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".

Our Volunteers

Without our band of willing helpers the XM496 would in all probability have followed the same path as many Whispering Giants. Due to their unstinting efforts the XM496 has now been saved so that future generations can view her in all her glory.

Listed below are some of our members, this will be added to as and when possible. Our thanks to all of them.