Built by Fairey Aviation as FD.2 high-speed research aircraft. Used later for Concorde program development.

Built by Fairey Aviation as their FD.2 high-speed research aircraft. Converted in 1964 with ogival wing plan form by BAC for Concorde development work.

Seen in the Fleet Air Arm Museum this was a high speed test aircraft developed from the Fairey Delta 2 used in research for the development of Concorde

Originally built as a Fairey Delta 2 to investigate flight and control at transonic and supersonic speeds. In 1956 WG774 broke the World Air Speed Record (1,132 mph) and so became the first aircraft to exceed 1,000 mph in level flight. However, to take full advantage of the aerodynamic properties of the wing the FD2 was modified into the BAC221 by featuring a longer highly swept wing, engine inlet configuration, a RR Avon RA engine, modified tail and undercarriage. She paved the way for and is parked alongside Concorde, real aviation history at the FAA Museum.

In its original, cruder form as a Fairey Delta 2, WG774 broke the world air speed record in 1956, bringing it to 1132 mph (1811 km/h) or Mach 1.73. It was later rebuilt as the BAC 221 to test the Concorde wing shape. A wooden model of the Delta 2 sits under the aircraft, and the British Concorde prototype is in the background.