Testing and Evaluation
Test flying took place at Boscombe Down. Although there had been a problem on its first test flight on 6 August 1952 test pilot "Ben" Gunn when the tailplane incidence required for takeoff in the available distance was misjudged, the P.120 had exhibited pleasant flying characteristics over 11 hours of flight time. Shortly before the Farnborough Air Show of September 1952 the previously unpainted P.120 received a gloss black (with yellow trim) finish and immediately gained the nickname "Black-Widowmaker." On 28 August Gunn encountered severe flutter which led to the loss of the whole port elevon. Unable to keep the aircraft flying and despite the dramatic nickname he ejected safely, making the first ejection from a delta winged aircraft though the P.120 was lost.
Although plans were made to convert the earlier P.111 to the P.120 configuration, a decision was made to suspend further development, making the P.120 the last Boulton Paul design to fly.
Read more about this topic: Boulton Paul P.120
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