Percival Proctor
Percival Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 1939 · light aircraft
The Percival Proctor was a British low-wing monoplane used extensively by the RAF and Royal Navy during World War II as a communications aircraft and radio operator trainer. Derived from the pre-war Vega Gull, it served in large numbers across many theatres.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.77 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- British WWII communications and radio trainer monoplane with low tapered wings
- Side-by-side seating under a long enclosed cabin
- Distinctive long glazed cabin with car-door style entries on both sides
Low-wing monoplane with a slender tapered fuselage, long glazed cabin windows, fixed undercarriage with wheel spats, and a de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine.
Specifications
- The Percival Proctor has a length of 8.77 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.89 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 2-3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Proctor was developed from the Percival Vega Gull in 1939 to serve as a wireless trainer and communications aircraft. Over 1,143 were built during WWII. It equipped numerous RAF and Fleet Air Arm communication flights, and many were used as personal transports for senior officers. After the war, surplus Proctors were popular as private touring aircraft.
Variants
The Proctor I was the initial communications type; the Proctor II and III were radio trainers; the Proctor IV was a larger four-seat communications aircraft; the Proctor V was a post-war civil variant.
Where you'll see it
Served widely with the RAF and Royal Navy throughout WWII; many entered civil use post-war across Britain, Australia, and South Africa.
Related aircraft
- Percival Petrel
- Percival Vega Gull
- Percival Gull
- Percival Prentice
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- Arado Ar 199
- Bücker Bü 181 Bestmann
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