------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Version of 4 July 1997 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --0-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --A-------------------------------------------------------------------------- A.1 Scout, Alcock (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat fighter biplane designed by John Alcock, better known as the pilot of the first transatlantic flight in 1919. It used components of several Sopwith aircraft, and only the rear fuselage and vertical tail surfaces were new. One built. Type: A.1 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget 9Z Wing Span: 7.93m Length: 5.82m Height: 2.36m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm A.10, Saunders (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Sesquiplane fighter of all-metal construction. Performance and handling were disappointing. One built. Type: A.10 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 480hp R.R. F.XI Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.44m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 25.36m2 Empty Weight: 1213kg Max.Weight: 1633kg Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 8840m Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm A.14, Saunders (I-GB-AF-X-B-N-?) Experimental flying boat. The A.14 combined the surfaces of the Supermarine {Southampton} with a new, metal hull. It was intended to evaluate the hull design, which used mainly straight frames, and was externally corrugated. A.37, Saro (S-GB-AF-X-NH-N-AI4) This was a half-scale flying model of the S.38 design for a large four-engined patrol flying boat. The results of this research effort were used for the Short {Shetland} flying boat, which was produced in cooperation with Saro. Type: A.37 Function: experimental Year: 1939 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 95hp Pbjoy Niagara IV Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: AD.1, Wight (F-GB-AS-B|A-B-T-IL2&ILP1) The AD.1 was designed by the Air Department of the Admiralty, but built by Wight. It was a large twin-boom biplane, with a small central "greenhouse" nacelle. It was designed to attack warships with an 18-in torpedo, or a 12-pounder gun. For this role it was also provided with generous armour. The overweight AD.1 had great difficulty to get airborne, even after the original 250hp engines were replaced by 310hp and then by 450hp engines. Two built. Type: AD.1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1916 Crew: Engines: 3 * 450hp Sunbeam Viking Wing Span: 35.66m Length: 19.6m Height: Wing Area: 185m2 Empty Weight: 10160kg Max.Weight: 12700kg Speed: 135km/h Ceiling: 1500m Range: 885km Armament: 1*gmg7.7mm, one 18-in torpedo A.D.C.1 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The Aircraft Disposal Company developed the A.D.C.1 from the Martinsyde {F.4}, by fitting a radial Armstrong-Siddeley engine to it. It was ordered by Latvia, that received eight aircraft. Type: A.D.C.1 Function: fighter Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 380hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar Wing Span: 9.98m Length: 7.62m Height: Wing Area: 29.73m2 Empty Weight: 846kg Max.Weight: 1202kg Speed: 262km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm A.E.1, Royal Aircraft Factory (E-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) Also known as the {F.E.3}. A.E.3 Ram, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-AF-B-T-ILP1) Ground-attack fighter developed from the {N.E.1}. It had an armoured nacelle and twin forward-firing Lewis guns. Three built. Type: A.E.3 Function: attack Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1* 200hp Hispano Wing Span: 14.59m Length: 8.44m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: 52.02m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm AFB-1, Austin-Ball (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Fighter developed in cooperation with the 'ace' Albert Ball. It was a good fighter, but was not accepted for production because the {Camel} and {SE.5}a were already available. One of the guns fired through the propeller shaft. One built. Type: AFB-1 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 145kW Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 6.55m Height: 2.82m Wing Area: 26.94m2 Empty Weight: 692kg Max.Weight: 942kg Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Airacobra, Bell (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The Bell {P-39} Airacobra in British service. Air Horse, Cierva W-11 (P-GB-H-C-R3-N-IL1) Largest helicopter in the world when it first flew. It had three rotors, two on its left and one on it right side. One built. Type: Air Horse Function: transport Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1620hp R.R. Merlin 24 Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: 530km Load: 24 seats, 1705kg Ajax, Armstrong Whitworth (I-GB-A-AT-B-N-?) Name given to three prototypes similar to the {Atlas}. Albacore, Fairey (S-GB-AC-A-B-N-AR1) To replace the obsolete {Swordfish} biplane the RN ordered another biplane, the Albacore. The Albacore had refinements, such as an enclosed cockpit and better streamlining; but it was obsolete when it entered service and lacked the qualities that had made the Swordfish successful. It was retired before the Swordfish. 800 built. Type: Albacore Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 843kW Bristol Taurus XII Wing Span: 15.24m Length: 12.14m Height: 4.32m Wing Area: 57.88m2 Empty Weight: 3289kg Max.Weight: 4745kg Speed: 256km/h Ceiling: 6310m Range: 1500km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm, 730kg Albemarle, Armstrong Whitworth (S-GB-A-BCU-N-N-ARW1) The Albemarle was designed as a light bomber built from non-strategic materials. It was built from wood and steel instead of aluminium alloys, and suitable for construction in dispersed factories. It was a clean aircraft with a tricycle undercarriage. Performance was mediocre, and it was used mainly as glider tug and transport. 602 built. Type: Albemarle Mk. I Function: bomber Year: 1941 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1590hp Bristol Hercules XI Wing Span: 23.47m Length: 18.26m Height: 4.75m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 10240kg Max.Weight: Speed: 426km/h Ceiling: 5500m Range: 2160km Armament: 6*mg7.7mm 1360kg Aldershot, Avro (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Single-engined 'heavy' bomber, a biplane with generous proportions. Its service was brief and limited; only a few were built due to financial constraints and a change of policy. Type: Aldershot III Function: bomber Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 650hp R.R. Condor III Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 1005km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm b910kg Aldon, Messerschmitt (S-D-A-U-LN-N-AI1) Name given to the Messerschmitt {Bf 108} Taifun in British service. About 20 were used by the RAF. Amiens, Airco DH.10 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) See {DH.10}. Andover, Avro Ambulance version of the {Aldershot}, with a new bulbuous fuselage. The Andover handled well, but the type did not enter production. Andover, BAe / Hawker Siddeley (M-GB-A-C-NL-N-WT2) The Andover was the Hs.748 low-wing, twin-turboprop transport in military service. The RAF bought 31 as tactical transports and some other as VIP transport. A number of calibration aircraft are also still in service. The Hs.748 was also used by a number of other military forces. In India, HAL has license-built the Hs 748, and even built a prototype for an AEW version of it, with a radar dish. 382 built. Type: H.S. 748 srs 2B Function: transport Year: 1979 Crew: 2/3 Engines: 2 * 1700kW R.R. Dart Mk.555 Wing Span: 31.23m Length: 20.42m Height: 7.57m Wing Area: 77m2 Empty Weight: 11644kg Max. Weight: 23133kg Speed: 452km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 2485km Load: 60 seats Anson, Avro 652 (S-GB-A-CTP-NL-N-ARW2) The Anson was a small low-wing, twin engined monoplane. It was designed as a civilian mailplane, but could easily be modified to a patrol aircraft for Coastal Command. Later it was also used on a large scale as trainer. 'Faithful Annie' was finally withdrawn from RAF service in May 1968! 11022 were built. Type: Anson Mk. I Function: trainer Year: 1936 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 320hp Armstrong Siddelay Cheetah IX Speed: 303km/h Ceiling: 5950m Range: 1270km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 163kg Antelope, Avro (I-GB-A-B-B-N-?-IL1) Light day bomber, 1926. The Antelope competed with the Hawker {Hart}. It had equivalent performance, but the Hart was considered easier to maintain. Ara, Armstrong-Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat fighter, too late for WWI and equipped with the unreliable ABC Dragonfly radial engine. Type: Ara Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Wing Span: 8.35m Length: 6.17m Height: 2.39m Wing Area: 23.87m2 Empty Weight: 599kg Max.Weight: 875kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Argosy, Hawker Siddeley (P-GB-A-C-HN-T-WT4) Four-engined, twin-boom transport aircraft. The inner engines were installed in the booms. The fuselage ended in doors that opened upwards and downwards. As was the case with all big RAF transports, few were ordered: 56. Type: Argosy C Mk.1 Function: transport Year: 1961 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 1820kW R.R. Dart RDa.8 Mk 101 Wing Span: 35.05m Length: 27.18m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 46720kg Speed: 431km/h at 6100m Ceiling: 5500m Range: 5230km Load: 13150kg, 69seats Argus, Fairchild (S-USA-A-U-NH-N-AR1) Fairchild model 24, a high-wing liaison monoplane, known to the USAAF as U{C-61} or U{C-68}. Type: 24-G Function: transport Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 108kW Warner Scarab 50 Wing Span: 11.07m Length: 7.26m Height: 2.24m Wing Area: 16.09m2 Empty Weight: 669kg Max.Weight: 1089kg Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: 5030m Range: 764km Load: 2-3 seats Aries, Armstrong Whitworth (GB-A-AT-B-N-AR1-I) Version of the {Altas}, modified for easier maintenance. Prototype only. Armadillo, Armstrong-Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat fighter. The deep, rectanguar fuselage filled the gap between the wings; a rectangular fairing over the top of the engine cowling covered the guns. The handling was poor, and development was abandoned. Type: Armadillo Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 220hp Bentley BR2 Wing Span: 8.46m Length: 5.74m Height: 2.38m Wing Area: 21.55m2 Empty Weight: 567kg Max.Weight: 844kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.75hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm AS.31, Gloster (I-GB-A-?-?-?-AR?2) Multi-purpose development of the {D.H.67}. Two 525 hp Bristol Jupiter IX engines. Two built. A.S.45, Oxford (S-GB-A-T-N-N-AR2) Low-wing monoplane trainer. Two built. Type: A.S. 45 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Bristol Mercury VII Speed: 365km/h Ceiling: 7565m Range: 1090km Ashton, Avro (P-GB-A-X-N-N-JW4) The Ashton was a research aircraft for jet engine development, It was based on the Avro Tudor airliner, using surplus fuselages. Normally, the Ashton had four jet engines, grouped in pairs in elliptical nacelles attached to the underside of the wing. It was also used for the development of new bombing equipment. Six built. Type: Ashton Mk.1 Function: experimental Year: 1951 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * R.R. Nene 5 Wing Span: 36.6m Length: 27.28m Height: 9.53m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 37230kg Speed: 708km/h Ceiling: Range: 2415km Armament: Athena, Avro 701 (P-GB-A-T-?-N-IL1) Two-seat trainer. The original design used a Mamba turboprop, but this was later replaced by the more proven R.R. Merlin. Only 24 built, because the RAF preferred the {Balliol}. Type: Athena T.2 Function: trainer Year: 1949 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 945kW R.R. Merlin 35 Speed: 472km/h Ceiling: 8840m Range: 885km Armament: 4*r27kg Atlas, Armstrong Whitworth (GB-A-AT-B-N-AR1-I) Army co-operation and trainer biplane. Unimpressive, but reliable. It was also the standard trainer of the RAF for some time. About 440 were built. Type: Atlas Function: reconnaissance Year: 1927 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 330kW Armstrong Whitworth Jaguar IVC Speed: 229km/h Ceiling: 5120m Range: 770km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 137kg Attacker, Supermarine (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-J1) This straight-wing jet fighter used the wing of the {Spiteful} piston-engined fighter with a new fuselage. It also retained the tailwheel undercarriage, which was not very fit for a jet aircraft. The Attacker was a very unsophisticated jet fighter, especially taking into account that it was a contemporary of the {MiG-15} and {F-86} Sabre. The performance was insufficient to attract RAF interest, but the RN used 145 of them and 36 were sold to Pakistan. Type: Attacker F Mk.1 Function: fighter Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 21.25kN R.R. Nene 3 Wing Span: 11.25m Length: 11.43m Height: 3.02m Wing Area: 21.03m2 Empty Weight: 4495kg Max.Weight: 7870kg Speed: 949km/h Ceiling: 13715m Range: 1915km Armament: 4*g20mm Audax, Hawker (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1|AR1) Variant of the {Hart} for the Army co-operation role. It had long exhaust pipes, a message pick-up hook, wheel brakes, and equipment for desert operations. It saw widespread use both in the UK and in the colonies. The RAF bought 624. The Audaxes sold to the Iraqi Army had radial engines. The last Audaxes, in India and Iraq, were not retired before 1941. Those based in Iraq flew combat missions during WWII. Type: Audax Mk.I Function: observation / bomber Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 395kW R.R. Kestrel IB Wing Span: 11.35m Length: 9.02m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.33m2 Empty Weight: 1333kg Max.Weight: 1989kg Speed: 272km/h Ceiling: 6555m Range: 845km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Auster, Taylorcraft (S-GB-A-UP-HN-N-AI1) The Auster -- of American origin -- was a high-wing monoplane, the standard liaison and observation aircraft of the British forces during WWII. The pilots were artillery officers, but the aircraft were operated by the RAF until 1957. The Auster was in service until 1964, then was replaced by light helicopters. 2044 built. Type: Auster Mk. IV Function: observation Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 95kW Lycoming O-290-3 Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: 4500m Range: 480km Armament: Avenger, Avro 566 and 567 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The Avenger was an elegantly streamlined fighter biplane. It did not attract orders, and the prototype was later modified to become the Avro 527 Avenger II racing aircraft. One built. Type: Avenger I Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 525hp Napier Lion VIII Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.77m Height: 3.12m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 1074kg Max.Weight: 1460kg Speed: 290km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Avenger, Grumman (S-USA-AC-AB-MN-N-AR1) The American {TBF} Avenger torpedo-bomber. Type: TBF-1C Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 1700hp Wright R-2600-8 Speed: 414km/h Ceiling: 6525m Range: 2236km Armament: 3*mg12.7mm 1*mg7.62mm b906kg Avocet, Avro 584 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) All-metal shipboard fighter biplane. The Avocet had a sleek fuselage of circular cross-section and large, angular biplane wings. Its landing gear was interchangeable wheels or floats. Performance was insufficient. Two built. Type: Avocet Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 180hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 7.46m Height: 3.56m Wing Area: 28.61m2 Empty Weight: 735kg Max.Weight: 1132kg Speed: 214km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Avro 500 (E-GB-A-UT-B-N-AR1) Development of the {Avro E}. 21 built. Type: 500 Function: Year: 1912 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 33kW Gnome Avro 501 (E-GB-A-UT-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane. One built. 1 * 75kW Gnome engine. Avro 503 (E-GB-A-UT-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane. Four built. 1 * 75kW Gnome engine. Avro 504 (F-GB-A|AS-TFB-B-N-AR1) Standard RAF biplane trainer of WWI, the British equivalent of the Curtiss JN. Also used briefly as fighter and bomber, and postwar by air shows. The 504 was also built in Belgium, Australia, Japan, Canada and the USSR. 8340 were built, with the production continuing until 1933. Type: 504K Function: trainer Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110hp Le Rhone Wing Span: 10.97m Length: 8.97m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 30.66m2 Empty Weight: 558kg Max.Weight: 830kg Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: 4875m Range: 402km Avro 521 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat fighter, built with a number of {Avro 504} components. One built, an order for 25 was cancelled. Type: 521 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget 9Z Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 8.58m Height: Wing Area: 24.71m2 Empty Weight: 522kg Max.Weight: 905kg Speed: 145km/h Ceiling: Range: 4.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Avro 523 Pike (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ILBP2) See Pike. Avro 527 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Fighter derivative of the {Avro 504}. The 527 had a modified fuselage and a liquid-cooled engine. One built. Type: 527 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Sunbeam Nubian Wing Span: 10.97m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Avro 529 (F-GB-A-B-?-?-?2) Twin-engined bomber of 1917. No production. Avro 530 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter, competing with the Bristol {F.2}A for orders. The 530 had a deep rectangular fuselage, and a remarkable ducted propeller for the cooling system. Performance was good, but not good enough to justify production, and the engine was in short supply. Two built. Type: 530 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza 8Bd Wing Span: 10.97m Length: 8.69m Height: 2.92m Wing Area: 30.23m2 Empty Weight: 769kh Max.Weight: 1216kg Speed: 183km/h Ceiling: 18000ft Range: 4hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Avro 531 Spider (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) See {Spider}. Avro 566 Avenger See {Avenger}. Avro 567 Avenger See {Avenger}. Avro 584 Avocet See {Avocet}. Avro 626 (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) Single-engined biplane trainer. Avro 641 Cadet (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) Precursor of the {Avro 643} {Cadet}. Avro 643 Cadet (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) See {Cadet}. Avro 707 (P-GB-A-X-D-N-J1) Delta wing test aircraft. The 707 was a little jet with a dorsal intake that provided aerodynamic data for the Vulcan bomber. Five were built. Type: 707A Function: experimental Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1587kg R.R. Derwent 5 Avro 720 (P-GB-A-F-?-?-?) Design for a rocket-propelled point defence fighter, competing with the Saunders-Roe {SR.53}. Cancelled. Avro 730 (P-GB-A-R-?-?-J2) Design for a long-range, high-altitude supersonic reconaissance aircraft. The Avro 730 was yet another victim of the 1957 Defence White Paper; the unfinished prototype was scrapped. It would have carried "Red Drover", the first SLAR. Type: Avro 730 Function: reconaissance / bomber Year: 1955 Crew: Engines: ? * 14430lb Rolls-Royce RA.24R Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: M.2.5 Ceiling: Range: Armament: Avro E (E-GB-A-UT-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane, precursor of the {Avro 500}. Type: E Function: Year: 1912 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 45kW E.N.V. Speed: 80km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Avro G (E-GB-A-UT-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane with enclosed cockpit. Type: G Function: Year: 1912 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 45kW Green A.W.16, Armstrong Whitworth (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Fighter biplane, developed in land- and carrier-based versions. 20 were built, of which 17 were delivered to China. Type: A.W.16 Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 540hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther IIIA Wing Span: 10.06m Length: 7.62m Height: 3.50m Wing Area: 24.24m2 Empty Weight: 1597kg Max.Weight: Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: Range: 2hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm A.W.49, Armstrong Whitworth (S-GB-A-F-N-T-?) Project for a twin-boom fighter with a laminar flow wing. Not built. A.W.50, Armstrong Whitworth (S-GB-A-B-?-F-J4) Project for a flying wing bomber, with a laminar flow wing, and powered by four Metropolitan-Vickers F2/4A Beryl engines. Cancelled at the end of WWII. A.W.51, Armstrong Whitworth (P-GB-AG-X-?-F-N) Tailless glider, aerodynamic prototype of the A.W.50. Not built; replaced by the A.W.52 design. A.W.52, Armstrong Whitworth (P-GB-A-X-N-F-J2) Tailless research aircraft, a swept-wing design with fins on the wingtips. The wing changed sweep at about half-span. The A.W.52 was intended to evaluate laminar flow wings, and much attention was given to surface finish, to the point of not painting national markings on the wing out of fear that they would disrupt airflow. Three were built: an unpowered glider prototype, the A.W.52(G), an AW.52 with Nene engines, and an AW.52 with Derwent engines. The glider was much easier to fly than the powered ones. Type: A.W.52 Function: experimental Year: 1947 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 22.4kN R.R. Nene 2 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: A.W.58, Armstrong Whitworth (P-GB-A-X-HD-N-?) Design for a transsonic research aircraft, with a delta wing set a shoulder height and a T-tail of similar shape. Not built. A.W.59, Armstrong Whitworth (P-GB-A-F-S-N-?) Design for a fighter with a variable sweep wing. Not built. Awana, Armstrong Whitworth The Awana was offered in 1923 as a troop carrier. It was a much neater aircraft than the competing {Victoria}, but with a wing span of over 105ft, it was considered too large for service use. --B-------------------------------------------------------------------------- B.4, Auster (P-GB-A-U-HN-P-AI1) Utility transport. The B.4 was a high-wing monoplane with a bulky, rectangular fuselage, ending in loading doors with a tail boom above them. Type: B.4 Function: utility Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * Cirrus Bombardier 702? B12/36, Supermarine (S-GB-A-B-?-?-?4) Four-engined bomber, with a wing span of 28m. The Supermarine Type 317 had an elliptical wing and twin tailfins. The construction of the prototype was halted by German bombs, and the type was abandoned. Type: 317 Function: bomber Year: (1940) Crew: Engines: 4 * Bristol Hercules Wing Span: 28m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 531km/h at 5180m Ceiling: Range: Armament: B19/27, Vickers (?-GB-A-B-B-N-2) Twin-engined biplane bomber. Fuselage of rectangular cross-section, biplane tail. B.20, Blackburn (S-GB-AF-X-HN-N-IL2) Experimental flying boat. The B.20 tried to make water clearance and take-off wing incidence more compatible with streamlining, by making the planing bottom retractable. The stablilising floats were also retractable. The B.20 was powered by the unreliable R.R. Vulture engine, a failure of which may have caused the crashing of the prototype. One built. Type: B.20 Function: experimental Year: 1940 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1720hp R.R Vulture II Speed: 490km/h Ceiling: Range: 2400km Armament: B-54, Blackburn (P-GB-A-AP-N-N-T1) The Blackburn B-54 was designed as a two-seat carrier-borne ASW aircraft. It had an inverted gull wing, a strongly dihedralled tailplane, a large internal bomb bay and a retractable belly radar radome. The Napier Double Naiad turboprop engine was not available, so the two B-54s built had the R.R. Griffon engine. The operational version would have been the turboprop-engined {B-88}. Type: B-54 Function: ASW Year: 1949 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1491kW R.R. Griffon Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: B-88, Blackburn (P-GB-A-AP-N-N-T1) The B-88 was a development of the {B-54} with a Doube Mamba turboprop engine. The Fairey {Gannet} was selected for production; the single B-88 built was used for engine development. Type: B-88 Function: ASW Year: 1950 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 2200kW Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba Wing Span: 13.46m Length: 13m Height: 5.11m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 5938kg Speed: 515km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: B.90, Blackburn (P-GB-A-F-S-N-?) Design for a variable-sweep jet fighter. Not built. Baboon, BAT F.K.24 (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) An angular biplane, designed with easy production in mind. One built. Type: Baboon Function: trainer Year: 1919 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 15kW A.B.C. Wasp Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Baby, Sopwith (F-GB-AS|A-F-B-N-AR1) Float biplane, development of the Schneider. The Baby was armed with one fixed and synchronized gun, and sometimes also with two overwing guns. Other carried Le Prieur rockets, explosive darts, or light bombs. The Baby was used mainly as escort aircraft. 