XScale has added the Hawker Siddely 121 Trident 2E kit to their range as kit X144014. It joins the Trident 1C previously released.

The 2E was an improved version of the original 1C, featuring more powerful Rolls Royce Spey engines and increased fuel capacity, giving more range and improved overall performance. It went in to service with BEA in 1968, primarily on BEA’s longer European routes.

The 2E features essentially the same fuselage dimensions as the 1C, but with some re-arrangement of the cabin doors, galleys and other interior fittings, allowing for an increase in seating to 115, compared to 101 in the 1C. The wing span is increased by about 3 feet, mostly with the addition of new “Kuchemann” wingtips. The wing also featured leading edge slats, replacing the “droops” fitted to the 1C. It was fitted with RB163-25 mk 512 engines, delivering an extra 1,500 lbf thrust.

BEA purchased 15, with early deliveries painted in the classic “red square” scheme, and the last few delivered in the new “speedjack” scheme. I remember seeing my first two at Manchester on diversions from Heathrow in June 1968. From the piers, comparing them with the 1Cs it was difficult to see the differences. The most obvious observable difference was the rearrangement of doors and windows on the starboard side.

In addition, two were delivered to Cyprus Airways, and 33 to CAAC. The Cyprus Airways fleet saw one swapped with BEA, replacing a damaged aircraft.

Today, three intact 2Es remain in preservation. Two 2Es are in museums in China, and one at Duxford, repainted in BEA ‘red square’ livery. In addition, the nose of a BEA 2E is preserved at St. Athan in South Wales. Finally, the remains of a Cyprus Airways 2E is at the closed Nicosia International Airport on Cyprus, after sustaining severe damage during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

At present, the only decals available for the 2E are the XScale BEA ‘speedjack’, and two 26Decal Cyprus Airways sets. TS44-0740 is the earlier scheme, while TS44-0471 depicts the later scheme.