X-Nico

3 unusual facts about Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment


General Aircraft GAL.56

As a result of the crash, and persistent stall problems on all tailless aircraft of the period, the research trials were terminated, the two other GAL.56s were transferred to the AFEE (Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment) at RAF Beaulieu, and the GAL.61 remained unflown.

Hafner Rotachute

On 15 February 1942, the unit was again reorganised, to form the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment (AFEE), still based at Ringway.

Slingsby Hengist

Hengist Mark I (DG676), on tow while with the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment based at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, 25 April 1943


Baynes Bat

A one-third scale prototype was built entirely of wood in 1943 by Slingsby Sailplanes at Kirkbymoorside, and the Baynes Bat made its first flight in July 1943 at the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment at RAF Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire.


see also