286 were built. Type: Baby Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 130hp Clerget Wing Span: 6.90m Length: 7.01m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: 22.30m2 Empty Weight: 556kg Max.Weight: Speed: 138km/h Ceiling: 2315m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Baby, Supermarine (F-GB-AF-F-B-N-ILBP1) A small shipboard flying-boat. Type: Baby Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp Hispano-Suiza Speed: 188km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: B.A.C. 221 (P-GB-A-X-D-N-J1) Modified Fairey Delta II to test the delta wing of the Concorde. Badger, Bristol F.2C (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane fighter, designed to replace the {F.2}B Fighter. It was designed for the unreliable ABC Dragonfly radial engine, and did not enter service. Britsol used the third prototype for engine development, fitting it was a Jupiter radial. Three built. Type: Badger I Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 320hp ABC Dragonfly I Wing Span: 11.20m Length: 7.21m Height: 2.76m Wing Area: 33.18m2 Empty Weight: 884kg Max.Weight: 1430kg Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm BAe 125, British Aerospace / Hawker Siddeley / De Havilland (P-GB-A-C-LS-N-FJ2) Former HS.125 or DH.125, a twin-jet business aircraft know also known as Hawker 125. The RAF used some as Dominie T. Mk.1 navigation trainers. Some BAe 125s are in service as VIP transports too. Type: BAe 125 srs 700 Function: transport Year: Crew: 2/3 Engines: 2 * 16.4kN Garrett AIResearch TFE731-3-1H Wing Span: 14.33m Length: 15.46m Height: 5.36m Wing Area: 32.79m2 Empty Weight: 5826kg Max.Weight: 11567kg Speed: 808km/h Ceiling: 12495m Range: 4315km Armament: 9/14 seats BAe 146, BAe (M-GB-A-C-HS-N-UJ4) The BAe four-turbofan airliner, a small aircraft designed for quiet operation and small airfields. Three are in service with the Queen's Flight. Type: BAe 146 srs 200 Function: transport Year: 1983 Crew: 2/3 Engines: 4 * 31kN Textron Lycoming ALF502R-5 Speed: 767km/h Ceiling: 11580m Range: 2910km Load: up to 112 seats BAe 748, British Aerospace (M-GB-A-C-NL-N-WT2) See {Andover}. Baffin, Blackburn B-5 (I-GB-AC-A-B-N-AR1) Development of the {Ripon} with a radial engine, inspired by the Finnish use of radial engines on Ripons. 99 built, of which 60 converted Baffins. Its service life was short because of the obsoleteness of the airframe; but New-Zealand used some until 1941. Type: Baffin Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 415kW Bristol Pegasus I M.3 Wing Span: 13.88m Length: 11.68m Height: Wing Area: 63.45m2 Empty Weight: 1444kg Max.Weight: 3452kg Speed: 219km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 907kg Bagshot, Bristol (I-GB-A-F-HN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined, heavy fighter. The Bagshot was a large shoulder-wing monoplane, intended to be armed with two 37mm cannon. It was abandoned when trials revealed shortcomings that required a complete redesign. One built. Type: Bagshot Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 450hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 21.34m Length: 13.69m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 78.04m2 Empty Weight: 2313kg Max.Weight: 3717kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg37mm 1*mg7.7mm Balliol, Boulton Paul (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-T1|IL1) Advanced trainer. The Balliol T.1 was the world's first aircraft with only turboprop power, a Rolls-Royce Dart engine. The Air Ministry changed its mind however, and the Balliol was first built with a R.R. Merlin piston engine and then cancelled. 162 built. The RN bought the {Sea Balliol}. Type: Balliol T.2 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 928kW R.R. Merlin 35 Wing Span: 11.99m Length: 10.71m Height: 3.81m Wing Area: 23.23m2 Empty Weight: 3403kg Max.Weight: 3815kg Speed: 463km/h Ceiling: 9905m Range: 1062km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm 4*r27kg Baltimore, Martin (S-USA-A-B-MN-N-ARW2) American bomber, known to the USAF as the {A-30}, but never used by the U.S. forces. It was a development of the {A-22} {Maryland} with a deeper fuselage. All 1575 built were delivered to the RAF. Type: Baltimore Mk. IV Function: bomber Year: 1941 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1238kW Wright R-2600-10 Wing Span: 18.69m Length: 14.80m Height: 5.41m Wing Area: 50.03m2 Empty Weight: 7013kg Max.Weight: 10251kg Speed: 491km/h Ceiling: 7100m Range: 1700km Armament: 6-8*mg7.7mm 6-2*mg7.62mm 907kg Bantam, BAT F.K.22 and F.K.23 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Late WWI fighter prototype. The F.K.22 Bantam II was designed for the ABC Mosquito engine, but later redesigned as F.K.23 Bantam I to accept the no more reliable ABC Wasp. The upper wing was fitted directly on top of the monococque fuselage, with the head of the pilot appearing through a circular hole in the upper wing. 10 built. Type: F.K.23 Bantam I Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 125kW A.B.C. Wasp I Wing Span: 7.62m Length: 5.61m Height: 2.06m Wing Area: 17.18m2 Empty Weight: 378kg Max.Weight: 599kg Speed: 206km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 2h 30m Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Barracuda, Fairey (S-GB-AC-A-HN-N-IL1) The first monoplane torpedo bomber of the RN. It was said that the Barracuda was designed by a committee and built in a madhouse. In fact, it was not that bad an aircraft, but early versions were seriously underpowered, and it was certainly ugly. The Barracuda was a shoulder-wing design with large slotted Fairey-Youngman flaps and a T-tail. 2572 were built. Type: Barracuda Mk. II Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 1223kW R.R. Merlin 32 Wing Span: 14.99m Length: 12.12m Height: 4.60m Wing Area: 34.09m2 Empty Weight: 4241kg Max.Weight: 6400kg Speed: 367km/h Ceiling: 5060m Range: 1101km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 744kg Basilisk, BAT F.K.25 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) WWI fighter prototype, too late for WWI and designed for the unreliable ABC Dragonfly radial engine. Two built. Type: Basilisk Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 235kW A.B.C. Dragonfly Wing Span: 7.72m Length: 6.22m Height: 2.49m Wing Area: 16.69m2 Empty Weight: 659kg Max.Weight: 990kg Speed: 229km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Basset, Beagle (P-GB-A-U-?-?-AIW2) Type: Basset CC Mk. 1 Function: utility Year: 1964 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 228kW R.R. Continental GIO-470-A Speed: 338km/h Ceiling: 5335m Range: 820km Armament: 6 seats Bat, Baynes (S-GB-AG-X-?-F-N) The Bat was all-wing glider, a flying 1/3 scale model of a large assault glider, capable of carrying a tank. The full-scale aircraft was never built. 1943. Battle, Fairey (S-GB-A-B-LN-N-IL1) Elegant single-engined monoplane bomber. The Battle was too big an aircraft to be powered by a single R.R. Merlin engine, and in May 1940 it was quickly demonstrated to be woefully vulnerable. The concept of this single-engined bomber was outdated. After 1940 only used as trainer and target tug. 2419 built. Type: Battle Mk.I Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 768kW R.R. Merlin I Wing Span: 16.46m Length: 12.90m Height: 4.72m Wing Area: 39.20m2 Empty Weight: 3015kg Max.Weight: 4895kg Speed: 414km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 1690km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 454kg Baynes Carrier Wing (S-GB-A-C-?-F-?) Project for a flying wing, to be attached to a medium tank or similar vehicle. A 1/3 scale aerodynamical prototype flew in 1943, but the project did not proceed any further. B.E.1, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-T-B-N-?) Biplane trainer. B.E.2, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-FRB-B-N-IL1) A stable reconaissance biplane. The B.E.2 was a good aircraft in 1914; in 1915 it was outdated. The observer/gunner sat in the front cockpit, a completely impractical arrangement in a tractor biplane. 3535 built. Some B.E.2c's were modified into single-seat fighters, and achieved succes against German airship attacks. Type: B.E.2c Function: reconaissance Year: 1914 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 65kW R.A.F. Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 8.30m Height: 3.45m Wing Area: 36.79m2 Empty Weight: 621kg Max.Weight: 972kg Speed: 116km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 102kg B.E.8, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-BT-B-N-AR1) Biplane bomber, followup to the {B.E.2}. It was soon assigned to training duties. 60 built. Type: B.E.8 Function: bomber Year: 1914 Crew: Engines: 1 * 60kW Gnome Wing Span: 11.49m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 113km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: B.E.9, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The B.E.9 was a two-seat fighter, built before the introduction of interrupter gear. The B.E.9 was a tractor biplane, with a short nacelle fitted directly in front of the propeller, for the gunner. This position was dangerous for the gunner and excluded any communication between gunner and pilot. It should be noted, as an excuse, that the British were not alone in pursuing this ridiculous idea; similar aircraft were built in France and even flown into combat! Prototype only. Type: B.E.9 Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 90hp R.A.F B.E.12, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-FB-B-N-IL1) Development of the {B.E.2}, a biplane single-seat fighter. The B.E.12 was whitdrawn after only a month of first-line service, and eventually used as bomber because of its low performance. The B.E.12b with a 200hp Hispano-Suiza engine was much better, but the engine was urgently needed for better aircraft. 468 built. Type: B.E.12 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp R.A.F Wing Span: 11.3m Length: 8.31m Height: 3.39m Wing Area: 34.47m2 Empty Weight: 742kg Max.Weight: 1067kg Speed: 164km/h Ceiling: 3800m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Beagle, Blackburn B.T.1 (I-GB-A-AR-B-N-?1) Single-engined biplane, intended as torpedo bomber and reconaissance aircraft. Did not statisfy requirements. One built. Beaver, Bristol 93A (I-GB-A-UAB-B-?-?) This multi-role biplane competed unsuccessfully with the {Wapiti}. Beaver, de Havilland Canada DHC-2 (P-CAN-A-C-HN-N-AR1) Canadian single-engined, high-wing light transport. The Beaver is sturdy, has excellent STOL characteristics and is very versatile. The UK ordered 41 for the Army Air Corps. 1631 were built. Type: DHC-2 Function: transport Year: 1948 Crew: Engines: 1 * 336kW P&W R-985 Wing Span: 14.63m Length: 9.22m Height: 2.74m Wing Area: 23.23m2 Empty Weight: 1293kg Max.Weight: 2313kg Speed: 262km/h Ceiling: 5485m Range: 1180km Load: 7 seats Beaufighter, Bristol (S-GB-A-AF-MN-N-ARW2|ILW2) Twin-engined fighter and attack aircraft, using wings and tail of the {Beaufort}. It was rugged, had a good performance and the ability to liftradar equipment and a heavy weapons load. But was not easy to fly: Assymetric thrust in case of an engine failure was a problem, and later models had a safety speed as high as 320km/h. The Beaufighter served as nightfighter until it was replaced by the faster Mosquito. As attack and anti-shipping aircraft it remained in first-line service until 1950. 5918 were built. Type: Beaufighter TF Mk. X Function: attack Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1770hp Bristol Hercules XVII Wing Span: 17.63m Length: 12.70m Height: 4.82m Wing Area:46.73m2 Empty Weight: 7076kg Max.Weight: 11431kg Speed: 515km/h Ceiling: 5795m Range: 2365km Armament: 4*g20mm 1-7*mg7.7mm 910kg Beaufort, Bristol (S-GB-A-AB-MN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined torpedo bomber, based on {Blenheim} experience. It was the standard torpedo bomber from 1940 until 1943, but was never considered a really successful type. 2080 were built. Type: Beafort Mk. I Function: torpedo aircraft Year: 1940 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 830kW Bristol Taurus VI Wing Span: 17.63m Length: 13.59m Height: 3.78m Wing Area: 46.73m Empty Weight: 5945kg Max.Weight: 9630kg Speed: 426km/h Ceiling: 5030m Range: 2575km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 728kg Beaumont, Bristol (S-GB-A-B-N-N-?2) Twin-engined, fast light bomber design, derived from the {Beaufighter}. It was not built, changes in the specification leading to the revised {Buckingham}. Beaver, Bristol (I-GB-A-AU-B-?-?) Multi-purpose biplane, 1926. Belfast, Short S.C.5 (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-TW4) Large four-engined transport, a high-wing design with a fully pressurised fuselage. The Belfast was an excellent aircraft, but the RAF needed only ten. The RAF retired the Belfast in the late 1970s, but some are still flying. Type: Belfast C.1 Function: transport Year: 1966 Crew: Engines: 4 * 4220kW R.R. Tyne RTy-12 Wing Span: 48.40m Length: 41.58m Height: 14.33m Wing Area: 229.09m2 Empty Weight: 57606kg Max.Weight: 104326kg Speed: 566km/h Ceiling: 9150m Range: 8530km Load: 35480kg, 150 seats Belvedere, Bristol 192 (P-GB-H-C-2R4-N-T2) Tandem rotor helicopter. Originally designed around the power arrangment of the {Sycamore}, with Alvis Leonides radial engines; later Gazelle turboshafts were adopted, and a small series of tactical transport helicopters were built. 31 built. Type: Belvedere HC.1 Function: transport Year: 1951 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1092kW Napier N.Ga.2 Gazelle Rotor Span: 14.91m Length: 27.36m Height: 5.26m Disc Area: 349.30m2 Empty Weight: 5277kg Max.Weight: 9072kg Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: 5275m Range: 750km Armament: Berkeley, Bristol (I-GB-A-A-B-N-IL1) Torpedo bomber, another unsuccessful competitor of the {Horsley}. The Berkeley was considered the least attractive of all the contenders for this requirement, with the poorest performance. Bermuda, Brewster (S-USA-A-AB-LN-N-AR1) Name given to the Brewster {SB2A} Buccaneer in RAF service. The Bermuda was not carrier-capable. Beverley, Blackburn (P-GB-A-C-HN-P-ARW4) Big military transport aircraft. The Beverley had a large box-like fuselage, with the tail carried on a boom-like extension. This allowed large doors under the tail. Large loads could be carried in the main fuselage, while room in the tail boom was available for passengers. The landing gear was fixed, and twin rectangular tailfins of considerable size completed its businesslike ugliness. 49 built. Type: Beverley C.1 Function: transport Year: 1955 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 2850hp Bristol Centaurus 273 Wing Span: 49.38m Length: 30.30m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 61235kg Speed: 383km/h Ceiling: 4880m Range: 2090km Load: 20412kg, 94 seats Bisley, Bristol (S-GB-A-BAF-N-N-ARW2) Two-seat attack fighter development of the Blenheim. Also known as Blenheim Mk.V. Bison, Avro 555 (I-GB-AC-R-N-IL1) Contemporary of the 'Blackburn {Blackburn}' with a similar configuration, except that the observers' cabin had big rectangular windows instead of portholes. Type: Bison Function: reconaissance Year: 1925 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 355kW Napier Lion II Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 4250m Range: 550km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Bittern, Boulton-Paul (I-GB-A-F-HN-N-ARW2) A twin-engined, shoulder-wing monoplane with open cockpit and fixed landing gear, designed as nightfighter and bomber interceptor. Performance was poor, because the aircraft was underpowered. Armament was unconventional, with swivelling guns fitted to the sides of the nose. Two built. Type: Bittern Function: fighter Year: 1924 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 172kW Armstrong Siddeley Lynx Wing Span: 12.50m Length: 9.75m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 2041kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Blackburd, Blackburn (I-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Remarkably ugly biplane-torpedo bomber.For easy of production, almost every part of the Blackburd was rectangular. The fuselage was a constant section rectangular box, sharply tapering at the tail. The Blackburd could drop its main wheels and land on skids, on the water or a carrier deck. The wheels had to be dropped to launch a torpedo. Three built. Type: Blackburd Function: torpedo bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 260kW R.R. Eagle VIII Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: 3600m Range: Armament: Blackburn, Blackburn (I-GB-AC-R-N-IL1) An incredibly ugly shipboard observation aircraft. The fuselage was very deep and bulky, because a cabin, with four portholes (!) for the observer, was fitted below the pilot's seat. 62 built. In early aircraft, the wing was on top of the fuselage, later it was raised to give a better view to the pilot. Type: Blackburn Function: reconaissance Year: 1923 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 335kW Napier Lion IIB Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: 4725m Range: Armament: Blackburn Triplane (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) This anti-airship fighter combined triplane wings with a pusher configuration. It was intended that a Davis 2lb gun be fitted in the short nacelle. After two weeks, the RN decided that it was useless and abandoned it. Type: Triplane Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Clerget 9Z Wing Span: 7.31m Length: 6.53m Height: 2.59m Wing Area: 20.53m2 Empty Weight: 459kg Max.Weight: 680kg Speed: 145km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: 1*g2lb Blackcock, Blackburn F.1 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter design. Renamed {Turcock} when the Turkish government became interested. Blenheim, Bristol (S-GB-A-BFR-MN-N-ARW2) Development of the model 142 civil transport, that was faster than the R.A.F. fighters when it appeared. In the early years of WWII the Blenheim was used as bomber, fighter, nightfighter, reconnaissance aircraft and close-support aircraft. It was very vulnerable to enemy fighters. Early models had a blunt, glazed nose, but the Mk.IV featured an elongated 'stepped' nose with an assymetric shape, and the nose of the Mk.V was even longer. 4422 built. Type: Blenheim Mk.I Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 618kW Bristol Mercury VIII Speed: 418km/h Ceiling: 8300m Range: 1755km Armament: Type: Blenheim Mk.IF Function: nightfighter Year: 1937 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 627kW Bristol Mercury VIII Wing Span: 17.17m Length: 12.12m Height: 3.00m Wing Area: 43.57m2 Empty Weight: 3674kg Max.Weight: 5670kg Speed: 459km/h at 4570m Ceiling: 8300m Range: 1810km Armament: 6*mg7.7mm Type: Blenheim Mk.IVF Function: fighter / attack Year: 1939 Crew: Engines: 2 * 995hp Bristol Mercury XV Wing Span: 17.17m Length: 12.98m Height: 3.00m Wing Area: 43.57m2 Empty Weight: 4173kg Max.Weight: 6260kg Speed: 418km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 6*mg7.7mm Bloodhound, Bristol (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat fighter-reconaissance biplane, four built. The Bloodhound had good performance, but rather poor handling, and had structural problems. One was later used as an engine testbed. Type: Bloodhound Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425hp Bristol Jupiter IV Wing Span: 12.24m Length: 8.08m Height: 3.25m Wing Area: 45.89m2 Empty Weight: 1141kg Max.Weight: 1921kg Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm B.N.1, Nieuport (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Fighter designed by the British Nieuport company, a branch of the well-known French aircraft manufacturer. It was a biplane fighter of wooden construction, with advanced aerodynamic lines. Three were built, but only was one flown. The B.N.1 was abandoned after a crash. Type: B.N.1 Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Bentley BR.2 Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 5.64m Height: 2.74m Wing Area: 24.15m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 921kg Speed: 204km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.0hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Boarhound, Bristol (I-GB-A-R-B-N-AR1) Two-seat reconnaissance aircraft, designed as a replacement for the Bristol {F.2}. The Boarhound was a rather large, radial-engined biplane. Bobolink, Boulton-Paul (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, the first aircraft designed by Boulton & Paul. The Bobolink was a two-bay biplane with N struts; the pilot could drop the fuel tanks in an emergency. The Sopwith {Snipe} was preferred. One built. Type: Bobolink Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 172kW Bentley B.R.2 Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 6.10m Height: 2.54m Wing Area: 24.71m2 Empty Weight: 557kg Max.Weight: 904kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: 5945m Endurance: 3h 15min Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Bobsleigh, Reid & Sigrist RS.4 (P-GB-A-X-LN-N-AIW2) The one {Desford} built was later modified for research of a prone piloting position, and renamed Bobsleigh. A modified nose accomodated the pilot in prone position, while a conventional cockpit with flying controls was retained. Later a {Meteor} was similarly modified. 1951. Bollingbroke, Bristol (S-GB-A-BFR-MN-N-ARW2) Development of the {Blenheim} with a longer nose. Later the name was adopted for all Blenheims built in Canada. Bolton, Boulton-Paul P.15 (I-GB-A-RB-B-N-ILB2) Developed as a steel-framed version of the {Bourges}, but also incorporated some other changes. No production. Type: Bolton Function: reconaissance-bomber Year: 1922 Crew: Engines: 2 * Napier Lion Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Bombay, Bristol (S-GB-A-BC-HN-N-ARW2) High-wing monoplane bomber with fixed landing gear, entered service in September 1939. Used as transport during WWII. Around 50 built. Type: Bombay Function: bomber / transport Year: 1935 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 753kW Bristol Pegasus XXII Wing Span: 29.18m Length: 21.11m Height: 5.94m Wing Area: 124.49m2 Empty Weight: 6260kg Max.Weight: 9072kg Speed: 310km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 3590km Armament: 907kg 2*mg7.7mm Load: 24 seats Boston, Douglas (S-USA-A-B-HN-N-ARW2) RAF designation for the US {A-20} light bomber. Type: Boston Mk.III Function: bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1600hp Wright GR-2600-A5B Speed: 490km/h Ceiling: 7400m Range: 1650km Armament: 8*mg 905kg Botha, Blackburn B-26 (S-GB-A-BRT-HN-N-ARW2) Reconnaissance bomber and torpedo aircraft, a twin-engined shoulder-wing aircraft. The Botha was grossly underpowered and had a very bad reputation, although this may have been exaggerated: Many types had worse accident records. It's lack of power, due to the unavailability of the originally required engines, cut its operational career short to five months. It was used as trainer until 1944, despite its bad reputation. 580 built. Type: Botha Mk. I Function: reconaissance / bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 694kW Bristol Perseus X Wing Span: 17.98m Length: 15.58m Height: 4.46m Wing Area: 48.12m2 Empty Weight: 5366kg Max.Weight: 8369kg Speed: 401km/h Ceiling: 5335m Range: 2044km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 907kg Bourges, Boulton-Paul P.7 (I-GB-A-RBF-B-N-ARB2) Biplane fighter-bomber, a small twin-engined aircraft. Only three were built, all with different engines. Type: Bourges Function: fighter-bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: Range: Braemar, Bristol (F-GB-A-B-T-N-ILWD4) A massive four-engined triplane bomber, intended for attacks on Berlin. Its four engines were in nacelles on top of the middle wing, in push/pull pairs. The fuselage was deep and rectangular. The end of WWI made the production of the Braemar unnecessary. Type: Braemar I Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: Engines: 4 * 230hp Siddeley Puma Speed: 170km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Brandon, Bristol (I-GB-A-*-?-?-?) One built, an ambulance aircraft developed from the civil Ten-Seater transport. 