How long did the Boulton Paul P.120 last?

Short answer

Very briefly: the P.120 first flew on 6 August 1952, with test pilot "Ben" Gunn at the controls, and on 28 August severe flutter caused it to lose the entire port elevon. Gunn ejected unharmed; the aircraft had logged 11 hours of flying with relatively pleasant handling.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How long did the Boulton Paul P.120 last?

¿Cuánto vivió el Boulton Paul P.120?

An Experimental Delta for E.27/49

The P.120 was developed in response to Air Ministry specification E.27/49. It succeeded the P.111, another experimental delta-wing aircraft from Boulton Paul; the two machines share considerable similarities, although they should not be confused with each other.

From First Flight to Accident

On 6 August 1952 the P.120 made its maiden flight with test pilot "Ben" Gunn at the controls. Over 11 hours of flying it showed relatively pleasant handling characteristics. On 28 August Gunn ran into severe flutter that caused the complete loss of the port elevon; he had been unable to recognise that flutter because the powered controls had no feedback system. Gunn finally chose to eject, and did so safely, in what was the first ejection from a delta-wing aircraft.

No Follow-Up

Plans were drawn up to rebuild the P.111 as a second P.120, but they were not carried out, and there was no further activity with the type. It was the last company aircraft design to fly.