Built by Shorts in Belfast, XM496 made its first flight on 24th August 1960.
On 17th September 1960 it arrived at Royal Air Force Lyneham where two days later it was taken on charge, being the penultimate Bristol Britannia military transport aircraft to enter service with the Royal Air Force.
(The first Britannia had been delivered in June 1959)
On 14th October 1997 XM496 returned to the UK and landed at Kemble, now Cotswold Airport, and this was the last last flight by a Bristol Britannia anywhere in the world. It is the only survivor of the original twenty-three strong RAF Britannia fleet.
For the journey home the callsign was "REGULUS".
To maintain the XM496 - Whispering Giant uses up vast amounts of time and money. Here at the XM496 Preservation Society we are always pleased to welcome new sponsors.
All sponsors will be credited on this web site.
If you think you can help us then please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Next public open day
Sunday
5th February 2012