Hawker Siddeley Trident DH121.
SPECS
ASSEMBLY
INTERIOR
HISTORY
ORDERS
A BEA (British European Airways) Hawker Siddeley Trident Two. BEA and BOAC later merged to become British Airways.
The Hawker Siddeley Trident was a British three-engined jet airliner, which first flew in 1962 and entered commercial service in 1964. It was developed by the de Havilland Aircraft Company as a successor to the popular Comet, and was later produced by Hawker Siddeley Aviation. The Trident was known for its advanced technology, including the first-ever automatic landing system for a commercial airliner, and for its sleek, streamlined design.
The assembly of the Trident DH121 began in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, where the aircraft's main components were manufactured. The fuselage was produced by Hawker Siddeley Aviation and was made up of a series of pre-fabricated sections that were carefully aligned and secured together using bolts and rivets. The wings were also produced by Hawker Siddeley Aviation and were attached to the fuselage using a series of bolts and braces.
The aircraft's engines were produced by Rolls-Royce, a British engineering company with a long history of producing high-performance engines for aircraft. The Trident DH121 was powered by three Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines, which were mounted at the rear of the fuselage. The engines were carefully aligned with the fuselage and attached. The fuel tanks and plumbing were also produced by Rolls-Royce, along with the engine controls and instruments.
ASSEMBLY
Hawker Siddeley Trident DH121 Channel Airways Continental Golden Jet Reg G-AVYB
The assembly process for the Hawker Siddeley Trident DH121 was a complex and highly coordinated effort that involved a range of different companies and locations. The main components of the aircraft were produced by Hawker Siddeley Aviation, Rolls-Royce, Smiths Industries, and Sperry Gyroscope, and were carefully fitted together by a team of skilled engineers and technicians at Hatfield Aerodrome. The result was a masterpiece of engineering that revolutionized air travel and set new standards for aircraft performance and safety.
Hawker Siddeley DH121 Trident 3B Reg G-AWZA.
The aircraft's avionics were produced by a range of different companies, including Smiths Industries, a British company that produced the aircraft's navigation, communication, and flight control systems. The Trident DH121 was also equipped with a range of instruments and gauges produced by Sperry Gyroscope, an American company that specialised in aircraft instrumentation.
Once all of the components had been produced, they were transported to the assembly line in Hatfield, where they were carefully fitted together by a team of skilled engineers and technicians. The final stages of the assembly process took place at Hatfield Aerodrome, where the aircraft underwent a series of rigorous tests and inspections to ensure that it met the strict safety and performance standards required by aviation authorities.
Hawker Siddeley Trident PIA Pakistan International.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Trident was produced in three main variants: the Trident 1, the Trident 2, and the Trident 3. Each variant featured a range of improvements and upgrades over its predecessor, including more powerful engines, improved avionics, and increased passenger capacity. All variants of the Hawker Siddeley Trident featured an advanced flight control system, which included an automatic landing system and a digital flight data recorder.
Here are some of the key specifications of each variant:
Hawker Siddeley DH121 Trident One Air Ceylon Reg 4R-ACN.
Trident 1
The Hawker Siddeley Trident 1 was the first production variant of the aircraft. It featured three Rolls-Royce RB.163 Spey turbofan engines, which provided a maximum thrust of 11,400 lbf (50.7 kN) each. The aircraft had a maximum range of 1,800 nautical miles (3,333 km) and could carry up to 119 passengers in a two-class configuration.
The Trident 1 had a length of 115 ft 6 in (35.2 m), a wingspan of 97 ft 0 in (29.6 m), and a height of 28 ft 0 in (8.5 m). Its maximum take-off weight was 136,000 lb (61,690 kg).
BEA Hawker Siddeley Trident Two Reg G-AVFB.
Trident 2
The Hawker Siddeley Trident 2 was an improved version of the Trident 1. It featured more powerful RB.163-25 turbofan engines, which provided a maximum thrust of 12,550 lbf (55.8 kN) each. The aircraft had a maximum range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,444 km) and could carry up to 115 passengers in a two-class configuration.
The Trident 2 had a length of 115 ft 6 in (35.2 m), a wingspan of 97 ft 0 in (29.6 m), and a height of 28 ft 0 in (8.5 m). Its maximum take-off weight was 147,000 lb (66,678 kg).
Hawker Siddeley DH121-3 Trident Reg G-AWZO.
