Slingsby T-67 Firefly
Encyclopedia
The Slingsby T67 Firefly, originally produced as the Fournier RF-6, is a two-seat aerobatic training aircraft, built by Slingsby Aviation
in Kirkbymoorside
, Yorkshire
, England
. It has been successfully used by the UK armed forces and other military training schools around the world for many years as a very competent basic trainer, and is operated safely by many private individuals for standard-level aerobatics. However, it developed a bad reputation in the United States after three fatal crashes during USAF training operations.
In 1981, Fournier sold the development rights of the RF-6B to Slingsby who renamed it the T67. The earliest examples, the T67A, were virtually identical to the Fournier-built aircraft, but the design was soon revised to replace the wooden structure with one of composite material. Slingsby produced several versions developing the airframe and adding progressively larger engines. The Slingsby T67M, aimed at the military (hence "M") training market, was the first to include a constant speed propellor and inverted fuel and oil systems. Over 250 aircraft have been built, mainly the T67M260 and closely related T3A variants. Although operated successfully in the United Kingdom and Canada, the program would end in disaster in the United States because of fatal crashes following engine failures. The type was meant to not only replace the Cessna T-41
introductory trainer, but meet the Enhanced Flight Screening Program (EFSP) requirements. The US Air Force has no replacement for this type as it no longer provides training to non-fliers. The aircraft were eventually declared in excess of need in the early 2000s.
, Texas, and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
The Commander of the Air Education and Training Command
(AETC) stood down the entire T-3A fleet in July 1997 as a result of uncommanded engine stoppages during flight and ground operations. A major factor driving the decision were the three T-3A Class A mishaps in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Three Air Force Academy cadets and three instructors were killed in T-3A crashes attributed to spin recovery procedures and engine malfunctions. The British-built planes had been purchased for $32 million, and $10 million was spent on fixes to make them airworthy after grounding. "The Air Force found the cost of getting the aircraft or any of the aircraft's components in airworthy condition for resale was prohibitive" and "In September 1999, the chief of staff of the Air Force approved termination of the T-3A EFSP, and AETC declared all T-3A aircraft excess to the command's needs. In 2000, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force requested a new mission be found for the T-3A; however, a study completed in 2002 did not recommend a follow-on mission." "The remaining T-3A aircraft were then stored without maintenance at the Air Force Academy and the Hondo Airport. In the 2002 to 2003 timeframe, the 53 aircraft at the Air Force Academy were disassembled, crated and trucked to Hondo."http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123026857 On September 9, 2006, it was announced the remaining 53 (114 were originally purchased) disassembled T-3 aircraft, which had been declared in excess need for over 6 years, would be scrapped.
RF-6B:
RF-6B/120:
RF-6C:
T67A
T67M Firefly
T67B
T67M MkII Firefly
T67M200 Firefly
T67C Firefly
T67M260 Firefly
T67M260-T3A Firefly
CT-111 Firefly
The Firefly was used as a basic military training aircraft in Canada. The Canadian Fireflies entered service in 1992 replacing the CT 134 Musketeer. They were, in turn, replaced in 2006 by the German-made Grob G-120 when the contract ended. The aircraft were owned and operated by Bombardier Aerospace
under contract to the Canadian Forces
. Unlike the USAF experience, there were no serious operational or maintenance issues with the Fireflies in Canadian military service.
:
The Firefly is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force during pilot selection which is contracted out to TTC at Seppe Airport
.
The Firefly was used as a basic military trainer in the United Kingdom until spring 2010 when they were replaced by Grob Tutor aircraft. The aircraft are owned and operated under contract by a civilian company on behalf of the military. In the UK it was under a scheme known as "Contractor Owned Contractor Operated" (CoCo).
/
/
New Zealand
Turkey
United Kingdom
children's series Come Outside
.
Slingsby Aviation
Slingsby Aviation is a British aircraft company based in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, England. The Slingsby business was founded on the building and design of gliders and sailplanes. From the early 1930s to about 1970 it built over 50% of all British club gliders and had success at national and...
in Kirkbymoorside
Kirkbymoorside
Kirkbymoorside is a small market town and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England which lies approximately 25 miles north of York midway between Pickering and Helmsley, and has a population of approximately 3,000.-History:...
, Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. It has been successfully used by the UK armed forces and other military training schools around the world for many years as a very competent basic trainer, and is operated safely by many private individuals for standard-level aerobatics. However, it developed a bad reputation in the United States after three fatal crashes during USAF training operations.
Development
The RF-6 was designed by René Fournier and first flew on 12 March 1974. An all-wooden construction, it featured a high aspect-ratio wing echoing his earlier motorglider designs. Fournier set up his own factory at Nitray to manufacture the design, but after only around 40 had been built, the exercise proved financially unviable, and he was forced to close down production. A four-seat version was under development by Sportavia as the RF-6C, but this demonstrated serious stability problems that eventually led to an almost complete redesign as the Sportavia RS-180.In 1981, Fournier sold the development rights of the RF-6B to Slingsby who renamed it the T67. The earliest examples, the T67A, were virtually identical to the Fournier-built aircraft, but the design was soon revised to replace the wooden structure with one of composite material. Slingsby produced several versions developing the airframe and adding progressively larger engines. The Slingsby T67M, aimed at the military (hence "M") training market, was the first to include a constant speed propellor and inverted fuel and oil systems. Over 250 aircraft have been built, mainly the T67M260 and closely related T3A variants. Although operated successfully in the United Kingdom and Canada, the program would end in disaster in the United States because of fatal crashes following engine failures. The type was meant to not only replace the Cessna T-41
T-41 Mescalero
The Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the popular Cessna 172 used by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft.-Design and development:...
introductory trainer, but meet the Enhanced Flight Screening Program (EFSP) requirements. The US Air Force has no replacement for this type as it no longer provides training to non-fliers. The aircraft were eventually declared in excess of need in the early 2000s.
Operational history
The largest Firefly operator was the USAF, where it was given the designation T-3A Firefly. The Firefly was selected in 1992 to replace the T-41 aircraft for the command's Enhanced Flight Screening Program, which would include aerobatic maneuvers. From 1993 to 1995, 113 aircraft were purchased and delivered to Hondo Municipal AirportHondo Municipal Airport
Hondo Municipal Airport is a public-use airport located two nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Hondo, in Medina County, Texas, United States. It is owned and operated by the city of Hondo.-Facilities and aircraft:...
, Texas, and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
The Commander of the Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command was established July 1, 1993, with the realignment of Air Training Command and Air University. It is one of the U.S. Air Force's ten major commands and reports to Headquarters, United States Air Force....
(AETC) stood down the entire T-3A fleet in July 1997 as a result of uncommanded engine stoppages during flight and ground operations. A major factor driving the decision were the three T-3A Class A mishaps in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Three Air Force Academy cadets and three instructors were killed in T-3A crashes attributed to spin recovery procedures and engine malfunctions. The British-built planes had been purchased for $32 million, and $10 million was spent on fixes to make them airworthy after grounding. "The Air Force found the cost of getting the aircraft or any of the aircraft's components in airworthy condition for resale was prohibitive" and "In September 1999, the chief of staff of the Air Force approved termination of the T-3A EFSP, and AETC declared all T-3A aircraft excess to the command's needs. In 2000, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force requested a new mission be found for the T-3A; however, a study completed in 2002 did not recommend a follow-on mission." "The remaining T-3A aircraft were then stored without maintenance at the Air Force Academy and the Hondo Airport. In the 2002 to 2003 timeframe, the 53 aircraft at the Air Force Academy were disassembled, crated and trucked to Hondo."http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123026857 On September 9, 2006, it was announced the remaining 53 (114 were originally purchased) disassembled T-3 aircraft, which had been declared in excess need for over 6 years, would be scrapped.
Variants
- Main Fournier production series with Rolls-RoyceRolls-Royce LimitedRolls-Royce Limited was a renowned British car and, from 1914 on, aero-engine manufacturing company founded by Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce on 15 March 1906 as the result of a partnership formed in 1904....
-built Continental O-200Continental O-200The Continental C90 and O-200 are a family of air-cooled, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, direct-drive aircraft engines of 201 in³ displacement, producing between 90 and 100 horsepower ....
