An experimental catapult used to launch World War Two bomber planes has been discovered at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. The Royal Aircraft Establishment Mark III Catapult was designed to enable shorter runway take-offs, allowing planes to carry more fuel. Despite its ambitious intentions, the project was abandoned due to engine wear and design issues. The discovery is significant as it served as a precursor to Catapult Armed Merchant ships.
Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown is the post decorated Navy pilot in history, a phenomenal talent that flew 487 types of aircraft and even interrogated the Beast of Belsen.