Trident 3
The Hawker Siddeley Trident 3 was the final production variant of the aircraft. It featured even more powerful RB.167 turbofan engines, which provided a maximum thrust of 20,000 lbf (89.0 kN) each. The aircraft had a maximum range of 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) and could carry up to 180 passengers in a two-class configuration.
The Trident 3 had a length of 126 ft 5 in (38.5 m), a wingspan of 97 ft 4 in (29.7 m), and a height of 28 ft 6 in (8.7 m). Its maximum take-off weight was 191,000 lb (86,636 kg).
The distinctive offset nose wheel of the Hawker Siddeley DH121 Trident was designed to allow more space for the groundbreaking electronics.
The Trident was also distinctive in its design of the nose landing gear. Instead of being centered and retracting in a forward or aft direction, the wheel was positioned to the left side of the fuselage and retracted to the right. The reason the gear was offset was both to allow an increase in hold space and to allow a large electronics bay to be sited immediately under the flight deck. The nose wheel was also positioned further aft for this reason.
British Airways Hawker Siddeley Trident 3 with booster engine.
Hawker Siddeley Trident Three DH121
The last variant of the Trident, the Trident 3B, featured a fourth Rolls Royce RB162 booster engine delivering 23 kN of thrust. Adding 5% extra weight to the aircraft it provided an extra 15% thrust on take-off. It was used on demand as required.
Hawker Siddeley DH121 Trident Specs Table
| Trident DH121-1/1C | Trident DH121-1E | Trident DH121-2E | Trident DH121-3B | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Crew | 3, 2 pilots and 1 flight engineer. | |||
| Typical 1 Class Seating | 101 | 108 | 115 | 180 |
| Year Entered Service | 1964 | - | 1968 | 1971 |
| Airframe Dimensions | ||||
| Length | 34.98 mtrs (114 ft 9 in) | 39.98 mtrs (131 ft 2 in) | ||
| Tail Height | 8.23 mtrs (27 ft) | 8.61 mtrs (28 ft 3 in) | ||
| Cabin Width | 3.4 mtrs (11 ft 3.5 in) | |||
| Wing Span | 27.38 mtrs (89 ft 10 in) | 29 mtrs (95 ft) | 30 mtrs (98 ft) | |
| Wing Sweep | 35 Degrees | |||
| Wing Area | 126.2 mtrs2 (1,358 ft2) | 131.5 mtrs2 (1,415 ft2) | 135.8 mtrs2 (1,462 ft2) | |
| Performance | ||||
| Engines | 3 x Spey RB163-1 Mk505-5 | 3 x Spey RB163-25 Mk511-5 | 3 x Spey RB163-25 Mk512-5 | 3 x Spey RB163-25 Mk512-5 Plus RB162-86 |
| Thrust | 3 x 46 kN (10,400 lbf) | 3 x 51 kN (11,400 lbf) | 3 x 53.2 kN (11,960 lbf) | 3 x 53.2 kN (11,960 lbf) Plus 3 x 23.4kN (5,250 lbf) |
| Normal Cruise Speed FL300 | Mach 0.86, 506 knots, 937 kph | Mach 0.84, 495 knots, 917 kph | ||
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 35,000 ft (11,000 mtrs) | |||
| Range (typical load) | 1,170 nm 2,170 km 1C 1,760 nm 3,260 km |
1,910 nm 3,540 km | 2,350 nm 4,350 km | 1,940 nm 3,600 km |
| Parameters | ||||
| Maximum Fuel Capacity | 17,500 Ltr (3,840 Imp gal) 1C 22,000 Ltr (4,840 Imp gal) |
24,700 Ltr (5,440 Imp gal) | 26,250 Ltr (5,774 Imp gal) | 24,700 Ltr (5,440 Imp gal) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 30,300 kg (66,700 lb) 1C 30,500 kg (67,200 lb) |
31,800 kg (70,000 lb) | 33,200 kg (73,200 lb) | 37,600 kg (83,000 lb) |
| Typical Empty Operating Weight | 48,500 kg (107,000 lb) 1C 52,200 kg (115,000 lb) |
58,100 kg (128,000 lb) | 64,600 kg (142,500 lb) | 68,000 kg (150,000 lb) |
History.
Inception and Development
The origins of the Trident can be traced back to the early 1950s when British European Airways (BEA) began looking for a replacement for its aging fleet of Vickers Viscount turboprop aircraft. BEA had already identified the need for a faster, more efficient aircraft that could offer greater comfort and reliability to passengers.