100hp engine (43 built)
RF-6B/120:
- RF-6B with Lycoming O-235Lycoming O-235The Lycoming O-235 is a family of four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed piston aircraft engines that produce , derived from the earlier O-233 engine....
120hp engine, one built
RF-6C:
- Four-seat version of RF-6B built by Sportavia with Lycoming O-320Lycoming O-320The Lycoming O-320 is a large family of 92 different normally aspirated, air-cooled, four-cylinder, direct-drive engines commonly used on light aircraft such as the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee. Different variants are rated for 150 or 160 horsepower...
engine, four built, developed into Sportavia RS-180
T67A
- Slingsby-built RF-6B/120 certified on 1 October 1981, nine built.
T67M Firefly
- First flown on 5 December 1982 and certified on 2 August 1983 the T67M was developed from the T67A as a glassfibre reinforced plasticGlass-reinforced plasticFiberglass , is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass. It is also known as GFK ....
aircraft for a role as a military trainer. The T67M has a 160hp (120kW) fuel-injected Lycoming AEIO320-D1B and a two-blade Hoffman HO-V72L-V/180CB constant-speed propellor. The fuel injected engine with inverted fuel and oil systems allowed the aircraft to perform sustained negative-G (inverted) aerobatics, although inverted spins were never formally approved. A total of 32 T67Ms (including the later T67M MkII) were produced.
T67B
- First flown on 16 April 1981 and certified on 18 September 1984 the T67B was effectively the T67A made, like the T67M, in glassfibre reinforced plasticGlass-reinforced plasticFiberglass , is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by fine fibers of glass. It is also known as GFK ....
, but without the uprated engine and propellor. A total of 14 T67Bs were produced.
T67M MkII Firefly
- Certified on 20 December 1985 the T67M MkII replaced the single piece canopy of the T67M with a two-piece design, and the single fuselage fuel tank with two, larger tanks in the wings.
T67M200 Firefly
- Certified on 19 June 1987 the T67M200 was had a more powerful 200hp (149kW) Lycoming AEIO360-A1E with a three-bladed Hoffman propellor. A total of 26 T67M-200s were produced.
T67C Firefly
- Certified on 15 December 1987 the T67C was the last of the "civilian" variants, based on the T67B with an uprated 160 hp (120 kW) Lycoming engine, but without fuel injection and inverted-flight systems found on the T67M variants. Two further sub-versions of the T67C copied the two piece canopy (T67C-2) and wing tanks (T67C-3, sometimes known as the T67D) from the T67M MkII. A total of 28 T67Cs were produced across the three versions.
T67M260 Firefly
- Certified on 11 November 1993 the T67M260 added even more power from the six-cylinder, 260 hp (194 kW) Lycoming AEIO540-D4A5 engine. Unusually for side-by-side light aircraft, most (all?) T67M260s were produced to be flown solo from the right-hand seat to allow student pilots to immediately get used to the left-hand throttle found in most military aircraft - earlier models of the T67M had a second throttle on the left-hand sidewall of the cabin. A total of 51 T67M-260s were produced. They were used to successfully train hundreds of RAF, RN, British Army and Foreign and Commonwealth pilots through JEFTS (Joint Elementary Flying Training School) until late 2010.
T67M260-T3A Firefly
- Certified on 15 December 1993 the last military version of the T67 family was the T67M260-T3A, of which the entire production run of 114 were purchased by the United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
where it was known as the T-3A. The T-3A was basically the T67M260 with the addition of air conditioning. Although the US media claimed the aircraft was to blame after the 3 accidents, no engine stoppages or vapour-lock problems with the fuel system were found during very thorough tests at Edwards AFB. Indeed it was discovered that the instructors came from large transport flying backgrounds with little or no aerobatic experience. This combined with thinner air at the higher density altitude airfields meant spin recovery was delayed or wrong techniques used. Parachutes were another factor. Sadly, following these accidents, the fleet was grounded and stored without maintenance until being destroyed in 2007.
CT-111 Firefly
- Designation by the Canadian ForcesCanadian ForcesThe Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
internally only as aircraft are registered as civilian aircraft
Military operators
- Bahrain Air Force
- Belize Air ForceMilitary of BelizeThe Belize Defence Force is the military of Belize, and is responsible for protecting the sovereignty of Belize The BDF, along with the National Forensic Science Service, the National Coast Guard, and the Immigration Department, is a department of the Ministry of National Security, which is...
