Unknown Aircraft Pod

Canberra looks very likely, the lights on the end of the wing look the same on the below image

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Regards Ian

Yes, that's it. I wonder if the pod, which seems to have been mounted further outboard than the pylon, was used to film stores release from the pylon.

Paul wrote:

The photo was taken by the engineering instrument department at Hatfield. There is no date. I always thought it was to do with engine testing but maybe the propeller company and guided missiles WH735 (Blue Jay / Firestreak) for example.

If you mean WH735 is the tail number (which was a Canberra) then that is consistent with the lettering you can just see in your first picture and in fact the second picture.

This from ADF Serials.

WJ978 B.2 Built by Avro 17/07/53 (one of 75 built by A.V.Roe & Co at Woodford).
Delivered to RAF as WJ978.
To De Havilland Propellers Hatfield for Blue Jay trials 29/03/56.
Delivered to RAAF 14/05/57 at Edinburgh SA.
To 12JSTU at WRE 30/05/57.
Re-allocated to Red Top and Jindivik trials 30/12/59 .
Instrument checking and Blue Steel range safety aircraft 05/02/60.
Red Top trials 28/04/62.
This aircraft suffered a starboard engine flame out on 07/03/58 and was forced to make an emergency landing.
The RAAF status card shows a number of engine changes and modifications being carried out.
Struck off charge 31/07/62.
On 25/02/63 the aircraft was reduced to components.
Highlight for Album: Canberra WJ978

Might help.

Regards Ian

Just been soaking up Hikoki's new 'Black Box Canberras' by David Forster. So far I've not found a picture showing that particular camera pod, but I think the aircraft is actually WH700. This Canberra was allocated to DH Propellers for Blue Jay [Firestreak] trials and with WJ978 it went to 12 JSTU.

EDIT: Forget all after good evening!

Found a pic in the new Hikoki:

The aircraft is WJ755 - a Canberra B6 used for Spectre rocket motor trials. There is a picture on page 81 of the new book.

Nice one! Great find.

I really enjoy these detective hunts!