In 1978, the Royal Aeronautical Society announced a design competition for a trainer/touring light aircraft. Specifics were published in an article published in Aerospace in October 1978. There were a total of 40 applicants, and the competition was won by A. J. Greenhalgh with his BA 1 design.

Alan J. Greenhalgh CEng, FRAeS (b. 25 November, 1925 in Hucknall, Nottingham – d. May 1982, Bedford, Beds.) started his career with Avro before being headhunted for Beagle. On the collapse of Beagle, he went to Link-Miles before ending his career at Vinten.

1. Flight 11 Oct 1980
2. Flight 18 Oct 1980
3. Air Pictorial Dec 1979
4. Ducted Fan Design Volume 1, Propulsion Physics and Design of Fans and Long-Chord Ducts, F. Marc de Piolenc & George E. Wright Jr, 2001.