Folland Aircraft
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Founder | Henry Folland |
| Defunct | 1963 |
| Fate | Brand phased out; absorbed into Hawker Siddeley and later British Aerospace |
| Headquarters | Hamble, Hampshire , United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft, missiles, hovercraft |
| Parent | Hawker Siddeley (from 1959) |
Folland Aircraft was a UK-based aircraft manufacturer operating between 1937 and 1963.
History
In February 1936, British Marine Aircraft Limited was formed with the goal of producing Sikorsky S-42-A flying boats under licence within Britain. The company established a manufacturing plant on the Hamble peninsula, featuring a slipway leading to Southampton Water. Despite initiating production of a Sikorsky-derived aircraft, financial difficulties led to insolvency. Discussions about potential mergers, including one with Westland Aircraft, were explored but ultimately abandoned.
The following year, in 1937, Henry Folland, formerly chief designer at Gloster Aircraft, purchased the British Marine facility and launched Folland Aircraft Company, taking on roles as managing director and chief designer.
Folland's early work included assembling components for Bristol Blenheim and Beaufort bombers. The company was responsible for manufacturing 15,000 rear fuselage sections out of the total 22,000 produced for the Supermarine Spitfire. Additionally, it supplied subcontracted parts for de Havilland Mosquito and Vickers Wellington aircraft.
The company's initial original design was the Folland Fo.108, which first took flight in 1940. This aircraft served as a flying testbed for engines under Air Ministry Specification 43/37 and earned the nickname "Folland Frightful" due to its distinctive appearance.
Folland proposed two models, the F.115 and F.116, to fulfill Specification E.28/40 aimed at carrier-based experimental aircraft. The F.116 incorporated a Centaurus radial engine and featured a variable incidence wing on an estimated airframe weight of 18,250 lb (8,300 kg). Although two prototypes were commissioned, the project was discontinued in 1943 before completion.
In 1950, acclaimed designer W. E. W. Petter, known for his work on the Westland Lysander, English Electric Canberra, and English Electric Lightning, joined Folland as managing director. He spearheaded development of the Folland Midge, a lightweight jet fighter demonstrator without armament that debuted on 11 August 1954. This effort paved the way for the Folland Gnat, whose prototype first flew on 18 July 1955. While RAF enthusiasm for the Gnat as a fighter waned, Folland successfully repositioned it as an advanced trainer; the Gnat Trainer prototype flew on 31 August 1959. Both variants were manufactured at Hamble throughout the early 1960s, with the final RAF Gnat T.1 delivered in May 1965. Flight trials were conducted at Chilbolton airfield.
In 1959, Folland became part of Hawker Siddeley, which phased out the Folland brand by 1963. Eventually absorbed into British Aerospace (BAe), the Hamble site remained operational until its closure in 1986, producing key assemblies for Harrier and Hawk jet aircraft.
Aircraft
Missiles
Vessels
- Ground Effect Research Machine (hovercraft, 1960) – one demonstration unit built; no commercial production followed
Sport
Established by employees in 1938, the factory’s football team continues today as Folland Sports.
See also
External links
- The Folland E.28/40 – Article from Flight magazine, 1946
- Articles with short description
- Defunct aircraft manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Former defence companies of the United Kingdom
- Hawker Siddeley
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1936
- 1936 establishments in England
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1963
- 1963 disestablishments in England
- 1959 mergers and acquisitions
- British companies disestablished in 1963
- British companies established in 1936