Britain's biggest airliner makes first test Flight at Hamble. Flying at Hundred and 50 Miles an Hour. Britain's biggest airliner, the Armstrong Whitworth Ensign (G-ADSR) first of the 20 t Ensign class, made her first test flight at Hamble, Hampshire. With Flight Lt C K Turner Hughes as pilot, the giant plane made a series of taxing tests and then took off. The pilot says she 'handles wonderfully and is beautifully quiet'. The liner which has seats for 42 people, is powered by four engines developing a total of 3400 hp. Photo shows, the copilots after the test flight, Flight Lt C Turner Hughes and flight Lt E S Greenwood beside the plane. 24 January 1938.