Selected by the Indian Government for VVIP transportation, the first Viscount (IU 683) arrived at Palam on 13th February 1956, followed by a second aircraft (IU 684). On strength of the H.Q. Communication Squadron, the Viscounts were the prime air transport of the President, Prime Minister Nehru and high dignitaries during visits of State. In April 1960, the Chinese Prime Minister Chou Enlai was provided an airlift in the President’s Viscount (“Raj Humsa”) from Rangoon to New Delhi with a ceremonial escort by I.A.F Vampires.
The Viscounts had a “custom-styled” interior, the main compartment spaciously arranged with armchairs and tables, all positioned to take maximum advantage of the Viscount’s large windows.
Minute cracks detected in the spars necessitated frequent grounding and the Tupolev Tu-124 was selected as the VVIP aircraft replacement. The Viscounts were sold to Indian Airlines in January 1967.
Notes :
The prototype Viscount flew for the first time in July 1948; the Series 700 were the original version of this widely used commercial airliner. A medium range 40-53 seat transport, the Viscount was manufactured at Weybridge, Surrey, England by the aircraft division of Vickers-Armstrong Ltd. and a total of 285 Series 700 Viscounts were built, some in executive and VIP configuration. The Viscount 700 was powered by four Rolls Royce Dart 510 turbo-props of 1670 e.h p. each.
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Performance | Max. speed at optimum altitude 370 m.p.b. (595 km./hr.) at 20,000 ft. (6,095 m.) |
| Service ceiling 28,800 ft. (8,778 m.) | |
| Absolute range 2,025 miles (3,258 km.) | |
| Weights | Empty 35,500 lb. (15,220 kg.) |
| Max. loaded 58,500 lb. (26,570 kg.) | |
| Dimensions | Span 94 ft. (28.65 m.) |
| Length 81 ft. 2 in. (24.74 m.) | |
| Height 26 ft. 9 in. (8.15 m.) | |
| Wing area 963 sq. ft. (89.45 sq. m.) |
