Hatfield Aerodrome - 1960s and 70s

1960s and 70s

The de Havilland Aircraft Company was acquired by Hawker Siddeley in 1960 and the de Havilland name ceased to be used in 1963. At Hatfield, the Trident airliner and DH.125 were under development in the early 60s, with production of the later taking place at de Havilland's other factory at Hawarden. Design studies for feederliners that would ultimately lead to the HS.146 took place as well as studies for a pan-European aircraft, the HBN.100 which would eventually become the Airbus A300. Hatfield once again changed ownership when Hawker Siddeley was merged with the British Aircraft Corporation and Scottish Aviation under the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act to form British Aerospace in 1978. This resulted in the 146 programme going ahead which saved many jobs at Hatfield and secured the site as a centre of design and production of commercial aircraft for the next decade.