The Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight

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XP820 – de Havilland Beaver AL Mk 1

XP820 - de Havilland Beaver AL Mk 1 The Canadian built de Havilland Beaver AL Mk 1 entered service in 1961 to undertake the medium range requirement for communications flying. A former Director of Operations during the Borneo campaign stated that the Beaver was one of the best investments the British Army ever made because of its reliability and cost effectiveness.

This statement was borne out when the type became the Army’s primary surveillance platform in Northern Ireland and helped avert many terrorist initiatives to create mayhem in the Province. XP 820 was issued to the AAC in October 1961 and was immediately shipped to the Far East for service with 11 Flight, 656 Light Aircraft Squadron AAC.

She was transferred to 30 Flight RASC at Seletar, Singapore, where she remained until June 1967, when she was shipped back to the UK and joined 132 Flight RCT at Old Sarum, Wiltshire. The unit became 132 Aviation Flight in January 1970 and moved to Netheravon, Wiltshire in September 1970. 132 Aviation flight disbanded in January 1974 and XP 820 moved across to 6 Flight AAC where she was used in the VIP transport role.

She finished her active service at the AAC Centre, Middle Wallop before being transferred for the last time to the AHAF in May 1989.

de Havilland Beaver AL Mk 1 Specifications

Engine:
Pratt and Whitney Wasp Junior

Speed:
173 kts (Max) 110kts (Cruise)

Endurance:
76 gallon fuel tank giving 3 hours of duration

MAUW (Max all up weight):
5100 lbs

Display Weight:
4500 lbs Dimensions:
35’ (Length) 45’ (Width)

Capacity:
Pilot + 5

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