1925. Brigand, Bristol (P-GB-A-AB-MN-N-ARW2) Long-range attack aircraft and torpedo bomber, destined to replace the {Beaufighter}. It used the wings and tail of the {Buckingham}, just like the Beaufighter had used those of the Beaufort. A small number were built after WWII and used exclusively in the British colonies. The Brigand was unreliable and unpopular. It was the last piston-engined bomber of the RAF. 156 built Type: Brigand B. Mk I Function: attack Year: 1949 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 2470hp Bristol Centaurus 57 Wing Span: 22.05m Length: 14.15m Height: Wing Area: 66.70m2 Empty Weight: 11611kg Max.Weight: 17690kg Speed: 576km/h Ceiling: 7930m Range: 4506km Armament: 4*g20mm, 1360kg Bristol 101 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat biplane fighter, of mixed construction. The compact, clean type 101 had a high performance. But it was rejected because of the use of wood in its construction. One built. Type: 101 Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 450hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 10.23m Length: 8.33m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 33.44m2 Empty Weight: 953kg Max.Weight: 1606kg Speed: 257km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Bristol 118 (I-GB-A-ABRU-B-N-AR1) Two-seat multi-role biplane, designed mainly for export. The 118 was a relatively big aircraft, and there were problems to find a suitable engine. Only a prototype. Type: 118 Function: multi-role Year: 1931 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 483hp Bristol Jupiter XFA Wing Span: 12.39m Length: 10.36m Height: 3.7m Wing Area: 38.5m2 Empty Weight: 1512kg Max.Weight: 2360kg Speed: 265km/h at 3660m Ceiling: 7800m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 227kg Bristol 120 (I-GB-A-ABRU-B-N-AR1) This was a derivative of the {Bristol 118}, important only because it was the first RAF aircraft with a closed gun turret. It was manually traversed, and a single Lewis gun was installed in it. But it did not enter production, because it did not meet the requirements. Type: 118 Function: multi-role Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 483hp Bristol Jupiter XFA Wing Span: 12.39m Length: 10.36m Height: 3.7m Wing Area: 38.5m2 Empty Weight: 1645kg Max.Weight: 2355kg Speed: 282km/h at S/L Ceiling: 6700m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 227kg Bristol 122 (I-GB-A-A-B-N-AR1) Design for a torpedo bomber, to specification G.4/31. It was a large biplane with a Bristol Pegasus radial engine. Not built. Bristol 123 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The 123 was a rather ugly biplane fighter, powered by the disastrous steam-cooled R.R. Goshawk engine. Handling problems at high speed contributed to its abandonment. One built. Type: 123 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * R.R. Goshawk III Wing Span: 9.02m Length: 7.67m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 23.04m2 Empty Weight: 1497kg Max.Weight: 2149kg Speed: 378km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Bristol 133 (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Monoplane fighter. The ugly 133 had an inverted gull wing with large fairings for the retractable undercarriage, the first one in a British fighter. It showed promise but the prototype was lost by accident. One built. Type: 133 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 620hp Bristol Mercury VIS.2 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 8.53m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 22.95m2 Empty Weight: 1053kg Max.Weight: 2149kg Speed: 418km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Bristol 138 (I-GB-A-X-LN-N-AR1) High-altitude experimental monoplane. Set a height record of 164440m. One built. Type: 138 Function: experimental Year: 1936 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 370kW Bristol Pegasus PE.65 Speed: 198km/h Ceiling: Range: Bristol 146 (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Clean low-wing monoplane fighter. The superior {Hurricane} was already in service, so the 146 was not ordered. One built. Type: 146 Function: fighter Year: 1938 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 840hp Bristol Mercury IX Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 8.23m Height: 3.15m Wing Area: 20.44m2 Empty Weight: 1489kg Max.Weight: 2086kg Speed: 462km/h Ceiling: 11600m Range: Armament: 8*mg7.7mm Bristol 150 Design for a twin-engined three-seat torpedo bomber. Enlarged to become the type 152 {Beaufort}. Bristol 172 (P-GB-A-B-?-?-J4) Design for a high-speed bomber with four jet engines, 1946. Cancelled. Bristol 174 (P-GB-A-X-?-?-?) Reduced-scale research aircraft for the model 172. Cancelled. Bristol 176 (P-GB-A-X-?-?-?) Reduced-scale research aircraft for the model 172. Cancelled. Bristol 182 (P-GB-AM-B-?-?-J2) The Bristol 182R was designed for the 'Blue Rapier' project that asked for an unmanned, catapult-launched bomber. The project was cancelled while the two prototypes were under construction. Type: 182R Function: jet bomber, unmanned Year: 1951 Crew: 0 Engines: 2 * 1590kg Bristol BE.22 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 965km/h Ceiling: Range: 400mls Armament: 2270kg Bristol 183 (P-GB-A-F-S-?-?) Variable-sweep fighter design. Not built. Bristol 188 (P-GB-A-X-D-N-JW2) The Bristol 188 was designed as a research aircraft for the {Avro 730} programme (itself cancelled). It had a very narrow fuselage, two enormous jet engines, a T-tail and a small, thin wing. It was constructed of stainless steel. Engine problems and extremely high fuel consumption made the 188 unsuitable for its research role; it was incapable of reaching Mach 2, and certainly could not maintain this speed for a considerable time! The programme was abandoned after only 50 hours of flying. Two built. Type: 188 Function: experimental Year: 1961 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 6350kg De Havilland Gyron Junior DGJ.10R Wing Span: 10.69m Length: 23.67m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: B.S.1, de Havilland (E-GB-A-R-B-N-AR1) A neat reconnaissance biplane. One built. Type: B.S.1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1913 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 75kW Gnome Speed: 147km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Buccaneer, Blackburn / Hawker Siddeley (P-GB-AC-AB-MN-N-J2) Low-altitude attack aircraft of extremely strong construction, originally designed for the RN but later, after all carriers were retired, used by the RAF. The Buccaneer is a mid-wing aircraft; its appearance is determined by an area-ruled fuselage, circular engine bays flanking the fuselage, a bulged rotating bomb bay door, and a T-tail. It is intended to keep them in service into the mid-90's. The longevity of the type was due to its high subsonic speed at low altitude, as well as the cancellation of the {TSR.2}. The Buccaneer was also used, until 1991, by South Africa. Type: Buccaneer S.2B Function: attack Year: 1965 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 5105kg R.R. RB.168 Spey Mk.101 Wing Span: 13.41m Length: 19.33m Height: 4.97m Wing Area: 47.82m2 Empty Weight: 13608kg Max.Weight: 28123kg Speed: M0.92 Ceiling: 12190m Range: 6440km Armament: 7260kg Buckingham, Bristol (S-GB-A-B-LN-N-ARW2) Designed as a fast, light twin-engined bomber. Delivery was delayed because the engines were unavailable. Handling was poor, and performance unimpressive. The operational need for them had disappeared when they were delivered. The Buckingham was mainly used as fast transport. 123 built. Type: Buckingham B Mk.I Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1880kW Bristol Centaurus VII Wing Span: 21.89m Length: 14.27m Height: 5.33m Wing Area: 65.77m2 Empty Weight: 10905kg Max.Weight: 17259kg Speed: 531km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 5118km Armament: 10*mg7.7mm 1814kg Buckmaster, Bristol (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-ARW2) Trainer version of the {Buckingham}. Gun turret eliminated, and some changes to the fuselage. Type: Buckmaster Function: trainer Year: 1945 Crew: Engines: 2 * 2585hp Bristol Centaurus 57 Speed: 563km:h Ceiling: 9150m Range: Armament: 4*g20mm 1*mg12.7mm Buffalo, Brewster (S-GB-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) The American-built Brewster {F2A} Buffalo was obselete when it arrived in Britain. They were sent to the Far East, where they were quickly destroyed by the Japanese. Buffalo, Sopwith (F-GB-A-AU-?-?-?) Two-seat army-cooperation aircraft. 1918. Bugle, Boulton-Paul (I-GB-A-RB-B-N-ARB2) Twin-engined biplane, a development of the {Bolton} and {Bourges} series. Only seven were built, but Boulton-Paul had made a good impression and would have success with the {Sidestrand}. Type: Bugle Mk.I Function: bomber-reconaissance Year: 1923 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 400hp Bristol Jupiter Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Bull, Blackburn (?-GB-A-T-?-?-?) Trainer. Two built. Bulldog, Bristol (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The Bulldog didn't have a really good performance; it was slower than the {Hart} light bomber. But the RAF didn't have the money to buy and maintain more high-performance fighters; a Bulldog cost 4600 pounds and a Hawker Fury 5400. In the early 30s most RAF fighters were Bulldogs. Small numbers were exported. Type: Bulldog IIA Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 360kW Bristol Jupiter VIIF Wing Span: 10.34m Length: 7.62m Height: 3.00m Wing Area: 28.47m2 Empty Weight: 998kg Max.Weight: 1583kg Speed: 280km/h Ceiling: 8230m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b9kg Bulldog, BAe / Scottish Aviation / Beagle (M-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Two-seat monoplane trainer. The Bulddog was first ordered by Sweden; later it was also ordered by the RAF. About 300 built. Type: Bulldog T Mk.1 Function: trainer Year: 1973 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 1 * 150kW Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 Wing Span: 10.06m Length: 7.09m Height: 2.28m Wing Area: 12.02m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 4875m Range: 1000km Armament: 290kg Bulldog, Sopwith 2FR.2 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat fighter biplane. Performance was inadequate because the aircraft was overweight. Two built. Type: Bulldog Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Clerget 11Eb Wing Span: 10.29m Length: 7.00m Height: 2.67m Wing Area: 31.12m2 Empty Weight: 645kg Max.Weight: 1132kg Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Bullet, Vickers FB19 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Mediocre biplane fighter, built in small numbers. Type: Bullet Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Le Rhone Speed: 158km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Bullfinch, Bristol (I-GB-A-F-PN|B-N-AR1) The Bullfinch was designed as a single-seat, parasol monoplane fighter. Two were built in this form. The third prototype was completed as a two-seat biplane, the lower wing being positioned to restore the center of gravity. Neither configuration was ordered into production, also because of structural weakness. Type: Bullfinch I Function: fighter Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 425hp Bristol Jupiter III Wing Span: 11.71m Length: 7.44m Height: 3.27m Wing Area: 24.8m2 Empty Weight: 986kg Max.Weight: 1454kg Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: Range: 4hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Bullpup, Bristol (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, basically a scaled-down {Bulldog}. Performance was improved, but not enough to warrant production. One built. Type: Bullpup Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 335kW Bristol Mercury II Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 7.16m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: 21.37m2 Empty Weight: 866kg Max.Weight: 1293kg Speed: 306km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Buzzard, Martinsyde F.4 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Biplane fighter, a reengined Martinsyde F.3. The F.4 was a large and powerful aircraft for its time. The RFC ordered over 1400, but the type never entered large-scale service, because only seven were delivered to the RFC before the end of WWI. Production continued after the end of the war, and about 370 were completed. Type: F.4 Buzzard Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 305hp Hispano-Suiza 8Fb Wing Span: 9.99m Length: 7.77m Height: 3.15m Wing Area: 29.73m2 Empty Weight: 776kg Max.Weight: 1038kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 7320m Range: 650km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm --C-------------------------------------------------------------------------- C, Franco-British Aviation (F-GB-A-?-?-?-?) Type: C Function: reconnaissance Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 95kW Clerget Speed: 110km/h Ceiling: 3500m Range: 300km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Cadet, Avro 643 (641) (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) The Cadet was a two-seat biplane trainer. Production was small, with 36 model 641 and 69 model 643 aircraft. The original design was intended for flying clubs, but the Cadet Mk.II was a military trainer. The most important customer was the RAAF, which bought 34. A number of them still airworthy in Australia. Type: Cadet Mk.II Function: trainer Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major IA Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Cagnet, General Aircraft (?-GB-A-U-N-T-?P1) Small, twin-boom, pusher aircraft, designed for the Civil Air Guard. Calcutta, Short (I-GB-AF-P-B-N-ARB3) Three-engined biplane flying boat. This was the civilian version, the RAF version being the {Rangoon}. But the French Breguet 521 {Bizerte} was a military version of the Calcutta. Cambridge, Airspeed AS.45 (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-AR1) Low-wing monoplane trainer, "a monument to wasted time and money". It was an awkward, underpowered aircraft. Only two were built. Type: Cambridge Function: trainer Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 730pk Bristol Mercury VIII Speed: 381km/h Ceiling: 7560m Range: 1095km Camel, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) A compact biplane fighter. The Camel was a very effective fighter but had, due to its large rotary engine and the concentrartion of all weight in the front fuselage, vicious handling characteristics. It scored more victories than any other fighter: 1294. 5490 were built. The smaller 2F.1 version was designed as a carrier aircraft, and was also used a parasite fighter carried by airships. Type: Camel F.1 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 95kW Clerget 9B Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 5.72m Height: 2.6m Wing Area: 21.34m2 Empty Weight: 421kg Max.Weight: 658kg Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: 5800m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Campania, Fairey (F-GB-AC|AS-R-B-N-IL1) First aircraft designed for carrier use. Used until 1919. 62 built. Type: Campania Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 250kW R.R. Eagle VIII Speed: 129km/h Ceiling: 1675m Range: Armament: Canberra, English Electric (P-GB-A-BR-MN-N-JW2) Twin-engined jet bomber. The Canberra had a conventional configuration, but was an impeccably streamlined aircraft, with a straight mid-wing section inboard of the engines and tapered wings outboard. At the time of its introduction it was safe from interception by fighters. It was also a suitable reconnaissance aircraft. Production began in 1949 and continued until 1961; in the U.S. Martin built the aircraft as the {B-57}. British production was 974. Some Canberras are still in service, mainly in training and electronic warfare roles. Type: Canberra B.2 Function: bomber Year: 1950 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 2948kg R.R. Avon 101 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 917km/h Ceiling: 14630m Range: 4275km Armament: 2722kg Type: Canberra PR MK.9 Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 5103kg R.R. RA 24 Avon Mk.206 Wing Span: 20.68m Length: 20.32m Height: 4.75m Wing Area: 97.08m2 Empty Weight: 13608kg Max.Weight: 26082kg Speed: 881km/h Ceiling: 17700m Range: 8170km Armament: Caribou, Bell (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-IL1) Name originally chosen for the Bell {P-39} fighter. Later the American name of {Airacobra} was adopted. Catalina, Consolidated (S-USA-AF-P-PN-N-ARW2) Name given by the British for the US-built {PBY} flying boat. The Catalina was flown by 24 squadrons, and was one of the most important weapons against a German U-boat. C.E.1, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-AF-?-B-N-?) Small biplane flying boat. 1918. Chamois, Short (I-GB-A-AU-B-N-AR1) The Chamois multi-role aircraft was developed by modifying the {Springbok} prototype. It was advanced in construction, with an all-metal monocoque fuselage. This was rather large in cross-section, and filled the gap between the wings almost completely. Handling was poor, and the view from the cockpit very poor. Prototype only. Type: Chamois Function: support Year: 1927 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425hp Bristol Jupiter IV Wing Span: 13.74m Length: 9.18m Height: 3.26m Wing Area: 40.91m2 Empty Weight: 1232kg Max.Weight: Speed: 187km/h at 300m Ceiling: 4450m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 100kg Chesapeake, Vought (S-USA-AC-AB-LN-N-AR1) This rather uninspiring name was assigned to a version of the {SB2U} dive bomber, originally ordered by France but transferred to Britain in October 1940. It was a monoplane with an old-fashioned structure, underpowered and vulnerable, and quickly relegated to training tasks only. Type: Chesapeake Mk.I Function: dive bomber Year: 1941 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 825hp P&W R-1535-SB4-G Speed: 402km/h Ceiling: 8075m Range: 2165km Armament: 5*mg7.62mm 3*b227kg Chinook, Boeing (M-USA-H-C-2R3-N-T2) The Boeing C{H-47} Chinook tandem rotor medium transport helicopter. The RAF ordered 41. Chipmunk, De Havilland Canada DHC-1 (P-CAN-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Tandem-seat trainer monoplane, first flown in 1946. It replaced the {Tiger Moth} in the RAF and many other airforces. 1292 built, most of them in Britain by the parent company. 157 were built in Canada. The last RAF Chipmunks were retired in 1997, this being the last in military service anywhere. Type: Chipmunk Country: Canada Function: trainer Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 108kW de Havilland Gipsy Major 8 Wing Span: 10.46m Length: 7.75m Height: 2.13m Wing Area: 15.97m2 Empty Weight: 646kg Max.Weight: 914kg Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: 4880m Range: 480km Chitral, Handley Page (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BAR2|BIL2) Renamed {Clive}. Cirrus Moth, de Havilland (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AI1) Name given to those examples of the D.H.60 {Moth} powered by the Blackburn Cirrus engine. Others had a de Havilland Gipsy engine. Cleveland, Curtiss (S-USA-AC-AB-B-N-AR1) In 1940 the RAF received five Cleveland Mk.I biplane dive bombers, originally ordered by France. This was the Curtiss {SBC}, a totally obsolete aircraft. Clive, Handley Page H.P.35 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BAR2|BIL2) Transport version of the {Hinaidi} and {Hyderabad}. Three built. Cloud, Saro A.19 (I-GB-AF-T-HN-N-ARO2) Twin-engined amphibian, a larger development of the {Cutty Sark}. The Cloud was a shoulder-wing design, with two tractor engines installed on top of the wing. Sixteen used as trainers by the RAF. Type: Cloud Function: trainer Year: 1933 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 253kW Armstrong Siddeley Double Mongoose Wing Span: 19.50m Length: 15.20m Height: 4.80m Wing Area: 60.40m2 Empty Weight: 3084kg Max.Weight: 4310kg Speed: 192km/h Ceiling: 4500m Range:700km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b23kg Cobham, Sopwith (F-GB-A-FBR-B-N-AR?2) Twin-engined fighter-reconnaissance aircraft. It was also considered as a bomber. Of the three built, two had the worthless ABC Dragonfly engine, the third one had Puma engines. Comet, de Havilland D.H.106 (P-GB-A-CRE-LS-N-JW4) The RAF bought 10 Comet Mk.1 aircraft, transport versions of the airliner, modified with round windows after the accidents with the type. They were followed by eight Mk.2s and three SIGINT aircraft with special electronic equipment. Comet, Whitehead (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat biplane fighter, superficially similar to the Sopwith {Camel}. It was powered by a 80hp Le Rhone radial. 1916. No production. Commando, Westland (M-GB-H-CU-R5-N-T2) The Commando is a transport development of the {Sea King}. Radar, ASW equipment, floats and rotor and tail folding systems were removed. But the Commando is not as thoroughly "de-navalised" as the US-built ramp-loading version of the {H-3} Sea King. Type: Commando Mk. 2 Function: transport Year: 1975 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1238kW R.R. Gnome H.1400-1 Speed: 208km/h Ceiling: 3000m Range: 1230km Load: 28 seats, 3628kg Convoy, Consolidated (S-USA-AF-P-PN-N-ARW2) Name used for the first {PBY} {Catalina}s in Canadian service. The name was soon abandoned because of its confusing nature. Cork, Phoenix P.5 (F-GB-AF-P-B-N-ILB2) Biplane flying boat. Two built before the end of WWI. Type: Cork Function: Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 360hp R.R. Eagle Speed: 170km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*mg7.7mm b472kg Cormorant, European Helicopter Industries AW.320 This is a cheaper, stripped version of the {EH 101}. It is now offered to the Canadian government, which had earlier rejected the EH 101. Cornell, Fairchild (S-USA-A-T-LN-N-AI1) British designation for the U.S. {PT-19} trainer. Coronado, Consolidated (S-USA-AS-RBC-HN-N-ARW4) The Consolidated {PB2Y} Coronado in British service. The RAF decided not to use them, and put them in storage. Corsair, Vought (S-USA-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) The {F4U} Corsair was used on carriers by the RN when the USN still considered the aircraft only fit for land-based service. The Mk.II with clipped wing tips was even used from small escort carriers! Type: Corsair Mk.II Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: Engines: 1 * 2000hp P&W R-2800-8 Speed: 631km/h Ceiling: 11310m Range: 2790km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 2*b453kg COW Gun Fighter, Vickers F.29/27 (I-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Pusher biplane fighter, fitted with an 1.5lb COW gun angled 55 degrees upwards. It was intended as a bomber interceptor. In 1931 it looked very old-fashioned, and as a concession to modernity a drag-reducing cone was fitted aft of the engine. It was also unsatisfactory in other respects, and only one was built. Type: COW Gun Fighter Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Bristol Jupiter VIIF Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.16m Height: 3.65m Wing Area: 19.3m2 Empty Weight: 1145kg Max.Weight: Speed: 274km/h at 3050m, 232km/h at S/L Ceiling: 6825m Range: Armament: 1*g37mm Crane, Cessna (S-USA-A-TC-LN-N-ARW2) The Cessna T-50 twin-engined low-wing monoplane, used as trainer by the RCAF. In US military service this aircraft was known as {AT-8}, {AT-17}, U{C-78} or {JRC}. Cromarty, Short (I-GB-AF-?-B-N-ILP2) Biplane flying boat with two R.R. Condor pusher engines. 1921. The first Short-designed flying boat. Cuckoo, Sopwith T.1 (S-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Biplane torpedo bomber, designed for operations from carriers. The Cuckoo was too late for WWI, and only a few embarked on the HMS Argus. 