Built to Specification N.12/35, "W.35" designated the three prototypes serving the turboprop-powered Wyvern. While the first two of the batch carried the intended Python engine, the third was fitted with a Rolls-Royce "Clyde" engine of 4,500 horsepower. First flight of this design came in January (with Clyde engine) and March (with Python engine) and results were promising on the whole, though there were some issues with controlling which resulted in a larger vertical fin being instituted as well as other minor changes being implemented (such as dihedral being added to the horizontal tailplanes). The Python engine became the engine of choice to power the TF.Mk 2 production models that were to follow the Mk 1.
In 1948, twenty pre-production Mk 2s were ordered and one was converted to a two-seat trainer under the "T.Mk 3" designation which was ordered back in September 1948. By 1950 the "Python 2" engine was introduced with T.Mk 2 and a first flight had on February 16th. The T.Mk 3 followed into the air for the first time that same month. The all-important phase involving carrier deck landings were recorded on HMS Illustrious during June and marked the first turboprop-powered fighter in Royal Navy service to complete the action.
Of the original pre-series order, seven were redesignated to "S.Mk 4" as these carried all of the best qualities showcased by previous marks, by default becoming the definitive Wyvern. By this time, the engine carried was the "Python 3" of 3,670 horsepower and 87 of the mark were taken on by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), examples beginning to arrive during 1953.
In total, 127 Wyverns were completed for solely British Royal Navy service. Manufacture of the line spanned from 1946 until 1956 but operational service ran only until 1958. Nine total Royal Navy air squadrons featured the Wyvern during its tenure. In service, the aircraft showed a propensity for accidents with flameouts being a constant threat, particularly during the high-speed catapult launches required for carrier duty. On the whole, the aircraft was a tricky and temperamental platform and no fewer than 68 accidents claiming the lives of thirteen were recorded.
The Wyvern's first, and only, combat exposure came during the "Suez Crisis" of 1956 which spanned from October 29th until November 7th and involved Israel, Britain and France against Egypt. At least two Wyverns were lost to enemy ground-based fire in the fighting that followed and the line accounted for 79 total sorties in the conflict.
Shortly after the war, Wyvern's were retired from frontline service and given up for good in 1958. They became the only British turboprop-powered fighter to ever see combat action.
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