Page 12 - Marks Test - Old Insight

In the 1970’s target towing contracts were often awarded to civilian companies, including
OMNI Aviation where the museums Fairey Firefly WD828 was hangared. Anumber of twin
engine types were used including the Piper Navajo seen here. These aircraft were fitted
with the same winch system that had been fitted to the Beaufighter years before.
Photo; Roland Jahne

As combat aircraft got ever faster, so the need for a faster target tug grew. The logical
answer was the Gates Learjet. With an initial climb rate of an F100 Super Sabre and a
service ceiling topping 45,000 feet they were ideally suited to modern training needs.
Photo: Neil Follet