Abbott-Baynes Sailplanes Ltd was an early glider manufacturing company based in Farnham, Surrey, England. It was founded as a subsidiary of E. D. Abbott Ltd in 1931^{[citation needed]} by L. E. Baynes and E.D. Abbott to build the Scud Sailplane, a glider designed by Baynes in 1930 and previously built by Brant Aircraft Limited at Croydon. The Scud was popular, and in 1932 a Scud II model was launched. In 1935, a Scud II flown by Mungo Buxton took the British Height Record for a glider to 8,750 feet (2666 m).

Also in 1935, the Scud III was rolled out. An important customer requested a sailplane which could be launched unaided and suggested a retractable engine. When fitted with such an engine the glider was called the Auxiliary. (Baynes later went into partnership with Sir John Carden as Carden Baynes Aircraft Ltd of Heston, Middlesex to build the Carden Baynes Auxiliary.

In 1935, Abbott-Baynes Sailplanes took part in the Flying Flea craze by launching the Abbott Baynes Flea, which with its massed balanced front wing was a highly advanced small aircraft.

A Scud 2 built in 1935 is still airworthy and is believed to be the oldest flying glider in the United Kingdom.

[edit] Sources

• The SCUD Sailplanes
• Britain’s Flea Craze

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