Armstrong Whitworth Argosy C1
Serial Number:
XP411
Period:
Post-WWII
Collection Ref: 1988/0098/A
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, Transport & Training
The Argosy was a variant of the civil AW650 freight aircraft.
The RAF ordered fifty-six Argosies for use as medium range transport, paratroop
and supply aircraft. The prototype flew on 4 March 1961, and the RAF took
delivery of its first aircraft in 1962.
The military Argosy could accommodate either 69 troops, 48 stretcher cases
or 13154kg (29000lbs) of freight. The freight load could include a Saracen
Armoured Car, 105mm Howitzer, Wombat anti-tank gun and Ferret Scout car.
XP411 was delivered to No.105 Squadron, then based in Aden, on 1 June
1962. The unit moved to Britain in November 1967 before being disbanded
on 1 February 1968. XP411 was then taken on the strength of No.114 and
No.267 Squadrons who operated a detachment in the Persian Gulf. Our aircraft is painted in the livery of Training Command and was last used for crew familiarisation and conversion duties. It was retired on 22 May 1975 and used for ground
training at RAF Cosford until transferred to the Museum in 1987.
The Argosy's wing was adapted from that of a Shackleton, which in turn was based on the Lincoln's wing.
