The correct answer is the Boulton Paul P.120. The P.120 followed the earlier Boulton Paul P.111 delta-wing experimental aircraft. It was produced for the Air Ministry to specification E.27/49. From the initial specification issued in 1949 it flew on 6 August 1952. It differed in having a swept fin and rudder with a horizontal tail surface near the tip of the fin to improve longitudinal and directional stability. Test flying took place at Boscombe Down, and prior to an appearance at the Farnborough Air Show, the unpainted P.120 received a gloss black (with yellow trim) paint scheme and gained the nickname, “Black-Widowmaker.” Although there had been a near-disaster on its first test flight when the takeoff distance was misjudged, the P.120 had exhibited pleasant flying characteristics over 11 hours of flight time. However, on 28 August 1952, test pilot “Ben” Gunn encountered a severe flutter due to the loss of the port elevon and tab control. Unable to keep the aircraft flying, he was forced to eject (the first such event linked to a delta wing aircraft) and the P.120 was lost. Although plans were made to convert the earlier P.111 to the P.120 configuration, a decision was made to suspend further development, marking the end of the Bolton Paul’s aircraft operations.
The correct answer was submitted by jeaton, intruder38, PontiacRich, skybolt2003, ViperhastheLead and rdxpress. The standings: jeaton, intruder38, PontiacRich, and skybolt2003 are tied for 1st with 8 correct, ViperhastheLead and rdxpress iare tied for 2nd with 6 correct and and wayne baker and milairejunkie are tied for 3rd with 5 correct.
Question #9 will post shortly and thanks to all who participate (and send me great extra info!)
Brian [C):-)]