150 built. Type: Cuckoo T.1 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1918 Crew: Engines: 1 * 145kW Sunbeam Arab Wing Span: 14.25m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1716kg Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*t450kg Cutty Sark, Saunders-Roe A.17 (I-GB-AF-T-HN-N-ARO2) Small monoplane flying boat. Three were used as trainers by the RAF. 12 built. Type: Cutty Sark Function: trainer Year: 1929 Crew: Engines: 2 * Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major I Wing Span: 13.27m Length: 10.46m Height: 3.40m Empty Weight: 1236kg Max.Weight: 1769kg Speed: 172km/h Ceiling: 2745m Range: 505km Armament: --D-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dakota, Douglas (S-USA-A-C-LN-N-ARW2) British name for the Douglas {C-47}. Of course the British name is far more famous than the official U.S. designation. Danecock, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) This was a version of the {Woodcock} for Denmark. The Danecock naval fighter had a longer fuselage and different wings. Three were built by Hawker, and 12 more in Denmark. Type: Danecock Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 385hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Wing Span: 9.92m Length: 7.96m Height: Wing Area: 31.59m2 Empty Weight: 965kg Max.Weight: Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Dankok, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) {Danecock} license-built in Denmark. Twelve built, in service until 1937. Dantorp, Hawker (I-GB-A-AB-B-N-AR1) Version of the {Horsley} for Denmark. Two built, licence production did not proceed. Dart, Blackburn (I-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Biplane torpedo bomber. The fuselage sloped sharply downwards to an engine with a trustline angled upward. The Dart was ugly, but efficient. Type: Dart Function: torpedo bomber Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330kW Napier Lion V Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 4500m Range: 410km Armament: 1*torpedo Dauntless, Douglas (S-USA-AC-AB-LN-N-AR1) British name for the {SBD} Dauntless dive-bomber. Defender, Britten-Norman (M-GB-A-CPRE-HN-N-TW2) Military version of the Islander STOL-transport, an angular twin-engined no-frills type. There are also AEW and ELINT versions of this robust aircraft. The AEW version is characterised by a big nose bulge, which looks rather comical. Type: BN2B-20 Defender Function: utility Year: 1971 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 224kW Lycoming IO-540-K1B5 Wing Span: 16.15m Length: 10.87m Height: 4.18m Wing Area: 31.31m2 Empty Weight: Max. Weight: 2994kg Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: 5240m Range: 2093km Load: 9 seats, msl, b, r, mg; up to 689kg Defiant, Boulton Paul (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter with the four-gun armament concentrated in a powered turret. The Defiant was a fine aircraft, but the tactical concept was bad and the weight of the gun turret detoriated performance. After the initial succes heavy losses followed; it was then used as a night fighter for some time and later as a target tug. 1064 built. Type: Defiant Mk. II Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 954kW R.R. Merlin XX Wing Span: 11.99m Length: 10.77m Height: 3.45m Wing Area: 23.23m2 Empty Weight: 2849kg Max.Weight: 3821kg Speed: 504km/h Ceiling: 9250m Range: 748km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Delta I, Fairey FD1 (P-GB-A-F-D-N-?) Experimental fighter, built in 1951. A small aircraft with a delta wing. One built. Delta II, Fairey FD2 (P-GB-A-X-D-N-J1) Delta-winged research aircraft. Two built. Type: Delta II Function: experimental Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4765kg R.R. Avon R.A.28 Speed: 1910km/h Ceiling: Range: 1340km Demon, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter development of the {Hart} -- an easy answer to the RAF requirement for a fighter capable of intercepting the Hart. 234 were built, and were in service until 1938. It was difficult for the gunner to aim his gun, due to the fast airstream, and his effectiveness was limited. Later many were equipped with partially enclosed gun 'turrets' of metal, but this was not an adequate solution. Type: Demon Function: fighter Year: 1933 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 430kW R.R. Kestrel II Wing Span: 11.33m Length: 9.02m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.24m2 Empty Weight: 1513kg Max.Weight: Speed: 290km/h Ceiling: 7500m Range: 290km/h Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Derby, de Havilland DH.27 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Single-engined bomber biplane, that competed with the {Aldershot} for the long-range bomber requirement. The Derby had cleaner lines, but it was bigger and had inferior performance. Desford, Reid & Sigrist (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-AIW2) Small twin-engined aircraft. One built, later modified to create the {Bobsleigh}. Destroyer, Vickers EFB.1 (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) See {EFB.1} Devon, de Havilland D.H.104 (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-AIW2) Military version of the Dove light transport, a small twin- engined aircraft intended to replace the {Dominie}. 39 were delivered to the RAF; the FAA received 13 Sea Devons. A single one is still in service with the Battle of Britain Memorial flight. Type: D.H.104 Dove Mk.1 Function: transport Year: 1946 Crew: Engines: 2 * 246kW de Havilland Gispy Queen 70-3 Wing Span: 17.30m Length: 12.00m Height: 4.00m Wing Area: 31m2 Empty Weight: 2562kg Max.Weight: 3855kg Speed: 323km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1610km Load: 8-11 seats D.H.1, Airco (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) Pusher-prop fighter. Most were used for the home defence. Around 100 built. Type: D.H.1 Function: fighter / reconaissance Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 90kW Beardmore Speed: 141km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: D.H.2, de Havilland / Airco (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ARP1) WWI biplane fighter with a pusher engine. This arrangment provided a means to mount a fixed forward-firing gun before the advent of interrupt gear. The D.H.2 ended the 'Fokker scourge' because it had better performance than the {Fokker E.III}. Type: D.H.2 Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 8.61m Length: 7.68m Height: 2.91m Wing Area: 23.13m2 Empty Weight: 428kg Max.Weight: 645kg Speed: 1941 Ceiling: 4420m Range: 2h 45m Armament: 1*mg7.7mm D.H.3, Airco (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ILWP2) Three-seat long-range bomber with two pusher engines. Two built. Type: D.H.3 Function: bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 120hp Beardmore Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: 8h Armament: 2*mg7.7mm D.H.4, de Havilland (F-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Biplane bomber, characterized by a fuselage of rectangular cross- section with a deep frontal radiator. The D.H.4 was fast, versatile and well-armed. A significant disadvantage was the position of the fuel tank between the pilot and the gunner, which was dangerous and prevented communication. 6295 were built; of these 4846 were built in the U.S, and powered by the Liberty engine. After WWI many went on in civil service, with a two-seat cabin created behing the open cockpit; some of these conversions were also used by the RAF. Type: D.H.4 Function: bomber Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 275kW R.R. Eagle VIII Wing Span: 12.92m Length: 9.35m Height: 3.35m Wing Area: 40.32m2 Empty Weight: 1083kg Max.Weight: 1784kg Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 700km Armament: 2-4*mg7.7mm 209kg D.H.5, Airco (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Fighter biplane. The wings were backstaggered to give the pilot better visibility, but its performance at altitude wasn't good. Many used as trainers. About 550 built. Type: D.H.5 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80kW Le Rhone Wing Span: 7.82m Length: 6.71m Height: 2.78m Wing Area: 19.70m2 Empty Weight: 458kg Max.Weight: 677kg Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: 4900m Range: 2h 45m Armament: 1*mg7.7mm D.H.6, Airco (F-GB-A-PRT-B-N-IL1) The D.H.6 was designed as trainer but employed for maritime reconaissance and ASW, because the {Avro 504} had been selected as standard trainer. Type: D.H.6 Function: trainer / reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 65kW R.A.F. 1a Speed: 106km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: D.H.9, de Havilland (F-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) The D.H.9 was a development of the {D.H.4}, with the cockpits brought close together to eliminate the communications problem of the D.H.4. The initial D.H.9 was unsuccessful, because of its unreliable Siddeley Puma engine. The improved D.H.9A, powered by a Liberty engine and with larger wings, was a worthy sucessor to the D.H.4. The 'Ninak' soldiered on until 1931. D.H.9's also pioneered many airlines. Type: D.H.9A Function: bomber/reconaissance Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 400hp Liberty 12 Speed: 198km/h Ceiling: 5410m Range: 5h 15m Armament: 2*mg7.7mm D.H.10 Amiens, de Havilland (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) Twin-engined biplane bomber, a development of the {D.H.3} heavy fighter. Production aircraft had tractor engines. Too late for WWI; only 223 were built. It was a relatively light and fast bomber. Type: D.H.10 Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 295kW Liberty 12 Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 5180m Range: 965km Armament: 2-4*mg7.7mm b408kg D.H.67, de Havilland (I-GB-A-R-?-?-AR?2) Photoreconaissance aircraft with two 480hp Jupiter VIII engines. D.H.72, de Havilland (I-GB-A-B-B-N-ARW3) Three-engined night bomber, built to compete with the {P.32}. The P.32 was eliminated, but the DH.72 did not benefit from this, as the requirement was abandoned. D.H.77, de Havilland (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AI1) Lightweight monoplane fighter, first flown in 1929. The D.H.77 was powered by an air-cooled H-type engine. It was of mixed construction, with strut-braced wings and wide-track fixed landing gear. The more conventional Hawker {Fury} was bought by the RAF, and the D.H.77 ended its days as engine development aircraft. One built. Type: D.H.77 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 225kW Napier Rapier I Wing Span: 9.80m Length: 7.44m Height: 2.44m Wing Area: 15.14m2 Empty Weight: 751kg Max.Weight: 1034kg Speed: 325km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm D.H.84 Dragon, (I-GB-A-CT-B-N-AIW2) See {Dragon}. D.H.86, de Havilland (I-GB-A-CT-B-N-AIW4) Four engined development of the D.H.84 {Dragon}, built to a requirement of the Australian governement. A number were operated by various military services. 62 built. Type: D.H.86B Function: transport / trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Six I Wing Span: 19.66m Length: 14.05m Height: 3.96m Wing Area: 59.55m2 Empty Weight: 2943kg Max.Weight: 4649kg Speed: 267km/h Ceiling: 5300m Range: 1300km D.H.108 Swallow, de Havilland (P-GB-A-X-S-F-J1) Small tailless research aircraft, based on the fuselage of the {Vampire}, from which at least the first two were converted. There was a single low-speed aircraft and two high-speed aircraft. Flying characteristics were unpleasant, if not dangerous. All three aircraft built crashed, killing their pilots. One was the British first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound, in a dive, flown by John Derry. Type: D.H.108 Function: experimental Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 13.4kN De Havilland Goblin 2 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: D.H.110, de Havilland (P-GB-AC-F-S-T-J2) See {Sea Vixen}. Digby, Douglas (S-USA-A-B-MN-N-ARW2) British name for the U.S. Douglas {B-18} Bolo bomber. Dingo, De Havilland (I-GB-A-UA-B-N-AR1) Army co-operation aircraft developed from the {Dormouse}. Dolphin, Sopwith 5F1 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The Dolphin was very different form earlier Sopwith designs: it had backstagger on its biplane wings, and a liquid-cooled engine. It was armed with two Vickers and two Lewis guns, but the latter were often removed. Large British and American contracts were cancelled after the end of WWI. The unpopularity of the aircraft was largely undeserved. 1532 built. Type: Dolphin I Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza 8E Wing Span: 9.90m Length: 6.78m Height: 2.59m Wing Area: 24.46m2 Empty Weight: 665kg Max.Weight: 907kg Speed: 206km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: Armament: 2-4*mg7.7mm Dominie, de Havilland D.H.89 (S-GB-A-CT-B-N-WAI2) The Mk.I was a navigation trainer version of the {Dragon Rapide}. The Dominie Mk.II was a liaison aircraft. Type: Dominie Function: trainer Year: 1934 Crew: Engines: 2 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Queen Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 5100m Range: 920km Dominie, BAe (P-GB-A-CT-LS-N-FJ2) Military trainer version of the {Hs.125} (See there). 1964. Don, de Havilland (?-GB-A-T-N-N-AI1) Trainer monoplane, 30 built. Type: trainer / liaison Function: Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 385kW D.H. Gipsy King I Speed: 304km/h Ceiling: 7100m Range: 1400km Doncasterm, de Havilland DH.29 (I-GB-A-B-HN-N-IL1) This single-engined long range bomber was an advanced concept for its day, with a high-set cantilever monoplane wing. But the type had unacceptable handling characteristics. Only two were built. 1921. Dormouse, De Havilland (I-GB-A-FR-B-N-AR1) Two-seat reconaissance-fighter biplane. 1923. Three prototypes were ordered, the third of all-metal construction. They were powered by Jupiter or Jaguar radial engines. Dragon, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) A development of the {Snipe} with an 340hp ABC Dragonfly engine. The RAF ordered 11000 Dragonfly engines, but had to cancel all of them when the engine proved to be a failure. The Dragon was one of the many victims. Around 200 were built before production was halted, but these were never assigned to active service. Type: Dragon Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 360hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Ia Wing Span: 9.47m Length: 6.63m Height: 2.90m Wing Area: 25.18m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 967kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Dragon, de Havilland D.H.84 (I-GB-A-CT-B-N-AIW2) This was the precursor of the {D.H.86} and {D.H.89}. It did not have the pointed wingtips of these aircraft. A few were equipped with machineguns for 'policing' colonial areas. 202 built. Type: D.H.84 Dragon Function: attack / transport Year: 1933 Crew: Engines: 2 * 97kW D.H. Gipsy Major I Wing Span: 14.43m Length: 10.52m Height: 3.30m Wing Area: 34.93m2 Empty Weight: 1060kg Max.Weight: 2041kg Speed: 216km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 880km Load: 6-8 seats Dragonfly, de Havilland (I-GB-A-CU-B-N-AIW2) 67 built. A smaller verion of the {Dragon Rapide}. Type: Dragonfly Function: liaison Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major I Speed: 232km/h Ceiling: 5500m Range: 1500km Load: 3 seats Dragonfly, Westland (P-GB&USA-H-U-R3-N-AR1) The Sikorsky S-51 ({R-5}) helicopter, as licence-built by Westland. 133 were built. Type: Dragonfly HR Mk.1 Function: SAR Year: 1950 Crew: Engines: 1 * 403kW Alvis Leonides 50 Rotor Span: 14.63m Length: 14.63m Height: 3.85m Disc Area: 168.11m2 Empty Weight: 1987kg Max.Weight: 2663kg Speed: 153km/h at SL Ceiling: 3780m Range: 483km Armament: Dragon Rapide, de Havilland D.H.89 (I-GB-A-CT-B-N-AIW2) Elegant twin-engined biplane transport, in fact a smaller, twin-engined version of the {D.H.86} to replace the original D.H.84 {Dragon}. 727 built. A number were used as trainers and light transports by the RAF. Type: Dragon Rapide Function: transport Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 200hp D.H. Gipsy Six Speed: 253km/h Ceiling: 5100m Range: 895km Load: 1040kg, 8 seats Duiker, Hawker Parasol monoplane, designed to meet specification 7/22 for a reconnaissance aircraft. One built. --E-------------------------------------------------------------------------- E1/44, Gloster (P-GB-A-F-LN-N-J1) Single-engined jet aircraft. Its designation indicates that it was an experimental type, but it was designed as a fighter. Its performance did not justify production of a new type; the {Meteor} was regarded as having more development potential. However, the tail section of the E1/44 was grafted onto the Meteor Mk.8. Three built. Type: E1/44 Function: experimental fighter Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2688kg R.R. Nene 2 Wing Span: 10.97m Length: 11.58m Height: 3.55m Wing Area: 23.60m2 Empty Weight: 3747kg Max.Weight: Speed: 998km/h Ceiling: Range: 1hrs Armament: 4*g20mm E28/39, Gloster (S-GB-A-X-LN-N-J1) A small low-wing monoplane, the first British jet aircraft. It made its first flight on 15 May 1941. Two were built. Type: E28/39 Function: experimental Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 798kg Power Jets W.2/500 Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 7.72m Height: 2.82m Wing Area: 13.61m2 Empty Weight: 1309kg Max.Weight: 1700kg Speed: 750km/h Ceiling: 9755m Range: Eagle, British Aircraft (?-GB-A-U-?-?-?) Liaison aircraft. 42 built. Type: Eagle II Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major Speed: 238km/h Ceiling: 4800m Range: 1050km Armament: EAP, BAe (M-GB-A-X-D-N-J2) Technology demonstrator for the {Eurofighter 2000}. The EAP is a twin-engined, canarded delta. The British industry really wants to build Eurofighter; it would be the first indigeneous fighter since the {Lightning}. Hence the investment in a technology demonstrator. Type: EAP Function: experimental Year: 1986 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 7700kg Turbo-Union RB199-34R Mk 104D Speed: M2+ Ceiling: Range: EFA, Eurofighter (M-GB-A-F-D-N-J2) See {Eurofighter 2000}. EFB.1 Destroyer, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) Two-seat, single-engined pusher biplane, fitted with a Vickers gun in the front cockpit. The EFB.1 had a 60kW Wolseley engine and heavily staggered wings. It never flew, destroying itself on an attempted take-off... Type: EFB.1 Function: fighter Year: 1913 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 60kW Wolseley Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 8.38m Height: 3.63m Wing Area: 35.77m2 Empty Weight: 788kg Max.Weight: 1207kg Speed: 113km/h Ceiling: Range: 4.5hrs Armament: 1 * mg7.7mm EFB.2, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Pusher biplane, armed with a belt-fed Vickers machine gun in the front nacelle. The gun mount was entirely impractical. 1913, one built. Type: EFB.2 Function: fighter Year: 1913 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 11.76m Length: 8.89m Height: 2.92m Wing Area: 35.30m2 Empty Weight: 476kg Max.Weight: 798kg Speed: 97km/h Ceiling: Range: 240km Armament: 1*7.7mm EFB.3, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Pusher biplane, again armed with a belt-fed Vickers machine gun in the front nacelle. The original gun mount was improved compared to that of the {EFB.2} but still impractical, and soon replaced by a more conventional mount. The EFB.3 used ailerons instead of wing warping. The EFB.3 became the prototype for the {FB.5}. One built. Type: EFB.3 Function: fighter Year: 1913 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 11.38m Length: 8.38m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 35.77m2 Empty Weight: 476kg Max.Weight: 762kg Speed: 97km/h Ceiling: Range: 483km Armament: 1*7.7mm EFB.4, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-?P1) Project for a pusher biplane fighter. Abandoned. 1914. EFB.5, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Designation applied at one time to the {FB.5}. EFB.6, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Similar to the {EFB.5}, but with longer span wings. Prototype only. 1914. EFB.7, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ARB2) Designation applied at one time to the {FB.7}. EH 101, European Helicopter Industries (M-GB-H-AU-R?-N-T3) Known as the {Merlin} in RN service. See there. Envoy, Airspeed (I-GB-A-C-LN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined monoplane transport. The RAF used a small number. South-African Envoys were modified as bomber, with a bomb load and a gun turret. Type: AS.6 Envoy Function: transport Year: 1934 Crew: Engines: 2 * 350pk Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX Speed: 338km/h Ceiling: 6800m Range: 1045km Load: 7 seats ES.1, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The ES.1 was a redesign of the Barnwell Bullet single-seat biplane. It had excellent streamlining, wich resulted in high performance. But the RFC judged it to be difficult and tiring to fly, and no production aircraft were ordered. Three built. Type: ES.1 Mk.II Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget Wing Span: 7.43m Length: 6.17m Height: 2.34m Wing Area: 19.97m2 Empty Weight: 445kg Max.Weight: 681kg Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.0hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Eurofighter 2000 (M-GB-A-F-D-N-J2) The European Fighter Aircraft, a medium-sized multi-role fighter to replace the {F-4} Phantom and the last {F-104} Starfighters. It is of canarded delta configuration, with rectanguler chin intakes for its twin engines. About 40% of its empty weight is made up by composite materials. It is being built by a consortium of British, German, Italian and Spanish firms. Prototypes have been flown. In-service date remains uncertain, but service entry in 2003 is planned. Type: Eurofighter 2000 Function: fighter Year: 1994 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 90kN Eurojet EJ200 Wing Span: 10.95m Length: 15.96m Height: 5.28m Wing Area: 50m2 Empty Weight: 9750kg Max.Weight: 21000kg Speed: Mach 2 Ceiling: Range: 3700km Armament: 1*g27mm Mauser BK27, b, r, msl Expeditor, Beech (S-USA-A-C-LN-N-ARW2) The U.S. Beech model 18, known as the {C-45} by the USAF. --F-------------------------------------------------------------------------- F, Felixstowe (F-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ILB2) The Felixstowe F series of flying boats were developments of the American Curtiss {H} series. The biggest difference was a fuselage with improved floating characteristics. Later models had a longer wing span. The F.5L was in service with the US Navy until the late 1920s. Type: F.3 Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 250kW R.R. Eagle VIII Speed: 143km/h Ceiling: 1830m Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 417kg Type: F.5 Function: reconaissance Year: 1918 Crew: Engines: 2 * 261kW Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Wing Span: 31.60m Length: 15.01m Height: 5.72m Wing Area: 130.90m2 Empty Weight: 4128kg Max.Weight: 5752kg Speed: 142km/h Ceiling: 2075m Range: 7h Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 417kg F.1, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Large two-seat biplane fighter. Development was slow, and the F.1 was already obsolete when it was officially tested. Only two were built. Type: F.1 Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 250hp R.R. Eagle III Wing Span: 13.56m Length: 8.86m Height: 2.59m Wing Area: 43.38m2 Empty Weight: 997kg Max.Weight: 1479kg Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.75hrs Armament: F.1, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Official designation for the {Camel}. F.2, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Better known as the 'Bristol fighter' or 'Brisfit'. A two-seat biplane fighter that achieved great succes in WWI, after it was found out that it should be flown just like a single-seat fighter. Yet it was very different from most fighters of this conflict, being large and powerful. After the war it was used as army cooperation aircraft. 5308 built. Type: F.2B Mk.IV Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 205kW R.R. Falcon III Wing Span: 11.96m Length: 7.87m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 37.62m2 Empty Weight: 975kg Max.Weight: 1474kg Speed: 198km/h Ceiling: 5490m Range: Armament: 2-3*mg7.7mm 110kg F.2, Fairey (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ILB2) A twin-engined, three-seat long-range fighter biplane for the British Navy. For a fighter, the F.2 had generous dimensions and a rather low performance. The admiralty, wisely, had second thoughts about it. One built. Type: F.2 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 190hp R.R. Falcon Wing Span: 23.47m Length: 12.34m Height: 4.11m Wing Area: 75.62m2 Empty Weight: 2213kg Max.Weight: Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.2, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat biplane fighter, a wooden aircraft with fabric skinning. The F.2 was not acceptable for production, and the prototype was used as an engine testbed. Only one built. Type: F.2 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza 8Bd Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.62m Height: 2.49m Wing Area: 31.03m2 Empty Weight: 702k Max.Weight: 1068kg Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm F.3, Blackburn (?