- Canadian ForcesCanadian ForcesThe Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
The Firefly was used as a basic military training aircraft in Canada. The Canadian Fireflies entered service in 1992 replacing the CT 134 Musketeer. They were, in turn, replaced in 2006 by the German-made Grob G-120 when the contract ended. The aircraft were owned and operated by Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Aerospace is a division of Bombardier Inc. and is the third-largest airplane manufacturer in the world. It is headquartered in Dorval, Quebec, Canada.- History :...
under contract to the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. Unlike the USAF experience, there were no serious operational or maintenance issues with the Fireflies in Canadian military service.
- Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air ForceRoyal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air ForceThe Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force was an auxiliary unit of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, based in Hong Kong. In preparation for the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, the unit was disbanded on 1 April 1993.Although technically an armed...
- Royal Jordanian Air ForceRoyal Jordanian Air ForceThe Royal Jordanian Air Force is the air force branch of the Jordanian Armed Forces.-Early days:...
:
- Dutch pilot selection centreRoyal Netherlands Air ForceThe Royal Netherlands Air Force , Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht , is the military aviation branch of the Netherlands Armed Forces. Its ancestor, the Luchtvaartafdeling of the Dutch Army was founded on 1 July 1913, with four pilots...
:
The Firefly is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force during pilot selection which is contracted out to TTC at Seppe Airport
Seppe Airport
Seppe Airport is a small general aviation airfield located next to the A58 motorway on the outskirts of Bosschenhoofd, a village in the municipality of Halderberge in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. The airport takes its name from the village's nickname...
.
- Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, British ArmyBritish ArmyThe British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
The Firefly was used as a basic military trainer in the United Kingdom until spring 2010 when they were replaced by Grob Tutor aircraft. The aircraft are owned and operated under contract by a civilian company on behalf of the military. In the UK it was under a scheme known as "Contractor Owned Contractor Operated" (CoCo).
- United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
Civil operators
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- Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air ForceRoyal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air ForceThe Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force was an auxiliary unit of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, based in Hong Kong. In preparation for the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, the unit was disbanded on 1 April 1993.Although technically an armed...
/Hong Kong Government Flying Service - retired all 4 T-67M-200 aircraft after 1996.
/
- Hong Kong Aviation ClubHong Kong Aviation ClubThe Hong Kong Aviation Club was established in 1982 upon the amalgamation of the Hong Kong Flying Club, the Aero Club of Hong Kong and the Far East Flying & Technical School.-History:...
- Used for pilot aerobatics training.
New ZealandNew Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
- Auckland Aero Club - one T67B - Used for pilot aerobatics training and high visibility scenic flight.
- North Shore Aero Club - one T67M200 - Used for pilot aerobatics training.
TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
- Turkish Aeronautical AssociationTurkish Aeronautical AssociationTurkish Aeronautical Association is a non-profit organization with an aim of increasing public awareness and participation in aviation related activities and the national body governing air sports in Turkey...
(Türk Hava Kurumu) - Used to give basic flight training to ATPL trainees. (T67M200) - FTEJerez - one T67 - used to provide Upset Training to graduates
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
- Swift AircraftSwift AircraftSwift Aircraft is a British aerospace manufacturer currently designing the Swift II aerobatic training aircraft.-Swift II:The Swift II is a side by side, twin seat training and aerobatic aircraft, and is currently in the final stages of design. Swift Aircraft plan to market the Swift II for the...
purchased 21 Slingsby T.67M260 Aircraft from Babcock Defense Services in June 2011, to be offered for sale or lease.
Specifications (T-3A)
See also
Slingsby Fireflies in popular culture
A white Firefly (actually one of at least three) decorated with multicoloured spots is the aircraft owned by 'Auntie Mabel' in the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
children's series Come Outside
Come Outside
Come Outside is a BBC educational children's television series that ran from 23 September 1993 to 18 March 1997. The two main characters of the show are Auntie Mabel , and her dog Pippin. They go on adventures in Auntie Mabel's aeroplane which is covered in coloured spots...
.