History[]
XP697 was first flown, without a ventral tank, by D.M. Knight at Samlesbury on 18 July 1963. Taken to Bristol for full F 6 conversion on 13 August 1963, the aircraft was first flown in F.6 configuration by R.P. Beamont on 17 April 1964. Subsequently used on programme for 2-in rocket and large ventral-tank tests, and the over-wing-tank support programme, the aircraft was sent to MoD(PE) at Warton in 1981 for static tests.[1]