament= *for T.52 and T.53 - 2 × 7.62mm machine guns, {{cvt|500|lb|kg}} of bombs or rockets.Taylor & Swanborough 1971, p. 197.

|avionics=

}}

{{aircontent

|related=

• Percival Prentice
• BAC Jet Provost

|similar aircraft=

• CAC Winjeel

|lists=

• List of aircraft of the RAF

|see also=

}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

• Angelucci, Enzo. World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft. London: Jane's Publishing, 1981. {{ISBN|0-7106-0148-4}}.
• Clarke, Bob. Jet Provost: The Little Plane With The Big History. Stroud, UK: Amberley Publishing, 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-84868-097-5}}.
• {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Weinert |first2=Peter |last3=Hinz |first3=Fabian |last4=Lepko |first4=Mark |title=African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe |date=2011 |publisher=Harpia Publishing |location=Houston |isbn=978-0-9825539-8-5}}
• Cross, Roy. The Percival Provost: New RAF Trainer. Flying Magazine, September 1952, 51(3). pp. 34–34, 58–59.
• Ellis, Ken, Wrecks & Relics. 23rd edition Manchester, England: Crecy Publishing, 2012, {{ISBN|978-0-85979-172-4}}.
• Meekcoms, K J and Morgan, E B. The British Aircraft Specification File. Tonbridge, Kent, UK: Air-Britain, 1994. {{ISBN|0-85130-220-3}}.
• Ogilvy, David. [http://www.iaopa.eu/mediaServlet/storage/gamag/aug07/p38-41.pdf "A Turn in the Training Tide: Percival Provost."] General Aviation, August 2007. pp. 38–41.
• [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1951/1951%20-%201856.html "Percival Provost: In the Air Flying Experience with the RAF's Latest Basic Trainer."] Flight International, 14 September 1951, pp. 353–355.
• Taylor & Swanborough, Military Aircraft of the World. New York, Scribner's 1971 p. 197 {{ISBN|0-684-12436-X}}.
• Thetford, Owen. Aircraft of the Royal Aircraft 1918–57. First edition. London: Putnam, 1957.

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.warbirdalley.com/provost.htm Hunting (Percival) P.56 Provost]
• Various P.56 aircraft under restoration at: http://middlezoyaerodrome.simplesite.com/

{{Hunting Percival aircraft}}

{{British military aircraft since World War II}}

{{Authority control}}

Provost

Category:1950s British military trainer aircraft

Category:Low-wing aircraft

Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1950

Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear