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Bristol 170 Freighter Mk. 21E G-AIFS
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Bristol 170 Freighter Mk. 21E G-AIFS
Bristol 170 Freighter Mk.21E G-AIFS (msn 12778) at Luton Airport shortly before being scrapped in January 1968. Of note is the oil on the fuselage, which indicates that the number 1 engine probably dumped the contents of the oil tank over-board at some stage. Date: 1967
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Media ID 21132525
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1981 Patrouille Alpha Jet Base
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, the hulking form of a Bristol 170 Freighter Mk. 21E (msn 12778), registered G-AIFS, sits forlornly on the tarmac at Luton Airport in January 1967. The Freighter, a versatile and sturdy aircraft, was manufactured by the British aircraft company, Bristol Aeroplane Company, and was a popular choice for military and civilian use during the mid-20th century. However, the image before us tells a different story. The once gleaming aircraft now bears the marks of time and wear. The most striking feature is the thick layer of oil that covers the fuselage, particularly around the number 1 engine. This suggests that the engine may have dumped the contents of its oil tank overboard at some point, possibly during a malfunction or emergency situation. The Freighter, which was part of the Royal Air Force's transport fleet, was likely being prepared for scrapping at the time of this photograph. The aircraft had seen better days, and its retirement was inevitable. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of aviation and the constant cycle of obsolescence and renewal. In the background, we can see the silhouettes of other aircraft, including a Breguet Dornier Alpha Jet and a French Air Force F-TERD, which were likely part of the active fleet at Luton Airport during that time. The scene is completed by the industrial backdrop of the airport, with its hangars, fuel tanks, and other aircraft-related infrastructure. This photograph is a snapshot of a bygone era in aviation history, a time when these magnificent machines were workhorses that carried out vital transport missions for military and civilian use. Today, they serve as reminders of the past, and their stories continue to inspire and captivate us.
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