The Bellamy Hillborne B.H.1 Halcyon was an all-wood four-seater with retractable nose wheel undercarriage, powered by two 105 h.p Walter Minor engines. Designed by R.J.Hillborne and built at Eastleigh by the Hampshire Aero Club under the direction of Vivian H.Bellamy 1960-61.
One aircraft only built: G-ARIO. C/n HAC.5., registered (C of R R7117/1) to Vivian H. Bellamy 30.1.61. Construction well advanced by May 1961 and engines run September 1961, but the project was abandoned when the aircraft was damaged during taxiing trials at Eastleigh Airport, Southampton, Hampshire 17.2.1962. Reportedly G-ARIO collided with Hampshire Aeroplane Club’s hangar and was wrecked.
The damage suffered in taxiing trials was severe, namely a fracture of the centre section rear spar which rendered the Halcyon beyond economic repair and thus the project was abandoned, the aeroplane was put into storage and eventually its remains were burned.
Despite this, the registration was not cancelled until eleven years later – on 13.9.73 – as P.W.F.U. (“Permanently Withdrawn From Use”)
Wingspan: 30.05 ft
Length: 23.0 ft
All Aero 