Handley Page HP 115

The Handley Page HP.115 was a British delta wing research aircraft built by Handley Page to test the low-speed handling characteristics to be expected from a supersonic airliner of slender delta configuration. It formed part of the British supersonic aircraft research programme, carried out in the 1960s and sponsored by the Ministry of Supply, that eventually produced the Concorde.

Testing and evaluation
Built by Handley Page at Cricklewood factory, the single aircraft XP841 flew for first time on 17 August 1961 at the Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford, with J.M. Henderson at the controls. It was subsequently used for low-speed research in support of the Concorde development programme while the BAC 221, (a modified Fairey Delta 2) covered high-speed research. The HP.115 was a very capable aircraft; pilots were able to demonstrate rapid changes of bank, while still safely retaining control at speeds as low as 69 mph (60 kn, 111 km/h). Despite two minor mishaps, the experimental programme was a very lengthy one continuing until 1974, providing significant data regarding delta wing operations on takeoff and landing.

Neil Armstrong was due to fly the HP.115 as a test pilot in 1962, but after his selection as an astronaut, NASA refused him permission to fly the aircraft. He eventually flew it on 22 June

Aircraft on display
Following retirement at RAE Bedford, XP841 was placed on display at the museum at RAF Colerne. Following closure of the Colerne museum the aircraft was moved to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford and placed on display. With the opening of the Concorde exhibition at the Fleet Air Arm Museum XP841 was moved south to RNAS Yeovilton. XP841 is on display as part of "The Leading Edge Exhibition," alongside the BAC 221 and a Concorde prototype.