Fraud Blocker Skip to main content

Home > Services > Royal Air Force

Handley Page (Reading) HPR1 Marathon

Handley Page (Reading) HPR1 Marathon


Canvas Prints
Fine Art Prints
Metal Prints
Home Decor


We accept all major credit cards

RAF Museum

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Air Force

Handley Page (Reading) HPR1 Marathon

Handley Page (Reading) HPR1 Marathon prototype, SBAC Farnborough September 1952

The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation

Media ID 639862

© Charles Brown Collection, Royal Air Force Museum

Postwar Prototypes Royal Air Force


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum > Royal Air Force

> Services > Royal Air Force


EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph taken at the SBAC Farnborough Airshow in September 1952, the Handley Page (Reading) HPR1 Marathon prototype, registration number WG563, takes center stage. The Marathon was a postwar development by the Handley Page Aircraft Company in Reading, England, which was renowned for its innovative designs and significant contributions to British aviation. The RAF (Royal Air Force) was actively seeking a successor to its aging Hampden and Halifax bombers, and the Marathon was one of several contenders for the role. This prototype, designed by George Kitteredge and powered by two Rolls-Royce Avon RA.7 engines, was a sleek and modern design for its time, featuring a wing span of 112 feet and a length of 103 feet. The Marathon was a monoplane with a twin tail, and its advanced design included a pressurized cabin, allowing for greater crew comfort and endurance on long-range missions. The aircraft's impressive capabilities were showcased at the Farnborough Airshow, where it drew considerable attention from both military and civilian spectators. Despite its promising start, the Marathon program ultimately did not progress beyond the prototype stage due to budget constraints and the emergence of other more advanced designs. Nevertheless, the Handley Page HPR1 Marathon prototype remains an important chapter in the history of British aviation, representing a bold step towards the future of military aircraft design. This photograph, taken by Charles E. Brown for the RAF Museum, offers a unique glimpse into the past, capturing the Marathon prototype in its prime and preserving the spirit of innovation and progress that characterized postwar aviation.

MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.



redeem
Beautiful Photo Prints and Gifts
image
Professionally Printed
inventory
Photo Prints are in stock
thumb_up
Professional quality finish
diamond
Made with high-grade materials
inventory_2
Carefully packed to aid safe arrival



Related Images


English Electric Lightning F. 1
English Electric Lightning F. 1
Supermarine Spitfire V
Supermarine Spitfire V
Grosvenor House
Grosvenor House
Vickers Wellesley I
Vickers Wellesley I
De Havilland Hornet F. 3
De Havilland Hornet F. 3
Handley Page Halifax
Handley Page Halifax
Hawker Hurricane IIc
Hawker Hurricane IIc
Armstrong Whitworth Ensign
Armstrong Whitworth Ensign
Avro Lancaster
Avro Lancaster
Avro York
Avro York
Bristol Beaufort
Bristol Beaufort
de Havilland Mosquito B. XVI
de Havilland Mosquito B. XVI

+

Shipping

+

Choices

+

Reviews

+

Guaranteed