Boulton Paul Sea Balliol T.21
Serial Number:
WL732
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 69/A/626
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Transport & Training
The Balliol was developed using the well-tried Merlin
piston engine as an advanced trainer to replace the Harvard.
Designed as a single turboprop powered trainer, the prototype flew with
a Bristol Mercury piston engine. The second prototype became the first
aircraft to fly with a single turboprop engine, an Armstrong Siddeley
Mamba. Large contracts were expected since the RAF envisaged replacing
the numerous Harvards in service with the Balliol. In the event, all-jet
training, using the Jet Provost became the requirement and only 187 Balliols
were built for the RAF. Twelve T2 variants were also built for the Royal
Ceylon Air Force.
The Balliol was also designed for possible use as a naval deck-landing
trainer. A prototype flew in October 1952 and an order for 30 Sea Balliol
T21s followed. The final aircraft was delivered in December 1954, this
being the last production aircraft built by Boulton Paul. Sea Balliols
served in the training role until withdrawn in the late 1950s, although
this aircraft flew until 1969.
