The above book contains an extensive account of the aircraft, locations, business structure and some of the people of English Electric from 1905 to 1960's. An excellent reference document and a good read.
In 1947 English Electric needed a longer runway for its development work and Warton Aerodrome was obtained and a wind tunnel and structural test facitilies built. In 1948 about 200 people worked at Warton having moved from the Preston design office.
The Canberra was the main project at that time but in 1950 a contract for 2 Lightning prototypes was obtained. About this time Petter left English Electric and moved to Folland. Frederick Page took over as Chief Engineer. A supersonic wind tunnel was built at Warton around this time.
In 1954 a second supersonic wind tunnel was built.
In 1955 an English Electric built DEUCE (Digital Electronic Universal Computing Engine) was installed at Warton.
In 1956 / 7 the runway was extended and long range radars installed to assist the large supersonic programme for the Lightning. 1960 saw the opening of 2 new supersonic tunnels.
The Warton factory was part of a group around the Preston area which included; a major manufacturing factory at Strand Road next to the docks in Preston. A large aerodrome for production flight testing and final assembly at Samlesbury to the east of Preston. A factory at Accrington in east Lancashire for manufacturing.
1960 to 1964 saw the amalgamation of English Electric Aviation Ltd into the British Aircraft Corporation. The Warton site becoming part of the BAC (Preston Division). The major project became the TSR2 which was later cancelled.
A major order to supply Lightnings to Saudi Arabia caused an expansion of the buildings at Warton as the Saudi contract included a comprehensive support and facilities requirement.
The next projects being the Jaguar, then the Tornado each resulting in further growth as the original project the Canberra was still undergoing refurbishment and export..
Preston, Lancashire, England.
