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Fairey Delta 2
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Fairey Delta 2
Fairey Delta 2, holder of the world air speed record, SBAC Show Farnborough September 1958
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 639904
© Charles Brown Collection, Royal Air Force Museum
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph, the Fairey Delta 2 jet fighter, piloted by the brave and skilled test pilot, John Cockcroft, breaks the sound barrier once again at the SBAC (Society of British Aircraft Constructors) Show at Farnborough in September 1958. The Fairey Delta 2, a postwar aircraft developed by the British aircraft manufacturing company Fairey Aviation, is a testament to the relentless pursuit of aviation innovation and the spirit of competition that defined the Cold War era. The Delta 2, with its sleek and aerodynamic delta wing design, was the successor to the groundbreaking Fairey Delta 1, which became the first British aircraft to exceed the speed of sound in level flight in 1956. The Delta 2 was designed to further improve upon the Delta 1's impressive performance and set new records. As the roar of its powerful Rolls-Royce Avon RA.7 engine filled the air, Cockcroft expertly maneuvered the Delta 2 through the skies, leaving a trail of condensation in its wake. The crowd of aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered at the show held their breath as they witnessed history being made once again. The Fairey Delta 2 reached a top speed of 704.6 mph, breaking the world air speed record and solidifying its place in aviation history. This photograph, taken by the renowned Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum photographer, Charles E. Brown, captures the raw power and excitement of this historic moment. The Delta 2's bold and distinctive shape, combined with the dynamic motion of the aircraft and the dramatic contrast of light and shadow, make for a captivating and timeless image. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity, courage, and determination of the men and women who pushed the boundaries of aviation technology and redefined what was thought possible in the postwar era.
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