-GB-A-F-B-N-?1) Unusual biplane fighter. The upper wing was positioned at shoulder height of the fuselage, and the lower wing well below it; the space between fuselage and lower wing was occupied by the radiator. It was never flown. F.3, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Fast and maneuvrable biplane fighter, a single-seat development of the {F.2}. The RFC ordered only six, because the R.R. Falcon engines were all assigned the the Bristol {F.2}B Fighter. A reengined version was known as the F.4 {Buzzard}. Type: F.3 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 275hp R.R. Falcon III Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 208km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: F3A, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ILB2) Delopment of the {TTA} with gunner nacelles on the upper wing. F.4 Buzzard, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) See {Buzzard}. F5/34, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Single-seat monoplane fighter. Development of the radial-engined F5/34 was slowed because Gloster was preoccupied with {Gladiator} production. When the type flew the RAF was already commited to the {Spitfire} and {Hurricane}, and no production of the F5/34 was undertaken. Two built. Type: F5/34 Function: fighter Year: 1936 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 618kW Bristol Mercury IX Wing Span: 11.63m Length: 9.76m Height: 3.09m Wing Area: 21.36m2 Empty Weight: 1900kg Max.Weight: 2449kg Speed: 508km/h Ceiling: 9750m Range: Armament: 8*mg7.7mm F7/30, Westland (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Biplane fighter with the engine placed behind the pilot, between the wings. It drove a tractor propeller by a long extension shaft. Performance was very disappointing. One built. Type: F7/30 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * R.R. Goshawk III Wing Span: 11.73m Length: 8.99m Height: 3.28m Wing Area: 34.37m2 Empty Weight: 1672kg Max.Weight: Speed: 298km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm F9/37, Gloster (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-ARW2|ILW2) A big twin-engined fighter. It was adapted from an earlier turreted fighter design, and as a consequence had a strange armament layout: the three 20mm guns were fitted behind the cockpit, pointing around 15 degrees up; the two in the lower fuselage were aligned at the same angle. One was built with Bristol Taurus and one with R.R. Peregrine engines. Despite good peformance, only the two prototypes were built. Type: F9/37 Function: fighter Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1050hp Bristol Taurus T-S(a) Wing Span: 15.24m Length: 11.27m Height: 3.53m Wing Area: 35.85m2 Empty Weight: 4004kg Max.Weight: Speed: 580km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 5*g20mm F20/27, Vickers Biplane fighter with an 450hp Bristol Jupiter VII engine. F20/27, Westland (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Low-wing monoplane fighter, in appearance not unlike the Boeing {P-26} but a less advanced, earlier design. The F20/27 was of all- metal contruction with wire-braced wings and a fixed undercarriage. Performance was mediocre. One built. Type: F20/27 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 480hp Bristol Mercury IIIA Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 7.73m Height: 2.95m Wing Area: 18.95m2 Empty Weight: 1066kg Max.Weight: Speed: 309km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F20/27, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat biplane fighter, precursor of the {Hornet} and {Fury}. The F20/27 had clean lines, but was powered by an uncowled radial engine. One built. Type: F20/27 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 335kW Bristol Jupiter VII Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 7.17m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: 21.18m2 Empty Weight: 977kg Max.Weight: Speed: 325km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F29/27, Westland (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) This monoplane fighter was fitted with a 37mm COW gun in front of the cockpit, angled 55 degrees up. It was an enlarged development of the {F20/27}. One built. Handling was poor. Type: F29/27 Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 485hp Bristol Mercury IIIA Wing Span: 12.45m Length: 9.09m Height: 3.22m Wing Area: 20.62m2 Empty Weight: 1186kg Max.Weight: 1762kg Speed: 296km/h Ceiling: 8900m Range: Armament: 1*g37mm Fairey III (I-GB-A|AS-R-B-N-IL1) Naval reconaissance floatplane. The first Fairey III appeared in 1919; the line continued for many, many years. Type: IIIF Function: reconaissance Year: 1926 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 1 * 425kW Napier Lion XIA Wing Span: 13.94m Length: 10.82m Height: 4.26m Wing Area: 41.20m2 Empty Weight: 1779kg Max.Weight: 2858kg Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: 6095m Range: 3-4 h Armament: Falcon, Dassault (M-GB-A-CU-LS-N-JF2) Target-towing for the RAF and the RN is down by Flight Refuelling, a civil contracter that operates a number of Dassault Falcon 20's with U.S. civil registrations. Fantome, Fairey (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat fighter, a beautiful biplane. The Fantome was designed by the Belgian Marcel Lobelle, and three of the four prototypes built were completed in Belgium, were they were now as Feroce. Two of the prototypes were sold to the USSR. Type: Fantome Function: fighter Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 925hp Hispano-Suiza 12Ycrs Wing Span: 10.52m Length: 8.40m Height: 3.45m Wing Area: 25.36m2 Empty Weight: 1134kg Max.Weight: 1869kg Speed: 435km/h Ceiling: Range: 2hrs Armament: 1*g20mm 2*mg7.62mm Fawn, Fairey (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Single-engined light day bomber. The unspectacular performance and general uselessness of the Fawn were not only due to official specifications; they were in agreement with them. Type: Fawn Mk.II Function: bomber Year: 1924 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 1 * 470hp Napier Lion Speed: 183km/h Ceiling: 4220kg Range: 1045km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm b210kg FB.5, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Popularly known as 'Gun Bus', a pusher biplane that equipped the first British fighter units in 1915. This was not an improvisation; it was developed from the {EFB.1} series of dedicated fighters. A forward-firing, flexible Lewis gun was aimed by the observer in the front cockpit. The FB.5 was a poor performer that was retired in 1916. It was also built in France and Denmark. Well over 250 were built. Type: FB.5 Function: fighter Year: 1914 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 11.1m Length: 8.3m Height: 3.4m Wing Area: 35.5m2 Empty Weight: 553kg Max.Weight: 930kg Speed: 113km/h Ceiling: 2740m Range: 380km Armament: 1-2*mg7.7mm FB.6, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) See {EFB.6}. FB.7, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ARB2) The FB.7 was a large twin-engined fighter biplane. The gunner in the front cockpit, well ahead of the wings, aimed a 1lb quick-firing cannon. A change to a lower-powered engine and doubts about the usefulness of the FB.7 resulted in the cancelling of an RFC contract for 12. Two built. Type: FB.7A Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 80hp Renault Wing Span: 18.17m Length: 10.97m Height: Wing Area: 59.46m2 Empty Weight: 969kg Max.Weight: 1450kg Speed: 121km/h Ceiling: 2745m Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 1*g1lb FB.8, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ARB2) The FB.8 was a twin-engined two-seat fighter biplane, smaller than the {FB.7} and armed with only a 7.7mm machinegun. Performance remained insufficient. One built. Type: FB.8 Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 100hp Gnome Wing Span: 11.68m Length: 8.58m Height: 3.00m Wing Area: 43.48m2 Empty Weight: 835kg Max.Weight: 1225kg Speed: 158km/h Ceiling: 4270m Range: 3.0hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm FB.9, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) Improved version of the {FB.5}. Wings and nacelle were refined, and the aircraft was known to the RFC as the 'Streamline Vickers'. Performance improvements were minimal. Most FB.9s were dual-control trainers, the combat career of the FB.9 was limited to a few months in 1916. About 120 built. Type: F.B.9 Function: fighter/trainer Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 10.3m Length: 8.7m Height: 3.5m Wing Area: 31.26m2 Empty Weight: 447kg Max.Weight: 858kg Speed: 132km/h Ceiling: 3353m Range: 5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm FB.10, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) Version of the {FB.9} powered by an Isotta-Fraschini engine. Not built. FB.11, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Three-seat heavy fighter biplane. The RFC ordered the construction of several multi-gunners fighters during WWI, and then decided that it was a bad idea. The FB.11 was a conventional biplane, with the exception of the nacelle for a gunner on top of the upper wing center section. One built. Type: FB.11 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 250hp Rolls-Royce Mk.III Wing Span: 15.54m Length: 13.10m Height: 4.15m Wing Area: 78.50m2 Empty Weight: 1515kg Max.Weight: 2238kg Speed: 154km/h Ceiling: 3555m Range: 7.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm FB.12, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) WWI biplane fighter with pusher engine. Few built, because pusher fighters were outdated. Type: F.B.12C Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 9.02m Length: 6.65m Height: 2.62m Wing Area: 22.02m2 Empty Weight: 420kg Max.Weight: 656kg Speed: 140km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm FB.14, Vickers (F-GB-A-FR-B-N-IL1) Single-engined, two-seat tractor biplane. It was difficult to find a suitable engine for the FB.14, and even with a 250hp Rolls-Royce engine the performance was inferior to that of the Bristol {F.2}B. Around 100 were built. Type: F.B.14D Function: reconaissance / fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 186kW Rolls-Royce Mk.IV Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: FB.16, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Single-engined fighter, a tractor biplane. The original Hart engine was abandoned, and the FB.16A had an Hispano-Suiza engine. Meanwhile, the {S.E.5}a had already entered service, and the F.B.16 was no longer needed. A later development, the F.B.16E with a 275hp Lorraine-Dietrich engine, had exceptional performance, but no production was ordered. Type: F.B.16D Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 7.62m Length: 5.94m Height: 2.67m Wing Area: 19.23m2 Empty Weight: 850kg Max.Weight: Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: 5640m Range: 2.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm FB.19, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Tractor biplane fighter. Considered unfit for combat, and used as trainer. Some were sent to Russia, and a few flew in the Bolshevik forces during the revolution and civil war. About 75 built. Type: F.B.19 Mk.I Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80kW Le Rhone 9J Wing Span: 7.31m Length: 5.54m Height: 2.51m Wing Area: 19.97m2 Empty Weight: 405kg Max.Weight: 670kg Speed: 157km/h Ceiling: 51780m Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm FB.24, Vickers (F-GB-A-FR-B-N-IL1) Two-seat reconaissance-fighter biplane. Despite several engine changes and structural modifications, the FB.24 never entered production. Type: FB.24D Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 10.82m Length: 7.92m Height: Wing Area: 31.59m2 Empty Weight: 739kg Max.Weight: 1184kg Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.0hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm FB.25, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) Two-seat night fighter, a pusher biplane first flown in 1917, when this configuration was already regarded as obsolete. Official reports damned the F.B.25 for its difficult handling, declaring it unsuitable for nightfighting. One built. Type: FB.25 Function: nightfighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 150hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 12.65m Length: 8.56m Height: 3.30m Wing Area: 46.45m2 Empty Weight: 729kg Max.Weight: 1113kg Speed: 138km/h Ceiling: 3355m Range: 4.5hrs Armament: 1*g FB.26 Vampire, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) WWI biplane fighter with pusher engine. Four built. The concept was outdated, and the FB.26 was rejected as a fighter; a development as close-air support aircraft was too late for service in WWI. Type: FB26 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 9.63m Length: 7.14m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: 24.90m2 Empty Weight: 667kg Max. Weight: 921kg Speed: 195km/h Ceiling: 6860m Range: 3.0hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm F.E.2, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-FB-B-P-ILP1) Pusher fighter, with the gunner seated in front of the pilot, far forward in the nacelle. The F.E.2 was one of the first aircraft to fly with a machine gun, on July 24, 1912. From 1917 onwards it was used as bomber. Around 1000 built. F.E. means 'Farman Experimental', 'Farman' being used as generic name for pusher biplanes. Type: F.E.2b Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 120kW Beardmore Wing Span: 14.56m Length: 9.83m Height: 3.84m Wing Area: 45.89m2 Empty Weight: 935kg Max.Weight: 1378kg Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: 3300m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.E.3, Royal Aircraft Factory (E-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) Pusher biplane, fitted with an 1lb COW gun. The tail was not, as usual in pusher biplanes, carried on a large frame fitted around the propeller; instead, the tail boom passed through the hollow propeller shaft! Flight tests showed that this construction was not sturdy enough. Type: F.E.3 Function: fighter Year: 1913 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 100hp Chenu Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 8.91m Height: 3.43m Wing Area: 40.55m2 Empty Weight: 635kg Max.Weight: 943kg Speed: 121km/h Ceiling: 1525m Range: Armament: 1*mg F.E.6, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) This was a development of the {F.E.3}, with a similar tail construction. One built. Type: F.E.6 Function: fighter Year: 1914 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 120hp Austro-Daimler Wing Span: 15.03m Length: 8.99m Height: 4.57m Wing Area: 50.35m2 Empty Weight: 907kg Max.Weight: 1193kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: (1*g) F.E.8, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ARP1) Biplane fighter with pusher engine. It was already obsolete when it entered service. Last pusher fighter in service. 295 built. Type: F.E.8 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 9.60m Length: 7.21m Height: 2.79m Wing Area: 20.25m2 Empty Weight: 406kg Max.Weight: 611kg Speed: 151km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm F.E.9, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) Pusher biplane, intended to replace the {F.E.2}b. The pusher fighter concept was outdated, and both handling and performance were disappointing. Three built. Type: F.E.9 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 12.22m Length: 8.61m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 33.91m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1125kg Speed: 169km/h Ceiling: 4725m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.E.10, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-?-?-?) Fighter design. F.E.12, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) Renamed {N.E.1}. Ferret, Fairey (I-GB-AS-R-B-N-AR1) Reconnaissance biplane, a development of the {Fairey III} powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar radial. It competed unsuccessfully with the {Wapiti}. 1925, three built. Firebrand, Blackurn B-37 (P-GB-AC-AF-LN-N-AR1|IL1) The Firebrand was designed as a carrier fighter powered by a Napier Sabre engine, but because of engine unreliability and poor handling it was unacceptable. It was then redesigned to become a fast strike aircraft carrying a large torpedo, and powered by a Bristol Centaurus radial. The bulky Firebrand was a failure. Still it had a service life from 1946 to 1953. 141 were built. Type: Firebrand TF.5 Function: attack/fighter Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1840kW Bristol Centaurus IX Wing Span: 15.63m Length: 11.81m Height: 4.04m Wing Area: 35.58m2 Empty Weight: 5368kg Max.Weight: 7938kg Speed: 560km/h Ceiling: 8690m Range: 1200km Armament: 4*g20mm, t840kg or 2*b454kg Firecrest, Blackburn B-48 (P-GB-AC-AF-LN-N-AR1) A redesigned {Firebrand}, smaller and with a somewhat better performance. The cockpit was raised and an inverted gull, laminar-flow wing was used, improving the view from the cockpit. It was a mediocre aircraft, and only two were built. Type: Firecrest Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1947 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2047kW Bristol Centaurus 59 Speed: 611km/h Ceiling: 31600ft Range: 900mls Armament: Firefly, Fairey (I-GB&B-A-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat biplane fighter. The Firefly I was a mixed- construction biplane powered by a 430hp Curtiss D.12 engine. The Air Ministry objected against this choice of engine, and the type was redesigned for a 480hp Rolls-Royce Kestrel IIS. This aircraft was then rebuilt with an all-metal structure, being known then as the Firefly IIM. It was considered a slightly better fighter fighter than the {Fury}, but service pilots preferred the Fury, and the Firefly was not ordered for the RAF. But 25 were ordered by Belgium, the Belgian subsidiary of Fairey building 62 more. It equipped an important part of the Belgian Air Force until May 1940. The Firefly IIIM was a naval derivative of the IIM with larger wings, but was not ordered. The Firefly IV was an IIM fitted with a 785hp Hispano-Suiza 12Xbrs engine, two prototypes being built. Type: Firefly I Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 430hp Curtiss D.12 Wing Span: 9.60m Length: 7.57m Height: 2.76m Wing Area: 22.0m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1236kg Speed: 298km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Type: Firefly IIM Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 480hp Rolls-Royce Kestrel IIS Wing Span: 9.60m Length: 7.52m Height: 2.85m Wing Area: 22.0m2 Empty Weight: 1083kg Max.Weight: 1490kg Speed: 359km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Firefly, Fairey (SP-GB-AC-FA-LN-N-IL1) Two-seat reconaissance fighter. It was a low-wing monoplane with a wide-track undercarriage, smaller than the {Fulmar} that preceded it, and provided with a more powerful engine. The design was deliberately conventional, to bring it into service quickly. Early Fireflies had a deep 'beard' radiator, later models had wing leading root intakes. The concept of the two-seat fighter may have been mistaken, but the Firefly was a versatile aircraft, taking part not only in WWII but also in the Korean war. The last of the 1702 built was delivered in 1956. The Firefly ended its career as a target drone. Type: Firefly FR Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1280kW R.R. Griffon IIB Speed: 513km/h Ceiling: 8500m Range: 2100km Armament: 4*g20mm, 907kg Type: Firefly AS Mk.5 Function: ASW aircraft Year: 1947 Crew: Engines: 1 * 1678kW R.R. Griffon 74 Wing Span: 12.55m Length: 8.51m Height: 4.37m Wing Area: 30.66m2 Empty Weight: 4388kg Max.Weight: 7301kg Speed: 621km/h Ceiling: 8655m Range: 2092km Armament: 4*g20mm 907kg Firefly, Slingsby T67 (M-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Primary trainer. The USAF recently ordered 113 Firefly's to replace the {T-41} Mescalero, and the RAF 20 to replace the {Bulldog}. Slingsby used to build gliders, and the Firefly has typical high-aspect ratio wings. Type: Firefly T67M260 Function: trainer Year: 1991 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 260hp Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 Wing Span: 10.61m Length: 7.31m Height: 2.36m Wing Area: 12.63m2 Empty Weight: 777kg Max.Weight: 1134kg Speed: 281km/h Ceiling: Range: 651km F.K.1, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-?-?-AR1) Small, underpowered single-seat fighter. One built. Type: F.K.1 Sissit Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 37kW Gnome Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: F.K.2, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-R-B-N-IL1) Precursor of the {F.K.3}, an improved {B.E.2}c redesigned for easier production. One built. Type: F.K.2 Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 51kW Renault Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: F.K.3, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-R-B-N-IL1) Reconaissance biplane, a development of the {F.K.2} with a more powerful, but also much heavier engine. Most used as trainers. Around 500 built. Type: F.K.3 Function: Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 70kW R.A.F. Ia Speed: 143km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1-2*mg7.7mm F.K.5, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-T-N-IL1) Heavy fighter. One built, but never flown, being destroyed during take-off run. Type: F.K.5 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.K.6, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-T-N-IL1) The F.K.6 was an improved {F.K.5}. It still was an ugly and unpractical aircraft, a triplane with two nacelles attached to the center wing, in which gunners were to be seated. The FK.6 was intended as airship interceptor and escort fighter. One built. Type: F.K.6 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 135kW R.R. Wing Span: 18.89m Length: 11.29m Height: 5.18m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.K.7, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-RB-B-N-?) Precursor of the {F.K.8}. One built. F.K.8, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-RB-B-N-IL1) Reconaissance biplane, also used as bomber. The 'Big Ack' was used with some succes until the end of WWI. Around 1500 built. Type: F.K.8 Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 160hp Beardmore Speed: 158km/h Ceiling: 3692m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm, 72kg F.K.9, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) Quadruplane fighter, with low performance and numerous design faults. One built. Type: F.K.9 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW Clerget Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 556kg Max.Weight: 924kg Speed: 151km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm F.K.10, Armstrong Whitworth (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) The F.K.10 was intended as an improvement of the {F.K.9}. It was really a totally new design, but retained the quadruplane concept. Fifthy were ordered, but only between 12 and 8 were completed. Type: F.K.10 Function: reconaissance / fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 95kW Clerget 9B Wing Span: 8.48m Length: 6.78m Height: 3.50m Wing Area: 36.27m2 Empty Weight: 560kg Max.Weight: 916kg Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Fleet Shadower, Airspeed A.S.39 (I-GB-A-R-HN-N-AIW4) Built to a requirement for an aircraft capable of shadowing enemy fleets at night, that demanded a slow-flying, silent aircraft with a long range. A high-wing aircraft with fixed landing gear, an obervation post in the nose, and four small engines distributed along the wing to generate lift. No production. Type: Fleet Shadower Function: observation Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 4 * 130hp Pobjoy Niagara V Speed: 202km/h Ceiling: 4480m Range: Armament: Fleet Shadower, General Aircraft G.A.L. 38 (I-GB-A-R-HN-N-AIW4) Very similar to the Airspeed aircraft with an identical name. A visible difference is that the main wheels are fitted to sponsons instead of struts. No production. Type: Fleet Shadower Function: observation Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 130hp Pobjoy Niagara V Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: 1830m Range: 1595km Armament: Fleetwing, Fairey (I-GB-AS|AC-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter-reconaissance biplane, based on the {Fox}, in a similar way as the competing Hawker {Osprey} was based on the {Hart}. The Osprey won the competition for orders. One built. Type: Fleetwing Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 480hp R.R. Kestrel Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 8.94m Height: 3.48m Wing Area: 33.73m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 2149kg Speed: 272km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Flycatcher, Fairey (I-GB-AS|AC-F-B-N-AR1) The standard shipboard fighter of the RN during the '20s and the early '30s. The Flycatcher was a compact, rugged biplane which could be fitted with floats or an amphibious undercarriage. The Flycatcher was also the last fighter to take off from platforms fitted on gun turrets. 205 built. Type: Flycatcher Function: fighter Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 315kW Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 7.01m Height: 3.66m Wing Area: 26.76m2 Empty Weight: 924km/h Max.Weight: 1375kg Speed: 215km/h Ceiling: 6125m Range: 500km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Flycatcher II, Fairey (I-GB-AS|AC-F-B-N-AR1) The Flycatcher II was an all-new design with no relationship to the {Flycatcher}. It was intended to replace the older type, and was also a biplane, but better streamlined. One built. Type: Flycatcher II Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 480hp Bristol Mercury IIA Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 7.55m Height: 3.28m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1481kg Speed: 246km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Folland 43/37 (S-GB-A-X-LN-N-IL1|AR1) Aircraft specially developed for the in-flight testing of big engines, mainly the Napier Sabre and Bristol Centaurus. The Bristol Hercules was used for ferrying flights. Type: 43/37 Function: experimental Year: 1940 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 2000hp Napier Sabre I Speed: 428km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Fortress, Boeing (S-USA-A-B-LN-N-ARW4) British name for the U.S. {B-17} Flying Fortress bomber. The RAF bought some early B-17B's, and gained valuable experience by using them for daylight high-altitude attacks. The RAF experience considerably influenced the further development of the B-17. Fox, Fairey (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) The Fox biplane bomber was faster than the contemporary RAF fighters. It was originally designed around the Curtiss D-12 liquid-cooled engine, intended to be built in the UK as the Fairey Felix. It was later fitted with the R.R. Kestrel. The Fox forced the Air Ministry to rethink its policy, but it was not pleased. The RAF therefore bought only 28. The Fox was bought by, and eventually built in, Belgium. The Belgian subsidiary 'Avions Fairey' also continued its development. Type: Fox IA Function: bomber Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 360kW R.R. Kestrel Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 260km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 208kg Fox Moth, de Havilland D.H.83 (I-GB-A-U-B-N-AI1) The Fox Moth was a biplane transport built up from D.H.82 {Tiger Moth} components, with a large cabin behind the engine, and the pilot's cockpit moved aft. 154 built. Type: D.H.83 Fox Moth Function: transport Year: 1932 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 97kW D.H. Gipsy Major Wing Span: 9.41m Length: 7.85m Height: 2.86m Wing Area: 24.25m2 Empty Weight: 499kg Max.Weight: 939kg Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: 3870m Range: 580km Load: 5 seats Fremantle, Fairey (I-GB-AS-X-?