BAC Jet Provost T.5

BAC · United Kingdom · first flew 1967 · fighter

The Jet Provost T.5 was the definitive pressurised variant of the Jet Provost, capable of high-altitude operations and providing a more representative training environment for students destined for fast jets.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Pressurised cockpit with a more pronounced canopy arch and bulged side windows
• Lengthened nose housing additional avionics — noticeably longer forward of the wing than T.3
• More prominent dorsal spine running aft of the cockpit carrying pressurisation equipment

The pressurisation hump behind the cockpit and the longer nose distinguish the T.5 clearly from the T.3 at any reasonable distance. Both share the straight low wing and side-by-side seats that separate all Jet Provosts from the tandem-seat Gnat.

Specifications

• The BAC Jet Provost T.5 has a length of 10.36 m (34 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.77 m (35 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 708 km/h (440 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering service in 1969, the T.5 introduced a pressurised cockpit and a more powerful Viper 201 engine, significantly extending the aircraft's operational ceiling. Around 110 were built, serving as the RAF's primary basic jet trainer until replaced by the Shorts Tucano in the late 1980s.

Variants

The T.5A and T.5B were updated avionics sub-variants. The export BAC 167 Strikemaster was a ground-attack development of the same airframe.

Where you'll see it

Operated at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and Church Fenton through the 1970s and 1980s; many survivors now fly on the UK civil register and appear regularly at airshows.

Related aircraft

• Aermacchi / CAC MB-326H
• BAC Strikemaster
• Dassault Mirage 5
• Dassault Mirage 5F

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