Operational History
In June 1929, the prototype Survey (G-AADO) made its first flight. It was handed over to the Aircraft Operating Company on 25 January 1930 on an occasion patronised by the Secretary and Under-secretary for Air. Its ability to fly effectively on the power of one engine alone. On 20 March 1930, piloted by Alan S. Butler, it departed from Heston Aerodrome for a survey of Northern Rhodesia, it covered the 7,000 miles at an average speed of 128 mph. On 11 April 1930 reached Cape Town. During 1931, it successfully surveyed 63,000 square miles (160,000 km2).
It was used for further surveys of the next few years, not requiring replacement of any major components in 500 flying hours. In March 1935, it was sold to the South African Air Force and operated for aerial photography until it was broken up at Waterkloof in December 1942.
A second Gloster Survey (K2602) was built for the British Air Ministry, and in November 1931 it was delivered to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. It was employed for radio experiments, and remained in use until 1936.
Gloster received interest from Egypt for a bomber reconnaissance version to Egypt and quoted £11,000 per aircraft, but no order was placed.
Read more about this topic: Gloster Survey
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