WESTCOTT VENTURE PARK'S GATE GUARDIAN

06/02/18

On the approach road to the site, is an English Electric Thunderbird guided missile (now deactivated!). It was donated to us by RAF Museum Cosford. It was in their reserve collection but as it is an Army missile they were prepared to part with it.

Westcott tenants played a large part in it's collection (NWT) it's painting (Robin Dalwood) it’s stand (Delanor) and it's erection (Delanor, Mark II & our landscape contractors HGA).

It's a surface to air guided missile that was in service with the British Army from 1959-77 in the roll of ground defense against aircraft attack. It had a range of up to 30 miles. It's connection with Westcott is that when in service it had four solid fuel 'Gosling' boosters.(Missing from ours). These were developed and filled at Westcott but were manufactured by Bristol Aerojet. The Thunderbird also had a solid fuel rocket motor as a sustainer. A number of different motors were tried, one was a Westcott motor called 'Smokey Joe' and another was 'Albatross'.


Other news stories

New launchpad for innovative companies at Westcott
02/10/24
Find out more
UKPW installs lifesaving defibrillator at Westcott HQ
01/10/24
Find out more
Showcase event to turn the spotlight on space sector
21/08/24
Find out more
View all
© 2024 Westcott Venture Park