-?-?) A long-range reconaissance aircraft with a wing span of 21.08m. The Fremantle was a single-engined seaplane intended for a flight round the world. This was never done, maybe because an U.S. team had already done this with the Douglas Worlde Cruiser. 1924. Fulmar, Fairey (S-GB-AC-F-LN-N-IL1) Two-seat reconaissance fighter, a development of the P4/34 light bomber. The Fulmar was inferior to modern single-seat fighters, but it was a reliable, sturdy aircraft with long range. At least it provided the RN with a monoplane fighter. 600 built. Type: Fulmar Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1080hp R.R. Merlin VIII Wing Span: 14.14m Length: 12.24m Height: 4.27m Wing Area: 31.77m2 Empty Weight: 3955kg Max.Weight: 4853kg Speed: 412km/h Ceiling: 6830m Range: 1340km Armament: 9*mg7.7mm, 2*b113kg Fury, Felixstowe (F-GB-AF-A-P-T-N-ILWT4&ILWP1) Large flying boat, a triplane powered by five 335hp Rolls-Royce Eagle VII engines. 1918. Fury, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The classic fighter design by Sidney Camm. The Fury was a conventional, but beautifully streamlined biplane fighter, that reintroduced liquid cooled engines for fighters; its layout and construction were based on that of the {Hart} bomber. Superb handling and high speed made the Fury one of the most popular combat aircraft of the RAF. Some export models of the Fury had radial engines. Type: Fury Mk.II Function: fighter Year: 1936 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 477kW R.R. Kestrel VI Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 8.15m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 23.41m2 Empty Weight: 1240kg Max.Weight: 1637kg Speed: 360km/h Ceiling: 9000m Range: 435km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Fury, Hawker (P-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Monoplane fighter, using the wing of the {Tempest}, but smaller and lighter. The wing panels were joined on the centreline rather than bolted to a centre section, reducing span. Production aircraft had a Bristol Centaurus engine, but the Napier Sabre and R.R. Griffon were also tested. The RAF was already commited to the jet engine, and showed no interest, but Iraq bought 57. The RN used the naval version, the {Sea Fury}, for some time. Type: Fury Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2300hp Bristol Centaurus XII Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 750km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*g20mm --G-------------------------------------------------------------------------- G4/31, Fairey (I-GB-A-BR-?-?-AR1) Bomber and reconaissance aircraft, 1934. Bristol Pegasus or Armstrong Siddeley Tiger engine. One built. G.100 Elephant, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-FAB-B-N-IL1) This biplane fighter was nicknamed 'Elephant' because of its size. It was a failure as fighter, but a good ground attack aircraft. There was also an improved {G.102} version. Total production of the G.100 and G.102 was about 300. Type: G.100 Function: attack Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 120hp Beardmore Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 152km/h Ceiling: 4270m Range: Armament: 1-2*mg7.7mm, 102kg G.102, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-FAB-B-N-IL1) Development of {G.100} with a 160hp Beardmore engine. Type: G.102 Function: attack Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 119kW Beardmore Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 8.23m Height: 2.95m Wing Area: 38.09m2 Empty Weight: 813kg Max.Weight: 1115kg Speed: 167km/h Ceiling: 4875m Range: 4.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 118kg GAL 56, General Aircraft (P-GB-AG-X-LN-F-N) Tailless glider built to investigate the characteristics of such aircraft. Three built, all with different wing platforms. The two-seat GAL 56 was fitted with large fin and rudder endplates on the wingtips; the crew was seated in a short nacelle. The flying qualities of the GAL 56 were horrible. GAL 61, General Aircraft (P-GB-AG-X-LN-F-N) Tailless glider. The GAL 61 was a flying wing design without fins or rudders. Gambet, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Wooden biplane fighter, first developed by Gloster as a private venture but later tailored to Japanese requirements. The Japanese built 150 as the Nakajima {A1N}. Type: A1N1 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 520hp Nakajima (Bristol) Jupiter IV Wing Span: 9.69m Length: 6.47m Height: 3.24m Wing Area: 26.38m2 Empty Weight: 912kg Max.Weight: 1395kg Speed: 245km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.75hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Gamecock, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) A development of the {Grebe}, the Gamecock equipped the RAF during the late 20's. The Gamecock was a small fighter, with a very short fuselage. Its service life were relatively brief. The Gamecock was also license-built in Finland, which used it as a fighter until 1939 and as a trainer afterwards. Type: Gamecock I Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 317kW Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 9.08m Length: 5.99m Height: 2.95m Wing Area: 24.53m2 Empty Weight: 875kg Max.Weight: 1299kg Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: 610km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b9kg Gannet, Fairey (P-GB-AC-AEP-MN-N-T1) Shipboard ASW aircraft, later also built in the AEW Mk.3 early-warning radar version. The Gannet was a compact mid-wing monoplane, but could not possibly be called beautiful. The engine was divided in two parts, each driving one of the contra-rotating propellers; one half could be stopped to reduce fuel consumption. 346 were built. The AEW version, even uglier because of its big underfuselage radome, served until 1978. Type: Gannet A.S.4 Function: ASW Year: 1956 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 3035hp Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba 101 Wing Span: 163.56m Length: 13.11m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 10209kg Speed: 481km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 1510km Armament: 907kg Gannet, Grumman (S-USA-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) Name given initially to the Grumman {F6F} {Hellcat}. Later the RN adopted the American name. Ganymede, Grahame-White (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ILPW2&IL1) Long-range day bomber. A twin-tail design with one pusher and two tractor engines, 270hp Sunbeam Maori engines. It had a top speed of 169km/h. Gauntlet, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The Gauntlet is often considered the best British biplane fighter. The later {Gladiator} was more powerful, but less agile. The Gauntlet was a conventional two-bay biplane of all-metal construction, that distinguished itself from its predecessors mainly by a cowled engine and an more rounded tail. 228 were built for the RAF, and 17 more in Denmark. In 1940 Finland received 29 Gauntlets as military aid in the Winter War with the USSR. They were used as trainers. Type: Gauntlet I Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 470kW Bristol Mercury VIS-2 Wing Span: 9.99m Length: 8.05m Height: 3.12m Wing Area: 29.26m2 Empty Weight: 1256kg Max.Weight: 1801kg Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 10200m Range: 740km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b90kg Gazelle, Aerospatiale-Westland (M-F&GB-H-UTA-R3-N-T1) A small French utility helicopter, notable for introducing the enclosed 'fenestron' tail rotor. It is used for observation, liaison and training, and was also built in an anti-tank version. Over 1250 have been built, also by Westland in Britain and by Soko in Yugoslavia. British experience has shown that the Gazelle is too vulnerable to small arms fire, and armour and armament were improvised for the Falkland war. Type: SA 342M Function: utility Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 604kW Turbomeca Astazou XIVM Rotor Span: 10.50m Length: 11.97m Height: 3.19m Disc Area: 86.59m2 Empty Weight: 991kg Max.Weight: 1900kg Speed: 260km/h Ceiling: 4100m Range: 710km Load: 4 seats General Aircraft 27/40 (S-GB-AG-C-HN-N-N) This was a 1/2 scale piloted version of the {Hamilcar}. Gipsy Moth, de Havilland (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AI1) Name given to those examples of the D.H.60 {Moth} powered by the de Havilland Gipsy engine. Others had a Blackburn Cirrus engine. Gladiator, Gloster (S-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Last British biplane fighter, a development of the {Gauntlet} with an enclosed cockpit and cantilever landing gear. The Gladiator was used during WWII in theatres were the RAF could not afford better equipment. The famous story about the three Gladiators called Faith, Hope and Charity that defended Malta is incorrect: There were seven aircraft involved, Sea Gladiators from Navy stocks, and the names were a journalistic invention. Gladiators were also sold to Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, China, Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Egypt, Iraq, and South Africa. 747 were built. Type: Gladiator II Function: fighter Year: 1936 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 830hp Bristol Mercury IX Wing Span: 9.83m Length: 8.36m Height: 3.53m Wing Area: 30.01m2 Empty Weight: 1562kg Max.Weight: 2206kg Speed: 414km/h Ceiling: 10210m Range: 710km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Gnat, Folland (P-GB-A-TF-HS-N-J1) Light swept-wing jet fighter, developed by W.E.W. Petter as a reaction to the ever-increasing weight and size of high-performance fighters, such as Petter's own BAC {Lightning}. The Gnat had a good performance, but with a limited weapons load. The RAF used it as a trainer, despite some handling problems and a very cramped cockpit: Tall pilots had to be trained on the Hawker {Hunter}. The Gnat also used to be the aircraft of the 'Red Arrows' acrobatic team, until it was replaced in both roles by the Hawk. Combat versions were successful in India, that used it in its war with Pakistan, and built an improved version, the {Ajeet}. Finland also bought 13, that were in service until 1972. 66 built in the UK and 195 in India. Type: Gnat T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1962 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 18.8kN Bristol Orpheus 101 Wing Span: 7.32m Length: 9.68m Height: 2.93m Wing Area: 16.26m2 Empty Weight: 2331kg Max.Weight: 3915kg Speed: 1024km/h Ceiling: 14600m Range: 1850km Armament: 455kg Gnatsnapper, Gloster (I-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1|IL1) Small single-seat fighter biplane, of all-metal construction, and designed as a shipboard fighter. The Gnatsnapper was not successful, partly because of engine problems, partly because of poor handling. It ended as an engine testbed for Rolls-Royce. Two built. Type: Gnatsnapper Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Bristol Jupiter VII Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 7.48m Height: 3.32m Wing Area: 33.44m2 Empty Weight: 1347kg Max.Weight: 1644kg Speed: 265km/h Ceiling: 7470m Range: 5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Goldfinch, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The Goldfinch biplane fighter was basically an all-metal development of the {Gamecock}. It was slightly longer, and a bit better streamlined. No production orders followed, because the Bristol {Bulldog} was preferred. One built. Type: Goldfinch Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 335kW Bristol Jupiter VIIF Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 6.78m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 25.48m2 Empty Weight: 933kg Max.Weight: 1468kg Speed: 277km/h Ceiling: 8225m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Goral, Gloster (I-GB-A-UA-B-N-?) Two-seat multi-purpose biplane, using many parts of the {D.H.9}A, including the wings. It competed unsuccessfully with the {Wapiti} in 1926. Gorcock, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat biplane fighter of mixed construction. The Gorcock was powered by the liquid-cooled, in-line Napier Lion engine, instead of the radial engines that were more common for temporary British fighters. The third prototype was of all-metal construction. Three built. Type: Gorcock Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Napier Lion IV Wing Span: 8.69m Length: 7.94m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 23.22m2 Empty Weight: 1099kg Max.Weight: 1514kg Speed: 280km/h Ceiling: Range: 1.8hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Gordon, Fairey (I-GB-AS|A-R-B-N-AR1) A development of the {Fairey III}F, intended to replace it. The Gordon was very similar in appearance and construction, but had better performance because of its radial engine. Nevertheless it certainly wasn't spectacular. 207 built, of which 178 as constructed as Gordons and the rest converted from IIIFs on the production line. Type: Gordon Function: reconnaissance / bomber Year: 1930 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 385kW Armstrong Siddelay Panther IIa Wing Span: 13.94m Length: 11.20m Height: 4.32m Wing Area: 40.69m2 Empty Weight: 1588kg Max.Weight: 2679kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 227kg Goring, Gloster (?-GB-A-A-?-?-?) Two-seat torpedo bomber. No production. Goshawk, Gloster TC.33 (I-GB-A-C-B-N-ILD2) See {TC.33}. Grebe, Gloster (S-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Post-WWI biplane fighter, a very small and nimble aircraft based on the {Grouse} trainer. 133 were built, that were in service until 1928. Type: Grebe II Function: fighter Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 400hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Wing Span: 8.94m Length: 6.17m Height: 2.82m Wing Area: 23.60m2 Empty Weight: 769kg Max.Weight: 1151kg Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: 7010m Range: 610km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b9kg Greyhound, Austin (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) A two-seat fighter biplane, intended to replace the Bristol {F.2} Fighter. It was powered by the troublesome A.B.C. Dragonfly radial, and too late for WWI. Three built. Type: Greyhound Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 8.14m Height: 3.15m Wing Area: 36.16m2 Empty Weight: 834kg Max.Weight: 1375kg Speed: 207km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Griffin, Bell This is the name in RAF service of the Bell 412EP helicopter, used by the Defence Helicopter Flying School. Grouse, Gloster (S-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) Trainer. Effectively the prototype of the {Grebe}, with a Bentley BR2 engine. 1923. Guan, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The Guan was a single-seat biplane fighter with a turbo-supercharged Napier Lion engine. It was very similar to the {Gorcock}. Three were built, but problems with the turbocharger caused the design to be abandoned. Type: Guan Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 525hp Napier Lion VI Wing Span: 9.70m Length: 6.70m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 27.68m2 Empty Weight: 1348kg Max.Weight: 1725kg Speed: 282km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Gun Bus, Vickers F.B.5 (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) See {F.B.5} Gun Bus, Sopwith (F-GB-A-FB-B-T-IL1|AR1) Pusher-prop fighter, developed from the {S.P.Gn} floatplane. A bomber version was built too. Around 40 were built, some with 100hp Gnome radials, but most with Sunbeam in-line engines. Type: Gun Bus Function: fighter / bomber Year: 1914 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Sunbeam Speed: 129km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Gurnard, Short S.10 (I-GB-AC|AS-RF-B-N-IL1|AR1) Shipboard reconaissance fighter, suitable for catapult operation from cruisers. Two were built, one with a Bristol Jupiter radial, and one with a Rolls-Royce Kestrel in-line engine. The Gurnard had heavy controls and reacted slowly, so it was not very suitable as a fighter. The competing Hawker {Osprey} was selected for production. Type: Gurnard II Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 525hp R.R. Kestrel II.S Wing Span: 11.27m Length: 9.60m Height: Wing Area: 39.85m2 Empty Weight: 1662kg Max.Weight: Speed: 258km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm --H-------------------------------------------------------------------------- H, Mann Egerton (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat shipboard biplane fighter. The Type H fighter was a two-bay biplane with manual wing folding. Despite the inclusion of floation chambers in the fuselage, the type failed a flotation test and was therefore considered unacceptable. The second prototype had a different flotation arrangment, but was not considered for production either. Two built. Type: H Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza 8Bd Wing Span: 9.37m Length: 6.68m Height: 2.73m Wing Area: 28.80m2 Empty Weight: 798kg Max.Weight: 1055kg Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: Range: 3.25hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm H.126, Hunting (P-GB-A-X-HN-N-J1) Research aircraft, designed to test the high-lift qualities of blown flaps. 60% of the exhaust of the jet engine was ducted to the trailing edge of the wing; a small fraction was also ducted to jet control nozzles. The H.126 had fixed landing gear and the complex, high-set wing was supported by struts. One built. Type: H.126 Function: experimental Year: 1963 Crew: Engines: 1 * 2200kg Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 805 Wing Span: 13.83m Length: 13.54m Height: 4.72m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Hadrian, Waco (S-USA-AG-C-HN-N-N) The US-built Wacoi C{G-4} glider in British service. Halifax, Handley Page H.P.57 (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-ARW4|ILW4) Heavy bomber, less known than the {Lancaster} but almost as important. It was built both with R.R. Merlin liquid-cooled and Bristol Hercules radial engines. The Halifax was a mid-wing aircraft with twin fins and rudders and a fuselage of rectangular cross-section. 6176 were built, and Halifaxes flew 75532 missions during WWII. They were also used as glider tug and transport. Type: Halifax B Mk. III Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 7 Engines: 4 * 1615hp Bristol Hercules XVI Wing Span: 31.75m Length: 21.82m Height: 6.32m Wing Area: 118.45m2 Empty Weight: 17345kg Max.Weight: 29484kg Speed: 454km/h Ceiling: 7315m Range: 1658km Armament: 9*mg7.7mm 5890kg Hamble Baby, Fairey (F-GB-AS|A-F-B-N-AR1) The Hamble Baby was a development of the Sopwith {Baby}. It was virtually completely redesigned. It was a small biplane, initially delivered on floats, but later production included a version with wheeled landing gear. 180 built. Type: Hamble Baby Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget Wing Span: 8.46m Length: 7.11m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 22.85m2 Empty Weight: 629kg Max.Weight: 883kg Speed: 145km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.0hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm 2*b30kg Hamilcar, General Aircraft (S-GB-AG-C-HN-N-N|AR2) Large glider, capable of carrying a 7-ton tank, two "Bren gun carriers", or other large equipment. It was used with some succes in Operation Overlord, but available only in small numbers. The Mk. X had two 965hp Bristol Mercury 31 engines to assist the take-off or fly the aircraft out after unloading. 412 built. Type: Hamilcar Function: glider Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: --- Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 7950kg Hampden, Handley Page H.P52 (S-GB-A-B-MN-P-ARW2) Medium bomber, used during the first part of WWII. It was a remarkable design with a short fuselage and a big tail boom, carrying twin tail fins. The Hampden was nicknamed 'Flying Suitcase'. It had good flying characteristics, but cramped crew accomodation and totally inadequate defensive armament. Heavy losses were suffered on day bomber missions. The Hampden was abandoned by bomber Command in 1942. Some were then converted to torpedo bombers. 1432 built. Type: Hampden Mk. I Function: bomber Year: 1939 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 740kW Bristol Pegasus XVIII Wing Span: 21.08m Length: 16.33m Height: 4.55m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 5343kg Max.Weight: 8508kg Speed: 410km/h Ceiling: 7300m Range: 3000km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 1814kg Handcross, Handley-Page (I-GB-A-AB-B-N-IL1) Torpedo bomber, a design that competed with the {Horsley}. 1925. Handley Page O/100 (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ILB2) The O/100 biplane was the first British heavy bomber. It was designed for the RNAS, that at first intended to attack the German fleet at Kiel with it. In the end, they were used mainly against German towns and U-boat bases. The name of Handley Page became synonymous with large aircraft. 46 were built. Type: O/100 Function: bomber Year: 1916 Crew: Engines: 2 * 18kW R.R Eagle II Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 140km/h Ceiling: 2600m Range: 1120km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 800kg Handley Page O/400 (F-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) This heavy night bomber was a development of the {O/100} with more powerful engines and some refinements. 663 built, including 100 which were made in the USA, but assembled in the UK, and 7 assembled in the USA for the USAAS. Type: O/400 Function: bomber Year: 1916 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 260kW R.R. Eagle VIII Wing Span: 30.48m Length: 19.16m Height: 6.71m Wing Area: 153.10m2 Empty Weight: 3719kg Max.Weight: 6350kg Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: 2600m Range: 8hr Armament: 3-5*mg7.7mm 748kg Handley Page V/1500 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BDIL4) Heavy long-range bomber, intended to bomb Berlin. Only three were completed when WWI ended. Only 32 were built, because the {Vimy} could do the same job for much lower cost. Type: V/1500 Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 280kW R.R. Eagle IV Wing Span: 38.40m Length: 19.51m Height: 7.01m Wing Area: 278.70m2 Empty Weight: 7983kg Max.Weight: 13608kg Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: 3350m Range: 2092km Armament: 3390kg 6*mg7.7mm Hardy, Hawker (I-GB-A-ABU-B-N-IL1) Tropicalized general-purpose variant of the {Hart}, intended for politional operations in Iraq. 47 built, by Gloster. Type: Hardy Function: attack / general purpose Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 436kW R.R. Kestrel IB Wing Span: 11.35m Length: 8.94m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.33m2 Empty Weight: 1148kg Max. Weight: 2066kg Speed: 296km/h Ceiling: 6510m Range: 756km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 236kg Harrier, Hawker/BAe (M-GB-AV-A-SH-N-J1) For a long time this was the only operational western VTOL aircraft. It is a small ground-attack aircraft. VTOL operation is achieved by the four swivelling nozzles of the R.R. Pegasus engine. The basic concepts dates back to 1960, but production still continues. The type was adopted by the USMC as the AV-8. Later versions have enlarged wings, wing root extensions, and longer noses for additional electronics. Type: Harrier GR.3 Function: attack Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 8752kg R.R. Pegasus Mk.103 Wing Span: 7.70m Length: 13.87m Height: 345m Wing Area: 18.68m2 Empty Weight: 5579kg Max.Weight: 11340kg Speed: 1186km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: 5560km Armament: 2268kg Harrow, Handley Page H.P.54 (S-GB-A-BC-HN-N-ARW2) High-wing monoplane bomber with fixed landing gear, very similar in appearance to the Bombay. It was intended as a stop-gap monoplane bomber and trainer, with the purpose to convert them to transports when more modern aircraft became available. Type: Harrow Mk.II Function: bomber / transport Year: 1935 Crew: 4-5 Engines: 2 * 680kW Bristol Pegasus XX Wing Span: 26.95m Length: 25.04m Height: 5.92m Wing Area: 101.26m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 7000m Range: 2950km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 1361kg (or Load: 20 seats) Hart, Hawker (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1|AR1) Single-engined biplane bomber. When it appeared, the Hart was faster than contemporary fighters. The design showed wat could be achieved by aerodynamic refinement and was very influential, but owed much to the earlier Fairey {Fox} light bomber, that was more or less ignored by the RAF. Like the Fox, the Hart had a close-cowled liquid-cooled engine, and much better streamlining than earlier bombers. The biplane wings were slightly swept. Over 950 built. Type: Hart Function: bomber Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 390kW R.R. Kestrel IB Wing Span: 11.35m Length: 8.94m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.33m2 Empty Weight: 1148kg Max. Weight: 2066kg Speed: 295km/h Ceiling: 6500m Range: 760km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 225kg Hartbees, Hawker (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Development of the {Hart} for the South African Air Force. Except for a few pattern aircraft, the Hartbees was also built in South Africa. Type: Hartbees Function: bomber Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 453kW R.R. Kestrel VFP Wing Span: 11.35m Length: 9.02m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.33m2 Empty Weight: 1429kg Max. Weight: 2171kg Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: 6705m Range: 3h 10min Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Harvard, North American (S-USA-A-T-LN-N-AR1) The U.S. {AT-6} Texan trainer. The Harvard was not only used as a trainer: In the 1950s Harvards were used in combat operations against the Mau-Mau uprising in Kenya. Hastings, Handley Page (P-GB-A-CT-LN-N-ARW4) Military version of the civil Hermes transport. It was a four- engined low-wing aircraft. 