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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.
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