By Isle of Wight Observer
A 1-in-10 size model of a Saunders-Roe SRA/1, a ‘jet-powered flying boat fighter’, has been presented to the Wight Aviation Museum, based at Sandown Airport.
The unlikely aircraft is one of the rarest British jet aircraft survivors, and an important reminder of the Island’s once world-leading aircraft industry.
The jet was built during the latter stages of World War II with three prototypes, nicknamed the ‘Squirt’, being made. Of the three, two were lost in the Solent, the other, TG263, is preserved at Solent Sky, and never went into production.
The model was built from scratch by Geoffrey Hall, of Seaview, who explained: “The model was made from an old aluminium lithoplate from the printing industry. The hardest bit was panel-beating the multiple curves on the fuselage. Where the fuselage shapes go into where the jet exhausts come out. The rivets were all done one by one, by hand.”
The detailed model is now on display in a large cabinet, built by WAM volunteers, Grahame Smith, John Lloyd, and Pete Lowe.
Helen Blake, museum manager, added: “Geoffrey has created a wonderful model and we are very proud to display it in the purpose-built display cabinet. We hope our many visitors will enjoy viewing it throughout the season.”