The RAF Museum Cosford has unveiled its latest aircraft acquisition – helped by relatives of its designer and original owner.
The Comper Swift is now on display, taking pride of place in the museum’s Hangar 1. The single-seater red and white jet has been restored to its former glory complete with its racing Number 6 on the tail.
Air racer Alex Henshaw bought the plane for £550 in 1933 and his son, also called Alex, was at Cosford for yesterday’s ceremony. Stephen Perry, grandson of the plane’s designer, and engine designer’s daughter Shirley Ann Manser also attended. Former Spitfire test pilot Mr Henshaw Sr flew the Swift in several races around the country before selling it. It was scrapped in 1942 and Mr Henshaw Sr died in 2007, aged 91.
But his son, 68, said that the family was delighted that a piece of their history was now on public display.
The remains of the museum’s Swift had been saved and secured by various groups over the years until was restored.
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