The Slingsby Firefly is a conventional low-wing, two-seat training aircraft
with a fixed tricycle undercarriage. The Joint Elementary Flying Training School
(JEFTS) at RAF Barkston Heath, Lincolnshire, operates two versions - the T67M
Mk2, which is powered by a 160 hp Textron Lycoming engine driving a
constant-speed, composite two-blade propeller, and the more powerful T67M 260,
which has a 260 hp Textron Lycoming powerplant and is distinguishable by its
three-blade, constant-speed propeller. Instructor and pupil sit side-by-side
and, with a full fuel load, training flights of up to three hours duration can
be achieved. Both models are fully aerobatic.
The JEFTS is a civilian unit on contract to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Employing civilian instructors, the School uses the T67M Mk2 for initial grading
of Royal Navy and Army pilots, a task formerly performed by the De Havilland
Chipmunk, and the T67M 260 for the elementary flying training of pilots for all
three Services.
Powerplant: Textron Lycoming AEIO-320-D1B flat four piston engine of
160hp
Span: 34ft 9in (10.59m)
Length: 24 ft 0.25 in (7.32m)
Max Speed: 207 mph (333 kmh)
Accommodation: Two pilots seats side-by-side.
Recognition: The long thin wing with its square cut tips is a reminder
of the powered glider heritage of the Firefly design. The fuselage is long and
tapering, with a very square cut fin and tailplane, both of which have swept
leading edges. The bulged, rounded cockpit canopy is prominent, as is the short,
sturdy tricycle undercarriage.