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[markrl]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the Great Vickers VC10 still flying after 40 years. As for the De Haviland Comet I'm not so sure it was that fine an example of British engineering. It may have been the worlds first Jetliner but the early ones were fatally flawed death traps. Rushed development and a lack of understanding of metal fatigue resulted in frequent crashes and many deaths. This rather blotted its copybook, caused a big loss of confidance and proved to be a bad omen for the future of British aviation.

Still Boeing learnt from Britains rushed and inept effort, built the 707 and never looked back   .  

[wakeyomega]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the Great Vickers VC10 still flying after 40 years. As for the De Haviland Comet I'm not so sure it was that fine an example of British engineering. It may have been the worlds first Jetliner but the early ones were fatally flawed death traps. Rushed development and a lack of understanding of metal fatigue resulted in frequent crashes and many deaths. This rather blotted its copybook, caused a big loss of confidance and proved to be a bad omen for the future of British aviation.

Still Boeing learnt from Britains rushed and inept effort, built the 707 and never looked back   .  

It certainly had its problems, in fact the world learnt about metal fatigue through that terrible experience, however it was overcome and the Comet flies on even today in the guise of the RAF Nimrod, albeit extensively modified.