Registered G-BSST to the UK Ministry of Technology.
1969 - Apr 9
Maiden flight from Filton, Bristol to nearby RAF Fairford where it would be based for its development and testing programme until it was replaced by the first of the Pre-Production airframes. The pilot was BAC’s chief test pilot Brian Trubshaw, who made a faultless landing despite the aircraft’s altimeters failing to function.
1969 - Jun
Together with the French prototype, G-BSST visits the Paris Air Show to make its first public appearance.
1970 - Mar 25
G-BSST flies at Mach 1 for the first time.
1970 - Sep 1
G-BSST appears at the Farnborough Air Show.
1970 - Sep 13
The aircraft lands at Heathrow Airport for the first time.
1970 - Nov 12
G-BSST achieves Mach 2 for the first time.
1971 - Jan 6
The French prototype (F-WTSS) and the first Pre-production aircraft (G-AXDN), join G-BSST for a unique parade at RAF Fairford.
1972 - Feb 7
First flight since being fitted with the production type undercarriage.
1972 - Apr 22
The aircraft’s first appearance in Germany is a visit to the Hanover Air Show.
1972 - Jun 2
G-BSST departs from Fairford on a twelve country, 45,000 mile sales tour of the of the Far East and Australia, returning on 1 July.
1972 - Sep 4
A week at the Farnborough Air Show is coupled with promotional flights around the country designed to build public support.
1973 - Jan 22
G-BSST leaves RAF Fairford for Johannesburg in order to complete a series of ‘hot and high’ performance trials.
1973 - July 9
Temperature and altitude trials start in Madrid.
1976 - Mar 4
Delivered to its final resting place at Yeovilton air museum.
Final Resting Place
G-BSST is kept on display at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. It is open for public viewing, for more information visit the web site at www.fleetairarm.com