43 were built. The type was also used as trainer. Type: Hastings Function: transport Year: 1947 Crew: 6 Engines: 4 * 1230kW Bristol Hercules 106 Wing Span: 34.44m Length: 25.20m Height: 6.86m Wing Area: 130.80m2 Empty Weight: 21966kg Max.Weight: 36287kg Speed: 560km/h Ceiling: 8100m Range: 6800km Load: 9200kg, 43seats Havoc, Douglas (S-USA-A-F-HN-N-ARW2) RAF name for a nightfighter and night intruder development of the U.S. {A-20} bomber. This aircraft had originally been ordered by the French as the DB-7, but after the fall of France contracts were transferred to Britain. They were fitted with AI Mk.IV or Mk.V radar and a solid nose with forward-firing guns. Some Havocs were fitted with large searchlights in the nose instead of armament, to illuminate targets for {Hurricane} fighters. The USAAF did nearly the same; it created the {P-70} nightfighter version of the A-20. Type: Havoc I Function: nightfigher Year: 1940 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1200hp P&W R-1830 Wing Span: 18.69m Length: 14.32m Height: 483m Wing Area: 43.18m2 Empty Weight: 5171kg Max.Weight: 8636kg Speed: 475km/h Ceiling: 7865m Range: 1603km Armament: 9*mg7.7mm Hawfinch, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The Hawfinch was one of nine competitors for a 1928 fighter contract, and was classified second. The {Bulldog} was preferred because of larger fuel tanks and more accessible guns. One built. Type: Hawfinch Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 450hp Bristol Jupiter VII Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 7.21m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 27.31m2 Empty Weight: 873kg Max.Weight: Speed: 275km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Hawk, BAe (M-GB-A-AT-LS-N-J1) Low-wing, single-engined jet trainer trainer with a moderately swept wing. The Hawk has been more successful on the export market than the competing {Alpha Jet}. BAe even managed to sell the Hawk to the USN as the {T-45} Goshawk, but considerable modifications were required to make this aircraft carrier-capable. The standard Hawk has been exported to several countries, including Finland, Saudi-Arabia, Switzerland and Indonesia. There is also a single seat attack 'fighter' version called Hawk 200. Type: Hawk T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1976 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 23.75kN R.R.-Turbomeca RT.172-06-11 Adour 151 Wing Span: 9.39m Length: 11.17m Height: 3.99m Wing Area: 16.69m2 Empty Weight: 3647kg Max.Weight: 7750kg Speed: 1000km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: 3090km Armament: 2567kg Hector, Hawker (I-GB-A-AB-B-N-IL1) Army-cooperation aircraft, with the {Hind} fuselage and new unswept biplane wings. The Napier Dagger engine was not suitable for operations in tropical conditions, and the Hector never fully replaced the Audax. 178 built. Type: Hector Function: reconaissance / bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 600kW Napier Dagger IIIMS Wing Span: 11.26m Length: 9.09m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 32.14m2 Empty Weight: 1537kg Max. Weight: 2227kg Speed: 301km/h Ceiling: 7315m Range: 2h 25min Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 2*b51kg Hedgehog, Hawker (?-GB-A?-R-B-N-AR1) Fleet reconaissance biplane. Type: Hedgehog Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 420hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Hellcat, Grumman (S-USA-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) The U.S. {F6F} Hellcat shipboard fighter in RN service. It was used mostly in the Pacific, from escort carriers. Type: F6F-3 Hellcat Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2000hp P&W R-2800-10 Speed: 605km/h Ceiling: 10820m Range: 1320km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm Helldiver, Curtiss (S-USA-AC-AB-LN-N-AR1) The RN equipped one squadron with the {SB2C} Helldiver dive bomber. When they found out the aircraft's unpleasant characteristics, the Helldivers were quickly shipped back to the US. Type: SB2C-1C Function: dive bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1700hp Wright R-2600-8 Speed: 452km/h Ceiling: 7375m Range: 1790km Armament: 2*g20mm 2*mg7.62mm 1*b453kg Hendon, Fairey (I-GB-A-B-LN-N-WIL2) Ugly monoplane night bomber with fixed undercarriage and open cockpits. The Hendon Mk.II had enclosed cockpits. It was first submitted to the same requirement as the {Heyford}, but development was slow. The RAF later bought 14, 76 more were cancelled because or handling problems and because they were already obsolete. Type: Hendon II Function: bomber Year: 1936 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 440kW R.R. Kestrel VI Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 6580m Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 755kg Hendy Heck, Parnall (?-GB-A-U-?-?-AI1) Seven built. Type: Hendy Heck Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Six 2 Speed: 298km/h Ceiling: 5100m Range: 1000km Load: 2 seats. Hengist, Slingsby (S-GB-AG-C-HN-N-N) Attack glider, able to carry 18 troops. The Hengist had a rather odd fuselage, with curved upper and lower surfaces but flat sides. Early prototypes showed structural weakness. 1942. 18 were built. Henley, Hawker (S-GB-A-BU-LN-N-IL1) Clean two-seat monoplane bomber, that used the tail and wing panels of the {Hurricane}. The Henley was used mainly for target towing. Around 200 built. Type: Henley Function: target tug Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 768kW R.R. Merlin II Wing Span: 14.59m Length: 11.10m Height: 4.46m Wing Area: 31.77m2 Empty Weight: 2726kg Max. Weight: 3846kg Speed: Ceiling: 8230m Range: 1529km Hercules, Lockheed (M-USA-A-C|K-HN-N-TW4) The {C-130} Hercules, used by the RAF in transport and tanker roles. Hereford, Handley Page H.P.53 (S-GB-A-B-MN-P-AIW2) Re-engined variant of the {Hampden}. The 746kW Napier Dagger VIII engine was unreliable and noisy. The Hereford never became operational. Many were converted to Hampdens. 152 built. Heron, de Havilland DH.114 (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-AIW4) The Heron four-engined transport was a development of the twin-engined {Dove}. The Heron Mk.1 had fixed landing gear, for easier maintenance. The RAF had four VIP transports. Type: Heron 2D Function: transport Year: 1952 Crew: 2 Engines: 4 * 186kW D.H. Gipsy Queen 30-2 Wing Span: 21.79m Length: 14.78m Height: 4.75m Wing Area: 46.36m2 Empty Weight: 3697kg Max.Weight: 6123kg Speed: 294km/h Ceiling: 5640m Range: 1473km Load: 15-17 seats. Heron, Grob 115D-2 (M-GB-A-T-?-?-?) Five operated by Shorts for the RN, as part of the Naval Flying Grading Flight. Heron, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, the first Hawker fighter with a (largely) metal structure. The prototype was highly praised, but the military judged against the novel structure of the Heron. One built. Type: Heron Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Wing Span: 9.70m Length: 6.78m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 27.03m2 Empty Weight: 962kg Max.Weight: Speed: 251km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Heyford, Handley Page (I-GB-A-B-B-N-WIL2) Long-range night bomber, the most important British bomber of the mid '30s. The Heyford was a biplane of unusual configuration: The fuselage was attached to the upper wing, the lower wing to the landing gear. Bombs were carried in the centre section of the lower wing. The Heyford with its massive strut-bracing was not exactly an advanced design, but it was effective. For an aircraft of this size, it was also remarkably agile. 124 built. Type: Heyford Mk.IA Function: bomber Year: 1930 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 420kW R.R. Kestrel IIIS Wing Span: 22.86m Length: 17.6m Height: 5.33m Wing Area: 136.56m2 Empty Weight: 4173kg Max.Weight: 7666kg Speed: 220km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 1400kg Hinaidi, Handley-Page H.P.33 and H.P.36 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BAR2) A {Hyderabad} with radial engines. The Bristol Jupiter radials were lighter than the original engines, and to restore the balance the wings were slightly swept back. Type: Hinaidi Mk.II Function: bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 328kW Bristol Jupiter VIII Wing Span: 22.86m Length: 18.03m Height: 5.18m Wing Area: 136.66m2 Empty Weight: 3647kg Max.Weight: 6577kg Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 1368km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 657kg Hind, Hawker (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) The Hind was a stopgap replacement for the {Hart}, differing from the latter only by its more powerful engine and some refinements. Nevertheless it was used by the RAF insignificant numbers, because it was suitable to equip new units during a period of rapid expansion. Export models of the Hind often had radial engines. Type: Hind Function: bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 477kW R.R. Kestrel V Wing Span: 11.35m Length: 9.02m Height: 3.32m Wing Area: 32.33m2 Empty Weight: 1475kg Max. Weight: 2403kg Speed: 301km/h Ceiling: 8045m Range: 692km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 2*b250lb Hippo, Sopwith 3F.2 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat fighter, a backstaggered biplane with a deep fuselage. The Hippo was considered inferior the the Bristol {F.2}B. One built. Type: Hippo 3F.2 Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Clerget 11EB Wing Span: 11.81m Length: 7.47m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 31.59m2 Empty Weight: 672kg Max.Weight: 1175kg Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Hispano-Suiza Triplane, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-T-N-IL1) This fighter was not related to the famous {Triplane} of this manufacturer. It was larger and powered by much a more powerful engine, either a 150hp or a 200hp Hispano-Suiza. Two built. Type: Hispano-Suiza Triplane Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 8.69m Length: 7.06m Height: Wing Area: 31.59m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Hoopoe, Hawker (I-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) Naval biplane fighter. The Hoopoe was designed to be flown with wheeled and float undercarriage. The Hoopoe was refined and reengined several times, but it was finally overtaken by the development of the Hawker {Nimrod}. Hawker also developed the {Fury} from it. One built. Type: Hoopoe II Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 500hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther III Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 7.79m Height: 3.45m Wing Area: 27.96m2 Empty Weight: 1140kg Max.Weight: 1600kg Speed: 303km/h at 3960m Ceiling: 9325m Range: Armament: Hornbill, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The Hornbill was the smallest fighter that could be built around the powerful eight-cylinder Condor engine. It was a streamlined, fast aircraft; but handling, rate of climb and ceiling were disappointing. It did not enter production, but set a precedent by its use of a liquid-cooled engine. Type: Hornbill Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: Engines: 1 * 826hp Rolls-Royce Condor III Wing Span: 9.45m Length: 8.11m Height: 2.95m Wing Area: 29.49m2 Empty Weight: 1349kg Max.Weight: Speed: 301km/h Ceiling: 6920m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Hornet, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Prototype of the {Fury}. 360kW R.R F XIS engine. Hornet, de Havilland (P-GB-A-F-LN-N-ILW2) High-performance twin-engined fighter, based on {Mosquito} experience. The Hornet was a single-seater, and smaller than the Mosquito. The contruction incorporated metal underwing surfaces, and it had handed engines to elminate torque. 211 were built for the RAF, and they remained in service until 1955 because the Hornet had a better range than jet fighters. The RN adopted the {Sea Hornet}. Type: Hornet F Mk. 3 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 2070hp R.R. Merlin 130/131 Wing Span: 13.72m Length: 11.18m Height: 4.32m Wing Area: 33.54m2 Empty Weight: 5842kg Max.Weight: 9480kg Speed: 759km/h Ceiling: 10670m Range: 4028km Armament: 4*g20mm, 907kg Hornet Moth, de Havilland D.H.87 (I-GB-A-UT-B-N-AI1) Cabin biplane, designed as trainer and touring aircraft. During WWII the RAF used a few as liaison aircraft. 165 built. Type: D.H.87B Function: liaison Year: 1935 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major I Wing Span: 9.73mm Length: 7.61m Height: 2.01m Wing Area: 20.44m2 Empty Weight: 563kg Max.Weight: 885kg Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 4510m Range: 998km Horsa, Airspeed (S-GB-AG-C-HN-N-N) Assault glider used in many WWII airborne attacks, including the landing on Sicily and Normandy. The Horsa was a wooden high-wing aircraft, that was used on a large scale in the invasion of Sicily, Normandy and Germany. As well as troops, it could carry a jeep or a 6lb gun --- the Mk.II had a hinged nose section. The Horsa was sturdy and manoeuvrable. 3655 were built. Type: Horsa Mk. I Function: glider Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: none Wing Span: 26.8m Length: 20.40m Height: 5.90m Wing Area: 102.5m2 Empty Weight: 3800kg Max.Weight: 7030kg Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 20-25 seats Horsley, Hawker (I-GB-A-AB-B-N-IL1) The Horsley was designed as a biplane day bomber for the RAF. In the terminology of the day it was a 'medium' bomber. During the production the construction changed from wood to metal. The RAF bought over 120. Some were also sold to Greece. Type: Horsley Mk.II Function: bomber / torpedo bomber Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 495kW R.R. Condor IIIA Wing Span: 12.71m Length: 11.84m Height: 4.17m Wing Area: 64.38m2 Empty Weight: 2159kg Max. Weight: 3538kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: 4265m Range: 10hr Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 680kg Hotspur, General Aircraft (S-GB-AG-CT-MN-N-N) The Hotspur was designed as a troop-carrying glider. The eight- seat Hotspur was inspired by the successful use of the {DFS 230} by the Germans in May 1940. The gliding performance of the Hotspur was not entirely satisfactory, and toghether with the development of larger gliders this prevented the type from entering combat service. With a shortened wingspan, the Hotspur became the standard glider trainer. Hotspur, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) This was a design for a two-seat fighter, armed with a four-gun turret. It was competing with the Boulton-Paul {Defiant}. The Hotspur was a redesigned {Henley} light bomber. It was faster than the Defiant, but Hawker was comitted to the production of the urgently needed {Hurricane}. One built. The gun turret was never fitted. Type: Hotspur I Function: fighter Year: 1938 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1030hp R.R. Merlin II Wing Span: 14.49m Length: 11.01m Height: 4.37m Wing Area: 37.77m2 Empty Weight: 2631kg Max.Weight: Speed: 509km/h Ceiling: 28000ft Range: Armament: (4*mg7.7mm) Hound, de Havilland D.H.65 (I-GB-A-AUB-B-?-IL1|AR1) Multi-purpose biplane, 1926. The Hound competed for orders with the {Hart} (which was selected) and the {Antelope}. It was an unimpressive design, and replacing the Lion engine with a Jupiter radial did not help. Hoverfly, Vought-Sikorsky (P-USA-H-U-H3-N-AI1|AR1) The U.S. Sikorsky {R-4} and {R-6} in British service. H.P.11, Handley Page (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ILB2) Designation applied to the Handley Page {O/100} in 1924. H.P.12, Handley Page (F-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) Designation applied to the Handley Page {O/400} in 1924. H.P.15, Handley Page (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BDIL4) Designation applied to the Handley Page {V/1500} in 1924. H.P.21, Handley Page (I-GB-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) Single-seat shipboard monoplane fighter, an advanced design developed for the the US Navy by the British Handley Page company, best known for its large bomber aircraft. The {HPS-1} (or H.P.21) was of wooden construction, with cantilever wings but fixed landing gear and an open cockpit. The HPS-1 demonstrated directional unstability and a weak undercarriage, and the contract was cancelled. Two built. Type: HPS-1 Function: fighter Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 230hp Bentley B.R.2 Wing Span: 8.91m Length: 6.55m Height: 2.92m Wing Area: 10.64m2 Empty Weight: 599kg Max.Weight: 921kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 3hrs Armament: 2*mg7.62mm H.P.47, Handley Page (?-GB-A-U-N-P-?) General purpose utility aircraft. It was a monoplane with a remarkably slender tail boom, probably intended to give the aft gunner a wide field of fire. H.P.88, Handley Page (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) Test aircraft with the 'crescent' wing of the {Victor} bomber, built in 1951. Because the Victor design was modified rapidly while construction of the H.P.88 proceeded, this was a waste of time and money. It became tragic when the H.P.88 crashed, killing its pilot. H.P.100, Handley Page (P-GB-A-B-D-N-J12) Design for a supersonic long-range bomber. The H.P.100 had a low- aspect ratio delta wing and canards. It was to cruise at Mach 2.5 for 5000 miles, powered by 12 turbojet engines. The (later cancelled) {Avro 730} was preferred. H.P.115, Handley Page (P-GB-A-X-HD-N-J1) Test aircraft. The 115 had a sharp-edged 74.7 degree swept delta wing; the engine was fitted on top of the wing, the short fuselage extended below it, and the landing gear was fixed. It was designed to test the behaviour of the delta wing at low speeds. Type: H.P.115 Function: experimental Year: 1961 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 862kg Bristol Siddeley Viper 9 Wing Span: Length: 50ft 4in Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: H.P.R.2, Handley Page (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-AR1) This basic trainer competed with the {Provost}. Only two were built. Originally they had Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engines, but this was later replaced by the Alvis Leonides. Like the Provost, the H.P.R.2 had side-by-side seating and fixed tailwheel landing gear. HS.125, Hawker Siddeley (P-GB-A-C-LS-N-FJ2) Twin-engined business jet, see {BAe 125}. HS.748, Hawker Siddeley (M-GB-A-C-NL-N-WT2) See {Andover}. Hudson, Lockheed (S-USA-A-BP-MN-N-ARW2) RAF designation for the U.S. {A-28} and {A-29}. The Hudson was a military derivative of the Lockheed 14 Super Electra. It was not suitable as a medium bomber, but was used on a large scale as ASW aircraft. Type: Hudson Mk.I Function: reconaissance / bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 820kW Wright GR-1820-G10 Wing Span: 19.96m Length: 13.51m Height: 3.61m Wing Area: 51.19m2 Empty Weight: 5276kg Max.Weight: 7938kg Speed: 396km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 3154km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 635kg Hunter, Hawker (P-GB-A-FTA-MS-L-J1) The Hunter was a progressive development of the {P.1081} swept-wing subsonic fighter. It provided the RAF with a long-awaited transsonic fighter. For its days, it was neither very sophisticated nor very fast; it was a fundamentally simple, agile fighter for day operations. It was one of the most beautiful fighters ever built, and probably also one of the most long-lived. The Hunter was later developed into a fighter-bomber, and a two-seat trainer with side-by-side seating was also built. Some airforces used the Hunter into the 1980s and 1990s. 1985 built. Type: Hunter FGA.9 Function: fighter-bomber Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 45.1kN R.R. Avon Mk. 207 Wing Span: 10.26m Length: 13.98m Height: 4.01m Wing Area: 32.42m2 Empty Weight: 6532kg Max.Weight: 11158kg Speed: 1144km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: 2970km Armament: 4*g30mm 907kg Hurricane, Hawker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The Hurricane combined a biplane structure with a monoplane layout. The fuselage was a braced steel tube construction, with wooden frames and fabric covering. The wing was covered in metal, except on the first production aircraft, and was relatively thick. The Hurricane was inferior to the best contemporary fighters, but sturdy, reliable and easy to produce in quantity. Most RAF fighters during the Battle of Britain were Hurricanes. Later models were used as ground attack aircraft, because they were obsolete as fighters. Some Mk.IIs even became anti-tank aircraft with two 40mm cannon. 14533 were built, a number of these in Canada with Packard Merlin engines. Type: Hurricane Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1937 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1030hp R.R. Merlin III Wing Span: 12.20m Length: 9.59m Height: 3.96m Wing Area: 23.93m2 Empty Weight: 2118kg Max. Weight: 2994kg Speed: 520km/h Ceiling: 10900m Range: 965km Armament: 8*mg7.7mm Type: Hurricane Mk. IIB Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1280hp R.R. Merlin XX Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 9.82m Height: 3.99m Wing Area: 23.92m2 Empty Weight: 2495kg Max. Weight: 3311kg Speed: 550km/h Ceiling: 11125m Range: 772km Armament: 12*mg7.7mm 2*b227kg Hyderabad, Handley-Page H.P.24 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) Bomber development of the W.8b passenger transport. The Hyderabad was a rectangular biplane with a stepped nose. It was ugly and not very advanced, 44 were built, plus 33 radial-engined {Hinaidi}s. Type: Hyderabad I Function: bomber Year: 1926 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 450hp Napier Lion IIB Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 4270kg Range: 805km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 500kg --I-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inflexible, Beardmore (I-GB-A-B-HN-N-ILW2|IL1) Rather ugly bomber, with a rectangular fuselage and constant-chord surfaces. One built. Type: Inflexible Function: bomber Year: 1928 Crew: Engines: 3 * 485kW R.R. Condor II Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Iris, Blackburn (I-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ILB3) Large biplane flying-boat, the first flying boat built by Blackburn. The prototype was of wooden construction, but it was later converted to incorporate a metal fuselage. Four production aircraft and three prototypes were built. Type: Iris III Function: reconaissance Year: 1926 Crew: 5 Engines: 3 * 503kW R.R. Condor IIIB Wing Span: 29.57m Length: Height: 7.77m Wing Area: 207.07m2 Empty Weight: 8640kg Max.Weight: 13376kg Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: 3230m Range: 1290km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 907kg --J-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jaguar, Sepecat (P-F&GB-A-A-HS-N-J2) French/British low-altitude ground attack aircraft. The French and British air forces each bought around 200; the Jaguar also did well on the export market. The Jaguar is a relative small aircraft with a tiny shoulder-wing, giving a smooth 'ride' at low altitude. It is not very sophisticated, but versatile and effective, and upgrade programs are now extending its capabilities. The British versions are the S attack aircraft (Jaguar GR) and the B two-seat trainer (Jaguar T). The Jaguar A is the French attack version, and the E the French two-seat trainer. The Jaguar M shipboard attack aircraft was cancelled. The Jaguar International is the export version; it is being license-built in India. Type: Jaguar GR.1 Function: attack Year: 1973 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 35.7kN R.R.