General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Handley Page Dart Herald Channel Express model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Handley Page Dart Herald Channel Express model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Handley Page Dart Herald Channel Express model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Handley Page Dart Herald of Channel Express: An Aviation Classic

The Handley Page Dart Herald, notably operated by Channel Express, stands out as a quintessential example of British aeronautical engineering during the mid-20th century. Developed initially by Handley Page in the 1950s, the Dart Herald was designed to serve as a robust regional airliner, and it later found a significant role with Channel Express, among other airlines. This article delves into the technical specifications and operational history of the Handley Page Dart Herald, emphasizing its service with Channel Express.

Development and Design

The Handley Page Dart Herald was initially conceptualized to meet the growing demand for short-haul airliners in the post-war era. The aircraft’s development was marked by a transition from the original piston engines to the more reliable and powerful Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines. This shift not only improved performance but also enhanced the aircraft’s appeal in a competitive market.

Technical Specifications

• Aircraft Type: Turboprop airliner
• Manufacturer: Handley Page
• Introduction: 1959
• Powerplant: Two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines, providing a blend of efficiency and reliability, crucial for short to medium-haul flights.
• Capacity: Typically configured to carry between 40 and 50 passengers, making it ideal for regional airline services.
• Range: Approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers), allowing for comfortable operations across Europe without the need for refueling.
• Cruise Speed: Around 290 mph (467 km/h), a competitive speed that reduced travel times significantly compared to earlier propeller-driven models.
• Dimensions:
  • Wingspan: 93 feet (28.4 meters)
  • Length: 71 feet 6 inches (21.8 meters)
  • Height: 24 feet 3 inches (7.4 meters)

Operational History with Channel Express:

Channel Express, an airline based in the United Kingdom, operated the Dart Herald during the crucial years of its expansion in freight and passenger services. The aircraft’s robust design and reliable performance made it a staple for Channel Express’s operations, particularly in carrying automotive parts and perishable goods across the British Isles and into continental Europe.

The Dart Herald’s ability to operate from shorter runways and its durability in various weather conditions made it especially valuable for Channel Express, which often flew into less accessible airports. The reliability of the Rolls-Royce Dart engines was a key factor in minimizing downtime and maintaining a tight schedule, essential for cargo operations.

Legacy and Impact:

The Handley Page Dart Herald’s impact on regional aviation, particularly through its service with Channel Express, is noteworthy. Despite being overshadowed in later years by more modern aircraft, the Dart Herald remains a symbol of a transitional era in aviation, bridging the gap between the piston-engine airliners of the early post-war period and the turboprop and jet airliners that would dominate later decades.

In conclusion, the Handley Page Dart Herald, particularly in its role with Channel Express, represents a fascinating chapter in aviation history, characterized by innovation, adaptation, and enduring service. Its technical specifications and operational reliability underscore its significance as a workhorse of regional air travel during its time.