The legacy of Handley Page can still be seen across St Albans City & District as well as throughout the aviation world.
The legacy of Handley Page
In 1968-69 Handley Page were in discussion with the Ministry of Defence for the conversion of the now redundant Mark 2 Victors. Unfortunately, although negotiations were complete, signing was delayed until at the end of February 1970, when the firm went into liquidation due to serious cash-flow problems.
The company’s legacy continued as the Victor Mark 2 Taker aircraft were still in service with the RAF until 1993 and served with distinction in the Falklands and first Gulf War. The Jetstream was taken over by Scottish Aviation (later BAE Prestwick), with over 300 aircraft sold worldwide.
When the company’s service to the RAF finished on 22 March 2004, it marked the end of an 86-year relationship. Indeed, the RAF had used Handley Page aircraft ever since its formation on 1 April 1919. A version of the Jetstream remains in service with the Royal Navy, maintaining the tradition started in World War 1 with the O/100 in the Royal Naval Air Service.
Image captions:
1. A LoganAir Jetstream flying in the 1970s.
2. A Victor Tanker refuelling another aircraft mid-air.
3 + 4. Radlett Aerodrome today.
The Handley Page Association
The Association was formed in 1979 to keep alive the memories of the Handley Page Companies, their founder and their aircraft, and to foster the spirit of innovation, engineering ingenuity and excellence of construction which were hallmarks of the Companies.
Newsletters are published regularly giving news of people, aircraft and events related to Handley Page and the Association. Other activities include talks, visits, social events (including a popular “Night of Nostalgia”) and they support to other HP related activities whenever possible.
Membership is open to all with an interest in the Handley Page Companies and their products.
Download a membership form below
Paralyser Group O/400 model
The Paralyser group are working to build a full size flying replica of the O/400.
The group have already made the parts which make up the display front fuselage shown in the picture below. They hope to exhibit the nose in a major museum soon to help attract interest to raise the finance to have a complete aeroplane built to airworthy standards with a permit to fly issued by the CAA.
If you would like to find out more, please contact the Handley Page Association.
