After a brief period in storage, the sole Type 545 was donated as an instructional aid to College of Aeronautics at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire; it was eventually scrapped in 1967.

[2] At this stage, the Swift programme was in development and its shortcomings were yet to become apparent, this fortunate timing is a factor that aviation author Derek Wood accredits as a major reason for Supermarine's submission having received greater favour over Hawker's bid amongst RAF officials reviewing the two proposals.

[4] One of the most visually prominent feature of the Type 545 was its unorthodox crescent-shaped wing, which was envisioned as heavily contributing to the aircraft's performance characteristics, particularly during supersonic speeds.

[7] The aircraft's structure comprised a relatively thick exterior skin supported by a thin closely-positioned spanwise web underneath that was claimed to provide the fuselage with an above-average strength-to-weight ratio amongst its contemporaries.

[2] The aircraft was powered by a single Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet, which was fitted with reheat, and supplied with air via elliptical intake near the nose.

[11] The first of the prototypes, serial number XA181, had been completed at Hursley Park and was preparing for its maiden flight when news was received of the contract's formal cancellation on 25 March 1956.

The second aircraft, XA186, which was to be furnished with a more powerful model of the Avon engine that was to enable a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 to be achieved, was cancelled prior to construction of the airframe being commenced.