Dear all
The Wight Aviation Museum would like to pay tribute to founding member and former trustee Tony Smart, who recently passed away following a short illness at the age of 87.
Tony joined the steering group of the Wight Aviation Museum in 2016 before going on to become the museums technical director and a trustee. His many years of experience in aviation and engineering proved invaluable in guiding the museum forward.
He also became project manager of the Saunders Roe Black Arrow replica taking on this challenging display, to create a full-size replica of the 1960’s rocket.
He approached the project with great enthusiasm and a steely determination to make it happen, working with various Island based manufacturers and suppliers to create the 14m high structure.
He used his knowledge from working in aviation manufacturing to great effect designing the main structure of the rocket based on the principles of aircraft design, he also created an ingenious way of lifting the rocket into the vertical position using the minimum amount of equipment, ensuring there are no complicated parts to wrong.
More information on this project can be found via the link below:
Tony Smart spent his working life in Aviation, after 12 years he left the RAF finishing as a Chief Technician, he then worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer while studying for his CAA flight engineering licenses.
His last full-time post was Head of Quality at Britten-Norman and he was also a qualified lead auditor for the Aerospace sector.
His most recent project for the museum had been to refurbish an original 1950’s Viper Jet engine having secured this as a donation. The museum hopes to display this in the near future.
Tony also helped the organise the 2024 Science Festival on the Isle of Wight, and had a passion for sharing his engineering know-how to encourage the next generation to study maths and science. The event was supported by 23 local Companies/Organisations and attended by 400 (11-13) and 200 (15-18) youngsters.
Tony was also an active member of the Royal Aeronautical Society for over 40 years.
All at the Wight Aviation Museum would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
The replica Black Arrow rocket has proven extremely popular with visitors to both the museum and Sandown Airfield, and now stands as a fitting tribute to Tony.
