How many Pups had been ordered when Beagle went bankrupt?

Short answer

More than 250 Pups had been ordered, but Beagle's production stopped at aircraft number 152. In December 1969 the Government withdrew financial support for Beagle and the company was placed in the hands of a receiver. Some nearly finished aircraft were completed elsewhere, bringing the total to 175 Pups.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

How many Pups had been ordered when Beagle went bankrupt?

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More orders than aircraft

There were more than 250 Pups on order, but Beagle's production ceased with aircraft number 152. The first delivery, of a Series 1, went to the Shoreham Flying School on 12 April 1968. In November 1969 the production cost per aircraft of the first 150 was estimated at £8,850, more than double the selling price, and the break-even point would not be reached until 4,000 aircraft. The Pup was also affected by unreliability, attributed both to design and workmanship shortcomings and to a shortage of spares.

Withdrawal of public support and liquidation

In December 1969 the Government withdrew its financial support for Beagle and the company was placed in the hands of a receiver. About 40 incomplete airframes were sold as scrap. In 1970, the design and production of the Bulldog passed to Scottish Aviation together with the Swedish order.

The last Pups completed

Some nearly finished aircraft were completed at various sites; the last was HB-NBA (serial no. B121-177), first registered on 8 March 1977, bringing the total to 175 Pups completed.