British Civil Aviation in 1986

13 March
The Giotto satellite, produced by British Aerospace (BAe), passes within 605 kilometres (375 miles) of the nucleus of Halley’s Comet.

26 March
The British Aerospace Terprom navigation system completes its technology demonstration programme, exhibiting an accuracy of 91 metres (300 feet), regardless of the duration of the flight.

23 April
A British-constructed Airship Industries Skyship 500 airship begins scheduled passenger services, flying over London’s landmarks.

23 April
British Aerospace (BAe) delivers the first BAe146 CC Mk2 transport to the Royal Air Force (RAF) for service with the Queen’s Flight.

20 May
Construction begins on the new London City Airport. Situated in the Royal Docks area of east London, the new airport will be just 9 kilometres (6 miles) from the financial and banking district of London.

6 August
The British Aerospace (BAe) Advanced Turboprop airliner makes its first flight at Woodford in Cheshire.

8 August
The British Aerospace (BAe) Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) sees the first flight of the advanced technology demonstrator fighter. During this initial test flight the aircraft breaks the sound barrier, recording a speed of Mach 1.1.

11 August
Westland Helicopters set a new world helicopter speed record of 400kph (249mph), using the company’s Lynx demonstrator, fitted with new BERP III main rotor blades.

6 November
A British International Helicopters Boeing Vertol 234 Commercial Chinook helicopter crashes off the Sumburgh Island in the Shetlands, killing 45 of the 47 on board. This the worst ever civilian helicopter accident.

December
Secretary of State for Defence, George Younger, cancels the British Aerospace (BAe) Nimrod AEW Mk3 airborne early warning platform, due to major ongoing difficulties with the proposed radar system. Britain later orders six Boeing E3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System).