Vulcan B1 XH478 and its smaller cousin. The resemblance between the Avro 707 research aircraft and the ultimate Vulcan are clearly visible. Photo via G. Bouma

The Avro 707 was the first British delta-winged aircraft. Its history is intertwined with that of the Vulcan and it was essentially a one third scale Vulcan for research into the new delta concept. The first example flew in September 1949 but crashed later that month. The example seen here, at the RAF Museum Cosford Collection was the sole C model, designed for two crew.

This type was developed to familiarise pilots with delta-winged aircraft handling as well as 'fly-by-wire' control systems and contributed, along with the A & B predecessors, greatly to the development of the Vulcan bomber. The 'Flight Test' hangar was my favorite of all the halls at Cosford with many unique and fascinating aircraft.

The fifth and final example of the Avro 707, Britain's delta wing research aircraft, was a two-seater.

The Avro 707 was the first delta-winged British aircraft, built to work out the Vulcan bomber.