n/a

Current boat name

n/a

Boat class

6839

Sail number

ABIII

Number

4030

Function

Service

Type

Length (m / ft)

7.2 / 23ft 6in

Beam (m / ft)

1.65 / 5ft 6in

Leeward

Keel - fin

Masts

1

Propulsion

Engine/sail/oar

Designer

Fox Uffa

Design date

1942

Date of build

1943

Place of build

Brightlingsea

Present use

Museum/RAF

Mk 1A This type of airborne lifeboat was carried by Hudson, Warwick and later by Lancaster aircraft of Coastal Command and from 1943 provided the Royal Air Force with a means of giving rapid assistance to ditched aircrew. These lifeboats were used operationally for the first time in 5th June 1943 when a Hudson of 279 Squadron dropped one to the crew of a ditched Halifax of 102 Squadron. This particular craft was built by Aldous Successors at Brightlingsea, Essex, originally as No. AB III, which was later converted/reclassified /renumbered as Dinghy Sail Training No 4030 around 1946, as the first of a batch serialled 4030 - 4067, along with other surviving Mk 1/1A Airborne lifeboats, all struck off charge by the end of July 1950.It was written off RAF charge on 13 February 1949.It was cosmetically restored and rebuilt by Vospers during 1991, and left unpainted to show its double diagonal hull construction. Now in main aircraft hall ('Historic Hangars') at RAFM Hendon. The original design by Lieutenant Robb was improved by Uffa Fox and in all 400 were built in small boatyards througout the Country. GH Sep 2011. SIGNIFICANCE: Classic design by Uffa Fox for an unmanned lifeboat which could be parachuted into the sea to assist downed aircrew 1943 to 1950's two wooden versions and one light alloy. Adopted by the USAF GH Oct 2009 Details from RAF Marine Craft Class Directory Volume Five - Airborne Lifeboats & Inflatable Dingies (Holtham, Comp) October 2009