Cody project flying high thanks to sponsorship from Redrow

Wed, Mar 26th 2008, 12:00

The Cody Flyer Project team, who are part of the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) are building an exact replica of the aeroplane used by Samuel Cody to make that flight, in time for the 100th anniversary on October 16.

Redrow, whose Farnborough Central development is being built close to the FAST Museum, on the former site of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, has donated £1,000 to help fund the mission.

David Wilson, project manager, said: “We are grateful to Redrow Homes for their very generous donation. The money will be used to purchase materials and components to enable our large group of volunteers to build the full-size aeroplane.

“This is an exciting project to mark the centenary of Samuel Franklin Cody’s landmark achievement of making the first powered, controlled flight in the UK of a heavier than air machine.”

The replica of the British Army Aircraft Number 1A will appear publicly for the first time at the Farnborough International Airshow in July, where Redrow is also sponsoring the visitors’ centre.

Stuart Rowlands, managing director of Redrow Homes (Southern), said: “This is a fascinating project, which will mark the anniversary of a major milestone for modern air travel. We are delighted we could help towards what will be a tremendous achievement for the project team at FAST. 

“Redrow places great importance on supporting the communities in which it builds and, as our new homes development is in close proximity to the FAST museum where this aircraft is being put together, we were delighted to be able to offer our assistance. To see the project gradually taking shape is a great reminder of the remarkable history of this site.”

Redrow also has some high flying plans of its own with the 12-acre Farnborough Central development, which will eventually feature a mix of 85 refurbished apartments, in existing buildings of historic interest, plus 194 new-build apartments and 54 new townhouses that will be sympathetically designed with art deco and modernist influences.

Redrow’s homes will be alongside two of the most interesting aeronautical legacies of the former RAE – a pair of Grade 1 listed wind tunnel buildings. The largest, a 24 ft wind tunnel, was used to test full-sized aircraft prototypes, while the transonic wind tunnel was used to test aircraft including Concorde.  These buildings are being retained and restored by Segro (Slough Estates Group), who are developing commercial property nearby.
For sales information call 01252 511101 or log on to www.farnboroughcentral.redrow.co.uk.