Finally got myself a slice of Pye only to find that one slice isnt enough and im gonna have to go back for more
Visited with Wevs, Space Invader, Obscurity, Fortknox, Stealth, Silver Rainbow, Maniac, Gaj and LeedsExplorer in honour of SI's birthday.
Was good fun trying to avoid security especially with our high numbers but we did it and managed to get in and out without much trouble. That said we spent a good few hours wandering around after an early spotting by security but like i say eventually our ninja skills paid off and we were in
Bit of history
The National Gas Turbine Establishment (NGTE Pyestock) in Fleet, part of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), was the prime site in the UK for design and development of gas turbine and jet engines. It was created by merging the design teams of Frank Whittle's Power Jets and the RAE turbine development team run by Hayne Constant. NGTE spent most of its lifetime as a testing and development centre, both for experimental developments and to support commercial engine companies.
The newly merged venture was nationalised. Pyestock, a former golf course in a secluded wooded spot between Farnborough and Fleet was chosen as the turbine development site, as the activities at the NGTE would be top secret and the surrounding woodland would dampen the noise. Construction began in 1949 with small test "cubicles" inside buildings like the Plant House. When the possibility of supersonic jets arose, the site was expanded to the north west, with the Air House and several large test cells built circa 1961.
For over 50 years Pyestock was at the forefront of gas turbine development. It was probably the largest site of its kind in the world. V bomber, Harrier and Tornado engines were tested on site. The power of the air house allowed Concorde's engines to be tested at 2,000 mph. Every gas turbine installed in Royal Navy ships was checked here; captured Soviet engines were discreetly examined.
NGTE Pyestock closed down in 2000 and decommissioned to make way for a business park.
And some pics from the day
Wevsky up high trying to look happy
Sorry pics are pretty much standard Pye but didnt get all the way around so revisit and more pics will be happening.
Thanks for looking
Visited with Wevs, Space Invader, Obscurity, Fortknox, Stealth, Silver Rainbow, Maniac, Gaj and LeedsExplorer in honour of SI's birthday.
Was good fun trying to avoid security especially with our high numbers but we did it and managed to get in and out without much trouble. That said we spent a good few hours wandering around after an early spotting by security but like i say eventually our ninja skills paid off and we were in
Bit of history
The National Gas Turbine Establishment (NGTE Pyestock) in Fleet, part of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), was the prime site in the UK for design and development of gas turbine and jet engines. It was created by merging the design teams of Frank Whittle's Power Jets and the RAE turbine development team run by Hayne Constant. NGTE spent most of its lifetime as a testing and development centre, both for experimental developments and to support commercial engine companies.
The newly merged venture was nationalised. Pyestock, a former golf course in a secluded wooded spot between Farnborough and Fleet was chosen as the turbine development site, as the activities at the NGTE would be top secret and the surrounding woodland would dampen the noise. Construction began in 1949 with small test "cubicles" inside buildings like the Plant House. When the possibility of supersonic jets arose, the site was expanded to the north west, with the Air House and several large test cells built circa 1961.
For over 50 years Pyestock was at the forefront of gas turbine development. It was probably the largest site of its kind in the world. V bomber, Harrier and Tornado engines were tested on site. The power of the air house allowed Concorde's engines to be tested at 2,000 mph. Every gas turbine installed in Royal Navy ships was checked here; captured Soviet engines were discreetly examined.
NGTE Pyestock closed down in 2000 and decommissioned to make way for a business park.
And some pics from the day
Wevsky up high trying to look happy
Sorry pics are pretty much standard Pye but didnt get all the way around so revisit and more pics will be happening.
Thanks for looking
