XL660

SERIES 250 - VARIANT 253/Cmk1.

Constructors No. 13457 - Production No. 010

Built at Belfast - First flight 04.03.60 – C of A: Not known

Built to contract 12829, for six aircraft, later increased to ten. She was delivered to No. 511 Squadron Royal Air Force Transport Command on 23 April 1960, serialled XL660 named 'Alphard'. She transferred to No.99 Squadron on 1 May 1960 and pooled in September of the same year at RAF Lyneham. Withdrawn from RAF service in January 1976, XL660 was stored at RAF Kemble with 19 158.15 hours and 8495 landings to her credit until purchased by Air Faisal on 14 May 1976 and previously flown to Luton Airport on 11 May 1976. (It is of interest to note that this aircraft carried the titles 'Air Faisel' but then it was changed to 'Air Faisal' - could this have been a spelling mistake or a change of name?). Painted in the markings of Transgulf Air Cargo during May 1976 but never flown in these markings. The markings were removed on 6 February 1977. Registered G-BEMZ on 11 February 1977 for U.M. Patel, who were trading as Air Faisal, and named 'Al Medina', joining XM490 (G-BDLZ) on flights between Bombay and Dubai, after delivery to Baghdad in late February. G-BEMZ was impounded by H.M. Customs and Excise in August 1979 for 'suspected' drug smuggling. With an expired Certificate of Airworthiness she was sold by H. M. Customs and Excise to T. F. Richter and Company Ltd, on 13 September 1979, trading as Gaylan Air Cargo. She was financed by Black Arrow Leasing Ltd on 14 February 1980 and leased to Gaylan Air Cargo on 4 September 1980 registered A6-HMS, and re-registered G-BEMZ on 3 April 1980. At the end of March 1981, this aircraft had flown 21 480.37 hours and made 9058 landings. Redcoat Air Cargo leased G-BEMZ and operated her on behalf of Dantana from 22 September 1981 for the Forli and Kano cattle flights until she was purchased by Swordvale Aviation Limited on 2 December 1981. Sold to Katale Aero Transport in November 1982, she was registered 9Q-CGP and named 'Mandefu'. After being withdrawn from use she was reportedly broken up. Confirmed in early 1992.