Handley Page HP115

In the late 1950s, the United Kingdom, France, United States and Soviet Union were considering developing supersonic transport. BAC was largely funded by British government on the design called the Type 223. The T.223 was a thin-winged delta shape aircraft but the cost for starting construction was so high. British government required BAC to proceed with small-scale delta wing prototype testing before any Concorde development start. It led to the BAC 221 for covering high speed research and the Handley-Page HP.115 used for low speed representative. The HP.115 was originally intended to be a glider towed by Canberra bomber. The Handley-Page engineers found that a powered version would achieve more flying time and less cost. It was considered to install a single turbojet at the base of tail fin. The HP.115 made its first flight in 1961. It was proved as a vary capable aircraft. The HP.115 experimental program was continuing until 1974, providing significant data regarding delta wing operation in takeoff and landing. The HP.115 is preserved at the UK Fleet Air Arm Museum alongside the BAC 221 and Concorde prototype