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AJEP W-8 Tailwind G-BALR
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AJEP W-8 Tailwind G-BALR
AJEP W-8 Tailwind Series 1 G-BALR (msn TW4-381), at Southend Airport in October 1977. This aircraft was destroyed when it flew into Steeple, Scoat Fell, in bad weather on 29 February 1984. In the UK a company named AJEP Developments Ltd, formed by Andrew John Elliot Perkins, acquired a license for the Wittman W-8 Tailwind and marketed an improved version for the domestic homebuilt market. The UK version had a new design swept vertical tail and was available as kit or as ready-to-fly (pre-assembled) aircraft with choice of tailwheel (Series 1) or tri-gear (Series 2). The first example was a Series 1 built by AJEP and this first flew on April 24, 1972, powered by a 90 hp AJEP PC-60 engine (modified from a Rolls-Royce-Continental GPU). This aircraft, registered G-AYDU, was in 1976 used for trials by BAe as a drone and was then fitted with a somewhat crude tri-gear, but after the completion of trials the aircraft reverted to the original tailwheel undercarriage. A small number of Series 1 aircraft were completed in the UK with a Rolls-Royce-Continental O-200-A engine. Date: 1977
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Media ID 32228484
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1972 1976 1977 1984 Acquired Airport Andrew Choice Completed Completion Crude Destroyed Developments Drone Elliot Fell Fitted Flew Formed Improved License Modified Named Perkins Powered Registered Reverted Southend Steeple Swept Tail Trials Undercarriage Version Marketed Wittman
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This vintage print captures the AJEP W-8 Tailwind G-BALR, a unique aircraft with a fascinating history. Originally built by AJEP Developments Ltd in the UK under the direction of Andrew John Elliot Perkins, this particular model was part of the Tailwind Series 1. Featuring a distinctive swept vertical tail design, it was available as both a kit and ready-to-fly option for homebuilders.
The aircraft made its first flight on April 24, 1972, powered by a modified Rolls-Royce-Continental GPU engine. Over time, it underwent various modifications and trials, including being used as a drone by BAe in 1976. Despite briefly sporting tri-gear undercarriage during trials, it ultimately returned to its original tailwheel configuration.
Tragically, G-BALR met its end when it crashed into Steeple Scoat Fell due to bad weather conditions on February 29, 1984. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the innovative spirit and dedication that went into creating these unique aircrafts during their heyday in aviation history.
Captured at Southend Airport in October 1977 by The Peter Butt Aviation Collection from Mary Evans Prints Online, this print immortalizes an important piece of British aviation heritage for future generations to appreciate and admire.
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