To meet this challenge, Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) began work on a new aircraft design that would later become known as the DH121 Trident. The initial design was based on HSA's earlier DH118 research aircraft, which had been used to test a range of new technologies and materials.
Over the course of the next few years, the Trident underwent a series of design iterations and refinements. One of the most significant changes came in 1957 when Rolls-Royce introduced its revolutionary Spey turbofan engine, which would later be used to power the Trident.
BEA Hawker Siddeley Trident Three in flight.
Design and Technological Innovations
The Trident was a groundbreaking aircraft in many respects. It was the world's first commercial airliner to feature an automatic landing system, which allowed it to land in conditions of low visibility. It was also one of the first aircraft to feature an all-digital flight deck, which was designed to provide pilots with greater situational awareness and control.
In terms of its design, the Trident was notable for its sleek, streamlined fuselage and three-engine configuration, which helped to reduce noise and vibration for passengers. The aircraft was also equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including fire-resistant materials and redundant systems.
Hawker Siddeley Trident DH121 cockpit.
Service and Legacy
The Trident entered service with BEA in April 1964 and quickly established a reputation for speed, reliability, and comfort. Over the next decade, the Trident was used by a range of airlines around the world, including British Airways, Cyprus Airways, and Kuwait Airways.
Despite its many technological innovations and achievements, however, the Trident was eventually overtaken by newer, more advanced aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A300. Production of the Trident ceased in 1978 after a total of 117 aircraft had been built.
Nevertheless, the Trident's legacy lived on in many respects. Its advanced design and technological innovations paved the way for the development of many other successful aircraft, including the Airbus A300 and Boeing 757. And its legacy of speed, reliability, and comfort helped to set new standards for commercial air travel, inspiring generations of aircraft designers and engineers.
BEA, British European Airways later to be British Airways was the biggest Hawker Siddeley Trident customer.
The Trident's cabin was designed to be comfortable and spacious, with features such as overhead storage bins, adjustable air conditioning, and noise-reducing insulation. The seats were designed with comfort in mind, with adjustable headrests, footrests, and lumbar support. The seats were also wider than those on competing aircraft, providing passengers with more space and comfort during their flight.
In addition to comfortable seating, the Trident's cabin also featured a range of amenities to keep passengers entertained during their flight. The aircraft featured a fully equipped galley, which was capable of providing passengers with a range of hot and cold meals and beverages. The galley was also equipped with a range of refrigeration and heating equipment, ensuring that meals and beverages were served at the correct temperature.
Cabin Interior.
Hawker Siddeley Trident seating.
The aircraft's cabin also featured a range of entertainment options, including music and movies. Passengers could enjoy a range of music genres or watch the latest movies during their flight.
The Hawker Siddeley Trident also featured advanced lighting and temperature control systems, ensuring that passengers were comfortable throughout their flight. The aircraft's lighting system was designed to provide a relaxing and calming environment.
The Trident's interior set a new standard for short- to medium-haul aircraft and cemented the aircraft's place in aviation history.
What seems like a throwback to train travel. Having sat in the rear-facing seat myself it is interesting to look at everyone who is looking back at you.
Orders and Deliveries.
Orders and Deliveries A total of 117 Hawker Siddeley Tridents were produced between 1962 and 1978. The majority of these were delivered to British European Airways (BEA) and its successor, British Airways.
Other airlines that operated the Trident included Cyprus Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Channel Airways. The aircraft also served as the official transport for the British royal family for a time.
Despite its popularity in Europe, the Trident was never as successful as its American counterparts, such as the Boeing 727 and the Douglas DC-9. This was partly due to the fact that the Trident was only produced in small numbers, and partly due to the aircraft's relatively high operating costs.
| Airline / Customer | Country | Variant | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEA British European Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 1C | 35 |
| BEA British European Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 2E | 15 |
| BEA British European Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 3B | 9 |
| British Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 1C | 28 |
| British Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 2E | 7 |
| Cyprus Airways | Cyprus | Trident 1C | 1 |
| Ghana Airways | Ghana | Trident 1E | 1 |
| Iraqi Airways | Iraq | Trident 1E | 1 |
| Kuwait Airways | Kuwait | Trident 1E | 5 |
| Pakistan International Airlines | Pakistan | Trident 1E | 1 |
| Singapore Airlines | Singapore | Trident 1E | 2 |
| Channel Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 1B | 2 |
| Channel Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 1E | 2 |
| Channel Airways | United Kingdom | Trident 3B | 1 |
| Total | 117 | ||
