Vickers Vanguard variant
Vickers Vanguard Vickers Type 953C Merchantman
Freighter conversion of nine Type 953s, with a large forward cargo door. It flew until 1996, twenty years after the passenger version retired.
- October 10, 1969
- First flight
- 9
- Units built
History
The Vanguard's second life
In 1969 BEA began operating nine Vanguards converted to the V953C 'Merchantman' all-cargo standard. The first two conversions were designed and carried out by Aviation Traders Engineering Ltd at Southend Airport; BEA did the rest at Heathrow using ATEL kits. The main change was a large forward cargo door measuring 350 by 200 cm.
A long-lived freighter
The Merchantmen stayed with British Airways until late 1979, when the remaining five were sold. Air Bridge Carriers bought several and operated them until 1992, when the company was renamed Hunting Cargo Airlines. The last V953C flight was made by Hunting Cargo on 30 September 1996; the aircraft, registered G-APEP, was donated to Brooklands Museum on 17 October 1996.
Why it lasted
The double-bubble fuselage, designed from the outset to carry freight below the cabin floor, and the strength of the 953 airframe made the Vanguard an effective freighter long after passengers had moved to jets. Its cargo career outlasted its passenger career.