Thunder & Lightnings - Fairey Gannet - Survivor XL500 (G-KAEW)

Fairey Gannet
Survivor XL500 (G-KAEW)
Kennet Aviation (restoration to fly), Hunter Flying, Exeter Airport, Devon

XL500 has had an unusually active retirement; first used by the School of Aircraft Handling at Culdrose, she then moved onto Lee-on-Solent for a period of storage and was then actually brought back to airworthy status. Dowty-Rotol Propellors operated the aircraft for a short period on noise trials and then XL500 was grounded once more, finally becoming the mascot of 849 NAS, back at Culdrose. She was put on display by the public viewing area at the airfield during the summer months but in late March 2000 moved once more, having been donated to the Chatham Dockyard Museum. Kennet Aviation then purchased her and put her on the civil register, moving her to North Weald in 2004. After some work there, she was transferred to Exeter in 2008 for Hunter Flying to restore her to airworthy condition - now this is one I'm looking forward to!

Information on this page current as of 06/04/2009

Find other photos of XL500 on the following sites:

Air-Britain - Airliners.net - Airplane-Pictures.net - flickr.com - IrishAirPics.com - JetPhotos.net - PlanePictures.net

Add Comment
Your name:
Your email:
Your location:
Country (flag):
Your comments:

john hunter from seattle wa	Posted at 8:45pm on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
Ex Donibristle apprentice. 1955-1959. Had type instruction on the Gannet Many good memories.Great aircraft. Miss the Seafury also.
Ian from Elgin, Morayshire	Posted at 12:01pm on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Will be great to see this one fly, used to watch these 40+ years ago. Any photos of the cockpit interior?
Jeff Harris from Martock, Somerset	Posted at 9:44am on Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Hi Gannet I was involved (many years ago!) in the development of the T250 by Thorn Special Products-this was the main contactor on the electrical system. The system design was carried out by Lucas at that time. I would love to have a look at the aircraft and see the old T250 once again!!! Looking forward to your reply. Best reagrds Jeff Harris
Raymond E. JEFFERY from Exeter, Devon	Posted at 10:11pm on Sunday, May 10th, 2009
I'm enjoying the restoration of Gannet AEW3 XL500. So far I have spent almost 500 hours combing through various systems, giving each a thorough servicing. Ex RAF.
John sparks from Exeter	Posted at 1:30pm on Friday, April 10th, 2009
The site still mentions Kennet as the owner of the aircraft. The aircraft was sold by kennet and is privatly owned at Exeter
Nigel J Goodall/Historic Aero UK from Newbury	Posted at 3:00pm on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Stephen, last time I spoke to John at Hunter Flying, he mentioned that it should be up and flying within the next 18 to 24 months.
Stephen from Newbury	Posted at 11:23pm on Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Nice new site layout, you must keep me informed of this aircraft i dont want to miss it take off ;-) Steve