The Needles Isle of Wight England UK Great Britain
Image details
Contributor:
Patrick Eden / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
AA86TXFile size:
75.7 MB (4.1 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
6300 x 4200 px | 53.3 x 35.6 cm | 21 x 14 inches | 300dpiMore information:
The High Down Test Site is a rare example of a 1950s British rocket test facility, built at a time when the country was amongst a handful of nations at the forefront of rocket and missile technology. Internationally, large rocket testing facilities of this date are uncommon, and were restricted to the two Superpowers - the United States and the Soviet Union. It is also a visible reminder of the Isle of Wight’s aviation heritage, in such specialized fields as flying boats, rocket powered interceptor fighter and hovercraft, and in particular its contribution to space technology. Most of the site’s ancillary buildings have been demolished and the metal work of the test stands removed, nevertheless, its plan form and remaining features may be used to understand the operation of a post-war rocket test facility. The site and surrounding down land is owned by the National Trust and is publicly accessible.