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Exeter Airport - photos
Friday 15th February 2008
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Also see
The Great 1911 Air Race
Exeter Airport History
Exeter Air Day 1977 film
The Railway Air Services Haldon service
From May 1934, Railway Air Services operated the Plymouth Roborough
Airport, Haldon, Cardiff to Birmingham route. The service ceased in
September 1938 after Exeter Airport was opened. They operated the de
Havilland Dragon. After the war, they were taken over by the newly
formed British European Airways in January 1947.
Terminal
building 1938
Several small aircraft parked to the side of the main terminal in 1938.
When the airport opened for its first flights in 1937, tents were used
for the terminals. The purpose built terminal building was opened by
Sir Kingsley Wood, Minister of Aviation on 30th July 1938.
Hangar
building 1938
The main hangar and fuel pumps at Exeter Airport in 1938.
C47As
at Exeter airstrip on 5th June 1944
The 440th Troop Carrier Group arrived at Exeter airstrip on 18th April
1944 in preparation for D-day. There was not enough hardstanding for
the many aircraft, with many standing on grass. They dropped the 101st
Airborne Division to Normandy on 6th June, and continued to ferry
supplies to the army. When suitable airstrips had been captured, they
brought back injured soldiers from the front to be treated in England.
They moved on to Rheims in September 1944, and the RAF returned to
Exeter.
Sweet
Phyllis - C47A in 1944
This C47A Skytrain, affectionately named Sweet Phyllis was assigned to 440th
Troop Carrier Group 98 Squadron based at Exeter Airport from the 18th
April 1944 until September 1944. The aircraft appears to have some
damage, indicating the photo was taken after 6th June.
Chrislea
Super Ace
Built at Exeter, the first flight was in February 1948 at Exeter
Airport. Seventeen were
eventually produced. They had an innovative control system that some
considered to be dangerous. A later still airworthy Chrislea Skyjeep,
can be found at Eggesford Airfield. After her 1hr 20mins test flight at
Exeter in the
early fifties she ended up in Australia. Photo of a Super
Ace courtesy of Ed Coates Collection
Aircraft at Exeter - photos by Alan H Mazonowicz
The
Red Arrows
A regular visitor to the Exeter Air Day, the Red Arrows perform their
high-speed and intricate manouveres over the airport in 1977.
Vulcan V-bomber
The Vulcan V-bomber was also a regular visitor to Exeter. The tannoy
would announce the arrival of the aircraft to the
expectant crowd. Looking to the east, towards Honiton a spec would
appear and gradually grow as the huge aircraft made its' pass. Suddenly
the roar of its four Olympus engines would hit the crowd, and children
would put their hands to their ears. This fine photograph of the Vulcan
in 1977 at Exeter shows the open bomb.
Swordfish
The Fairey Aviation Swordfish may seem old fashoned, ven for the Second
War, but it was this model of aircraft, flying from aircaft carriers,
that sank the Bismark and destroyed the Italian fleet in the Battle of
Taranto. This one was present at the 1977 show, complete with dummy
torpedo. Both the 825 Sqn., and 834 Sqn., flying the Swordfish were
based at Exeter during 1943, to react to German shipping movements in
the Channel.
Spitfire
The most famous British World War Two fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire
was always a popular aircraft at Exeter. Spitfire squadrons based at
Exeter included 66 Sqn., during April 1940, and 317 Sqn.,between
July 1941 and April 1941.
James Bond 'Little Nellie' autogiro
This is the autogiro G-ARZB piloted by Ken Wallis that appeared in the
1977
James Bond film You Only Live Twice.
It was a small one-seater autogiro, just 3 metres
in length, a weight of 114 kilos with a top speed of 160 km/h. It's
maximum altitude was 18,000 feet. It was a popular addition to many
airshows at the time and appeared again at Exeter in 1979.
Gloster Meteor
This was Britain's firrst operational jet fighter, using the Frank
Whittle designed jet engine. The first Meteors to be deployed at Exeter
were with 222 Sqn., in 1946. It was one of their Exeter based aircraft
that became the first jet aircraft to crash from Exeter, at Powderham
on 1st July 1946. This example, WF391 crashed in 1988, killing both
pilots.
AirUK F27
Once a common site at Exeter Airport, this AirUK Fokker Friendship F27
is standing in front of the new control tower, which was built in 1981.
Jersey
European - Bandeirante
Manufactured in 1980, this Brazilian Bandeirante in Jersey European
colours is waiting for its next passengers. It was a regular visitor to
Exeter in the 1980s.
Handley
Page Dart Herald
In the livery of British Island Airways, this Dart Herald is taxiing
next to th old terminal building during the 1977 airshow. British
Island Airways were taken over by AirUK in 1980.
Hercules
An RAF C-130 Hercules built by the Lockheed Corporation on the apron at
Exeter.
Jersey
European F27
Exeter was one of the most important airports for Jersey European. This
aircraft was first registered in 1988.
de Havilland Rapide
The de Havilland DH-89 Rapide was one of the first aircraft types to
land at Exeter in 1937, operated by Railway Air Services. This one
G-ACZE was built in 1934 and is still flying.
Gloster Meteor
Another photograph of the Gloster Meteor at the 1977 airshow.
National Airways Short SD3-30
Built by Shorts in Belfast, this 1988 registered aircraft was a common
site at Exeter Airport.
Spitfire
A Spitfire at the 1977 Exeter Air Day.
Red Arrows refuelling
The Red Arrows lined up on the tarmac for fuelling during the 1977
Exeter Air Day.