-Turbomeca Adour Mk.104 Wing Span: 8.69m Length: 16.83m Height: 4.89m Wing Area: 14.18m2 Empty Weight: 7000kg Max.Weight: 15700kg Speed: M1.6 Ceiling: 14020m Range: 4210km Armament: 2*g30mm 4765kg Type: Jaguar International Function: attack Year: 1978 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 3647kg R.R.-Turbomeca Adour Mk.804 Wing Span: 8.69m Length: 16.83m Height: 4.89m Wing Area: 24.18m2 Empty Weight: 7000kg Max.Weight: 15700kg Speed: 1699km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*g30mm 4763kg Javelin, Gloster (P-GB-A-F-MD-N-J2) The Javelin all-weather interceptor combined a thick delta wing with a T-tail. Initially, an armament of two recoilless 4.5in guns was proposed, but this was soon abandoned in favour of 30mm Aden cannon. The big nose housed a powerful radar set. Development was slow, but the Javelin became an effective all-weather interceptor. In later versions the Firestreak AAM was adopted as armament. The Javelin served until 1967. 436 were built. Type: Javelin FAW.7 Function: fighter Year: 1956 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 48.9kN Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire Sa.7 Wing Span: 15.8m Length: 17.1m Height: 4.8m Wing Area: 86m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 16188kg Speed: 1141km/h Ceiling: 16090m Range: 1530km Armament: 4*g30mm 4*msl JC.9, Heston (P-GB-AM-X-S-F-?) Unmanned technology demonstrator for a variable-geometry, tailless aircraft design by Barnes Wallis. Building not completed. 1951. Jet Provost, Hunting/Percival/BAC (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-J1) Straight-wing jet trainer. The Provost was an ab-initio trainer, developed using the wings and tail of the {Provost}. Over 500 were built. The type was also the basis for the {Strikemaster}, a version with a ground attack capacity. Type: Jet Provost T.5 Function: trainer Year: 1969 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1135kg R.R. Bristol Viper 202 Wing Span: 10.77m Length: 10.36m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 19.85m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 4173kg Speed: 710km/h Ceiling: 11200m Range: 1450km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm Jetstream, Handley-Page (M-GB-A-CT-LN-TW2) Small twin-turboprop transport. Used as trainer by the RAF (Mk.1) and RN (Mk.2 and Mk.3). The Mk.2 and Mk.3 are both radar trainers. Type: Jetstream T Mk.3 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 700kW Garrett TPE331-10UF Wing Span: 15.85m Length: 14.36m Height: 5.32m Wing Area: 25.08m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 6900kg Speed: 488km/h at 4575m Ceiling: Range: 1970km Armament: Jockey, Vickers 151 (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) Low-wing, cantilever monoplane fighter. The Jockey had fixed landing gear and an open cockpit, but in other respects was an advanced design. The Jockey as first designed had a insufficiently stiff aft fuselage; this was later modified. The single prototype crashed and no orders followed, but the development was continued and produced the Vickers {Venom}. Type: Jockey I Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 530hp Bristol Jupiter VIIF Wing Span: 9.90m Length: 7.01m Height: 2.51m Wing Area: 13.93m2 Empty Weight: 1025kg Max.Weight: 1434kg Speed: 351km/h Ceiling: 9450m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm --K-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kadet, Kirby (?-GB-AG-?-?-?-?) Glider. Kangaroo, Blackburn (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ILB2) Heavy bomber, a biplane which was characterised by its long nose and the much longer span of its upper wing. Only 16 were employed in WWI, mainly for sea patrol. Type: Kangaroo Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 190kW R.R. Falcon II Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: 3200m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 830kg Kestrel, Hawker (P-GB-AV-X-SH-N-J1) VTOL technology demonstrator aircraft for the {Harrier}, developed from the {P.1127}. The Kestrel had a new wing, a more powerful engine, revised intakes, and other changes. The 15 built were flown by a 'tripartite' squadron, based on an agreement between Britain, Germany and the USA. Type: Kestrel FGA.1 Function: experimental Year: 1961 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 7000kg Bristol Pegasus 5 Wing Span: 6.96m Length: 12.95m Height: 3.28m Wing Area: 17.28m2 Empty Weight: 4445kg Max.Weight: Speed: 1100km/h Ceiling: 18300m Range: 560km Armament: Kingfisher, Vought (S-USA-A|AS-R-LN-N-AR1) British name for the U.S. {OS2U} reconaissance floatplane. Kite, Kirby (S-GB-AG-T-N-N-N) Single-seat glider, a development of the Grunau Baby. Used as trainer by the RAF. The RAF also performed test to see if this all-wood (with exception of the control rods and cables) aircraft would show up on radar. It did. Kittyhawk, Curtiss (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-IL1) British name for the Curtiss model 87 fighter, equivalent to the USAAF {P-40} D, E (Mk.I), F (MkII), K, M (Mk.III), and N (Mk.IV). The earlier model P-40, or Curtiss Hawk 81, was known as the {Tomahawk}. --L-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lancaster, Avro 683 (S-GB-A-BR-MN-N-ARW4|ILW4) The most used British heavy bomber of WWII. Lancasters flew 156000 missions. The Lancaster was a development of the unsatisfactory twin-engine {Manchester}. It had a rectangular fuselage, mid-set wing and twin tail fins and rudders. It was able to carry very heavy bombs and bulky 'special' weapons; with modifications to the bomb-bay even 10.000kg bombs were carried. 7378 built. Type: Lancaster Mk. I Function: bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 7 Engines: 4 * 1280hp R.R. Merlin XX Wing Span: 31.1m Length: 21.1m Height: 6.1m Wing Area: 120m2 Empty Weight: 16750kg Max.Weight: Speed: 460km/h Ceiling: 7470m Range: 4800km Armament: 10*mg7.7mm b9980kg Leopard Moth, de Havilland D.H.85 (I-GB-A-U-HN-N-AI1) High-wing, cabin monoplane. 133 were built. Type: Leopard Moth Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major Speed: 220km/h Ceiling: 6500m Range: 1150km Load: 2 seats Lerwick, Saro (S-GB-AF-PR-HN-N-ARW2) Monoplane flying boat. The Lerwick was an advanced design with a good performance, but handling characteristics could have been better. The availability of the better {Catalina} made the Lerwick superfluous. Just 21 were built, and their service life was short. Type: Lerwick Mk.I Function: utility Year: 1939 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1120kW Bristol Hercules II Wing Span: 19.39m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 15060kg Speed: 348km/h at 1220m Ceiling: Range: Armament: 7*mg7.7mm 907kg Liberator, Consolidated (S-USA-A-B-HN-N-ARW4) The U.S. {B-24} heavy bomber. Used as a naval patrol aircraft because of its long range that made it possible to cover the entire Atlantic ocean, eliminating the 'gap' that was left by the shorter-ranged {Sunderland}. Lightning, English Electric / BAC (P-GB-A-F-HS-N-J2) The layout of the Lightning was unusual: two engines above each other, a sharp-edged nose intake, and 60 degrees wing sweep. The Mach 2+ Lightning was the first supersonic British fighter. It was a good dogfighter, with a speed, acceleration and climb that were difficult to match. Armament and fuel capacity were limited, however, and the Lightning found few export orders. Retired in 1988. Type: Lightning F.6 Function: fighter Year: 1960 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 72.6kN R.R. Avon 302-C Wing Span: 10.62m Length: 16.84m Height: 5.97m Wing Area: 42.59m2 Empty Weight: 12719kg Max.Weight: 18900kg Speed: 2271km/h Ceiling: 18300m Range: 2500km Armament: 3630kg Lightning, Lockheed (S-USA-A-F-MN-T-IL2) The U.S. twin-engined {P-38} Lightning fighter. For some reason the first RAF Lightnings lacked the superchargers, so they were probably the worst Lightnings ever built; their USAAF designation was {P-322}. Lincock, Blackburn F.2 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat lightweight biplane fighter, originally a small wooden aircraft powered by a 250hp engine. Later the all-metal Lincock II was developed for Canada. Of the final Lincock III two were supplied to Japan and two to China. Total production was eight. Type: Lincock III Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 270hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx Major Wing Span: 6.86m Length: 5.94m Height: 2.23m Wing Area: 15.79m2 Empty Weight: 601kg Max.Weight: 944kg Speed: 264km/h Ceiling: Range: 611km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Lincoln, Avro (P-GB-A-B-MN-N-ILW4) Heavy bomber developed from the {Lancaster}, and initially known as the Lancaster B Mk.IV. The Lincoln, bigger and with a longer range, was developed for a British campaign in the far East, but was never used in this role because of the end of WWII. It compared unfavourably with more modern designs like the {B-29}, but was kept in service until 1963 and saw in combat over Kenya and Malaya. One was shot down on its way to Berlin in 1957. 604 built. Type: Lincoln B Mk. I Function: bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 7 Engines: 4 * 1750hp R.R. Merlin 85 Speed: 513km/h Ceiling: 9300m Range: 5760km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm 6350kg Lodestar, Lockheed (S-USA-A-C-LN-N-ARW2) RAF name for the Lockheed model 18 transport, equivalent to the {C-59} (Mk.I) or {C-60} (Mk.II). London, Nieuport (I-GB-A-B-T-N-ARB2) Triplane bomber. The London had very angular contours, because it was designed for a maximum of part interchangeability. It was powered by two radial engines, installed between the two lower wings. Only two were built. The engines were a failure, and prevented further development. Type: London Function: bomber Year: 1920 Crew: Engines: 2 * ABC Dragonfly Wing Span: 60ft Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: 4hrs Armament: London, Saunders-Roe A.27 (I-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ARW2) Biplane flying boat, a coastal patrol aircraft derived from the A.7 {Severn}. 30 were built. They were retired in 1941. Type: London Mk.II Function: reconaissance Year: 1937 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 787kW Bristol Pegasus X Wing Span: 24.38m Length: 17.31m Height: 5.72m Wing Area: 132.38m2 Empty Weight: 5035kg Max.Weight: 8346kg Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1770km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 907kg Long-Range Monoplane, Fairey (I-GB-A-X-HN-N-IL1) This was a long-range monoplane designed to set distance records. One 57hrs flight was made in 1933, from Cranwell to Walvisbaai (South-Africa). Type: Long Range Monoplane Function: experimental Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 390kW Napier lion XIA/NS Speed: Ceiling: Range: 8850km Armament: L.R.T.Tr., Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-T-N-IL1) Three-seat triplane, a heavy fighter with a teardrop-shaped nacelle fitted on the upper wing, above the fuselage, for a gunner with a 7.7mm gun. It was intended as escort fighter and anti-airship fighter. The L.R.T.Tr. was by no means the most bizarre fighter proposed for this tasks, but it was still clumsy and conceptually outdated. One built. Type: L.R.T.Tr Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 250hp R.R. Eagle I Wing Span: 16.08m Length: 10.74m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Lynx, Westland (M-GB-H-U-R4-N-T2) Twin-engined multi-purpose helicopter, employed by the Army and the Royal Navy, and also exported to a number of countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina, and others. The Lynx is a compact, agile helicopter. Its different versions feature a number of different radar, equipment and armament combinations. Type: Lynx AH Mk. I Function: attack Year: 1972 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 620kW R.R. Gem BS.360-07-26 Speed: 300km/h Ceiling: 3660m Range: 610km Armament: 2000kg Type: Lynx HAS Mk.3 Function: multi-role shipboard helicopter Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 835kW Rolls-Royce Gem Mk.41 Rotor Span: 12.80m Length: 15.16m Height: 3.48m Disc Area: 128.7m2 Empty Weight: 2740kg Max.Weight: 4763kg Speed: Ceiling: 3660m Range: 590km Armament: 1360kg Lysander, Westland (S-GB-A-U-HN-N-AR1) A slow-flying high-wing monoplane. The Lysander was designed to cooperate with the ground forces. This proved to be a bad concept, for the Lysander was too lightly armed to be much help and too slow too survive. But it was good liaison aircraft, and became famous as the aircraft that was used to secretly fly people to and from occupied Europe. 1652 built. Type: Lysander Mk.III Function: liaison Year: 1938 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 650kW Bristol Mercury XX Wing Span: 15.24m Length: 9.30m Height: 4.42m Wing Area: 14.15m2 Empty Weight: 1980kg Max.Weight: 2866kg Speed: 341km/h at 1525m Ceiling: 6555m Range: 966km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 227kg --M-------------------------------------------------------------------------- M.1, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-MN-N-AR1) Fast monoplane fighter. 129 were built, but never used in combat because of the prejudice against monoplanes and its relatively high landing speed. They were used as trainers, while 33 were sent to the Middle East. Type: M.1C Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Le Rhone 9J Wing Span: 9.37m Length: 6.24m Height: 2.37m Wing Area: 13.47m2 Empty Weight: 406kg Max.Weight: 611kg Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1.75hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm M.1, Mann & Grimmer (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The radial engine was fitted in the conventional place, the nose. But it drove, by chains, two pusher propellers at the wing trailing edges. The pilot sat in front of the wing, the observer aft of the wing. The prototype was destroyed before it could be evaluated by the RFC. One built. Type: M.1 Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Anzani Wing Span: 10.59m Length: 8.05m Height: Wing Area: 29.91m2 Empty Weight: 950kg Max.Weight: 1270kg Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: Range: 4.5hrs Armament: M.2, Mann & Grimmer (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Development of the {M.1}. Not built. M.18, Miles (?-GB-A-T-N-N-AI1) Two-seat monoplane trainer with open cockpits, fixed landing gear. The M.18 was not produced in series. Type: M-18 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp D.H. Cirrus Major Speed: 208km/h Ceiling: 3810m Range: M.20, Miles (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) Emergency fighter, designed for quick production should the RAF have a shortage of fighters. The M-20 was an all-wood monoplane with fixed landing gear, using many parts of the {Master} trainer. It was designed and built in only 65 days and had good performance, but the R.A.F. did not need the M.20. Later the M.20 was considered as an expendable shipboard fighter. Two built. Type: M.20/4 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1460hp R.R. Merlin XX Wing Span: 10.54m Length: 9.17m Height: 3.81m Wing Area: 21.74m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 536km/h Ceiling: 10000m Range: 1930km Armament: 8*mg7.7mm M.24 Master Fighter, Miles (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) This was an emergency fighter modification of the M.9 {Master} trainer, designed during the battle of Britain. The second seat was removed, and six guns installed in the wings. 23 were built, but were never used. Type: M-24 Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 500kW R.R. Kestrel 30 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 9.27m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: 30.19m2 Empty Weight: 2142kg Max.Weight: Speed: 369km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 6*mg7.7mm M.28, Miles (S-GB-A-TU-N-N-AI1) Low-wing trainer and liaison monoplane. Twin fins and rudders. Type: M-28 Mk. III Function: trainer Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * D.H. Cirrus Major III Speed: 251km/h Ceiling: Range: 656km Armament: M.30, Miles (S-GB-A-X-?-?-?2) Experimental aircraft, designed to test a configuration with a wing/fuselage blending. Type: M.30 Function: experimental Year: 1942 Crew: Engines: 2 * Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: M.33 Monitor, Miles (S-GB-A-U-HN-N-ARW2) See {Monitor}. M.35, Miles (S-GB-A-X-*-*-AI1) Single-seat tandem monoplane with a pusher propeller at the tail. Aerodynamic prototype for a shipboard fighter design, which never was built. Type: M.35 Function: experimental Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 130hp Gipsy Major Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: M.38 Messenger, Miles (S-GB-A-U-LN-N-AI1) See {Messenger}. M.39B, Miles (S-GB-A-X-*-*-AI2) Twin-engined tandem-wing (or canard) monoplane. It was the aerodynamic prototype for the M.39 fast bomber design, which was never built. Type: M.39B Function: experimental Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 104kW D.H. Gipsy Major 1C Wing Span: 11.43m Length: 6.76m Height: 2.82m Wing Area: 23.15m2 Empty Weight: 1091kg Max.Weight: 1270kg Speed: 264km/h Ceiling: Range: M.52, Miles (P-GB-A-X-N-N-J1) The Miles M.52 was intended to become the first supersonic aircraft. As originally designed, it was powered by a large afterburning jet engine; later rocket power was considered. The pilot was seated inside the engine intake. The M.52 had thin, straight wings and it was intended to fit an all-moving tailplane. The M.52 could have reached 1600km/h, but in February 1946 it was cancelled. Apparently this was because manned test flights were considered to dangerous, and an series of unmanned scale models were planned instead. Magister, Miles M.14 (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Two-seat monoplane trainer. The Masgister had open cocpits, fixed landing gear, and a wooden construction. It was fully acrobatic. 1393 built. Type: Magister Function: trainer Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 130hp D.H. Gipsy Major Wing Span: 10.3m Length: 7.5m Height: 2m Wing Area: 16.3m2 Empty Weight: 571kg Max.Weight: 837kg Speed: 229km/h Ceiling: 5490m Range: 610km Armament: Manchester, Avro 679 (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-ILW2) Twin-engined heavy bomber. Manchester was basically a good aircraft, but the Vulture engine was unreliable and dangerous. Only 43 Manchesters were built. The Manchester is remembered because of its four-engined development, the {Lancaster}. Type: Manchester Mk.I Function: bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 7 Engines: 2 * 1290kW R.R. Vulture I Wing Span: 27.46m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 425km/h Ceiling: 5800m Range: 2600km Armament: 6*mg7.7mm 4695kg Manchester, Avro (F-GB-A-B-B-N-ARBP2) Twin-engined biplane bomber, a development of the {Pike}. Type: Manchester I Function: bomber Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Speed: 206km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Manx, Handley-Page HP.75 (S-GB-A-X-MS-N-AIP2) Experimental tailless monoplane. The Manx had a short, round fuselage and backswept wings fitted with wingtip fins and rudders. The main wheel were retracatable, the nosewheel not. Handling was considered to be poor. Type: Manx Function: experimental Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 140hp D.H. Gipsy Major Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: 4575m Range: Armament: Marathon, Miles / Handley Page (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-AIW4) Small-four engined transport, a high-wing aircraft with triple tailfins. 28 were used as trainer by the RAF. Type: Marathon Function: transport Year: 1946 Crew: 3-5 Engines: 4 * 340hp D.H. Gipsy Queen 70-3 Wing Span: 19.81m Length: 15.93m Height: 4.27m Wing Area: 46.45m2 Empty Weight: 5198kg Max.Weight: 7484kg Speed: 323km/h Ceiling: 5500m Range: 935km Load: 18-22 seats Marauder, Martin (S-USA-A-B-HN-N-ARW2) RAF name for the U.S. {B-26} bomber. Mars, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) This was a development of the Nieuport {Nighthawk}, with the 230hp Bentley BR2 replacing the unreliable ABC Dragonfly engine. Most versions of the Mars carried other names: The Mars II, III and IV were known as the {Sparrowhawk} I, II and III, respectively; the Mars VI was known as the {Nighthawk}, and the Mars X as the {Nightjar}. Martinet, Miles M-25 (S-GB-A|AM-U-LN-N-AR1) Target-tug monoplane. 1793 built. Later 67 Queen Martinet unmanned target aircraft were built; 11 new ones and 54 conversions. Type: Martinet Function: target tug Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 650kW Bristol Mercury 30 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 9.42m Height: 3.53m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 2105kg Max.Weight: 3062kg Speed: 386km/h Ceiling: Range: 1120km Armament: Martlet, Grumman (S-USA-AC-F-MN-N-AR1) Small monoplane naval fighter, the U.S. {F4F} Wildcat. They were called Martlets in British service, until it was decided to adopt the American name. The Martlet Mk. IV was similar to the F4F-4 except for the Wright R-1820-40B engine. Type: F4F-4 Function: fighter Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1200hp P&W R-1830-86 Speed: 515km/h Ceiling: 10370m Range: 2050km Armament: 6*mg12.7mm Maryland, Martin (S-USA-A-B-LN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined bomber, assigned the U.S. designation {A-22} for contractual purposes, but only used by the RAF and Armee de l'Air. The Maryland had a cramped fuselage and was inadequately armed. 255 built. Type: Maryland Mk II Function: bomber Year: 1939 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 895kW P&W R-1830-S3C4G Wing Span: 18.69m Length: 14.22m Height: 4.57m Wing Area: 50.03m2 Empty Weight: 5086kg Max.Weight: 7624kg Speed: 447km/h Ceiling: 7925m Range: 1738km Armament: 6*mg7.7mm 907kg Master, Miles (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-AR1) Advanced monoplane trainer. The Mk.I had a R.R. Kestrel engine, the Mk.II a Bristol Mercury and the Mk. III a P&W Wasp Junior. The Mk.I was underpowered, but later models emulated the handling characteristics of contemporary fighters quite well. 3302 built. Type: Master Mk.II Function: trainer Year: 1939 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 650kW Bristol Mercury XX Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 8.99m Height: 2.82m Wing Area: 21.83m2 Empty Weight: 1947kg Max.Weight: 2528kg Speed: 389km/h Ceiling: 7650m Range: 630km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm M.B.1, Martin-Baker (I-GB-A-F-?-?-?) Fighter design, 1934. M.B.2, Martin-Baker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-AI1) Simplicity was the key to the design of the M.B.2, because it was intended to be built by semi-skilled people. It had angular contours and fixed landing gear. The MB.2 used an air-cooled, in-line engine. Handling characteristics were unpleasant. One built. Type: M.B.2 Function: fighter Year: 1938 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 805hp Napier Dagger III Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 10.51m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 19.79m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 515km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 8*mg7.7mm M.B.3, Martin-Baker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The M.B.3 was for its time a very advanced single-seat fighter, and combined this with structural simplicity. Test flights were marred by engine problems. The only prototype crashed. Development of a redesigned aircraft, the {M.B.5}, continued. One built. Type: M.B.3 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * Napier Sabre Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 10.77m Height: 4.74m Wing Area: 24.40m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 667km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 6*g20mm M.B.5, Martin-Baker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The M.B.5 was a development of the {M.B.3} with a redesigned fuselage, although this was still a tubular frame with stressed skin covering. The M.B.5 was highly praised for its performance, agility, handling and engineering quality. But with other high-performance fighters already in production and jet-engined fighters nearing completion, the M.B.5 remained a prototype. Type: MB5 Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2340hp R.R. Griffon 83 Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 11.30m Height: 4.37m Wing Area: 24.40m2 Empty Weight: 4192kg Max.Weight: 4994kg Speed: 740km/h Ceiling: Range: 1770km Armament: 4*g20mm MB.152, Bloch (S-F-A-F-LN-N-AR1) French single-engined fighter. Three were flown from Deauville to the RAF base at Lympne in May 1940. After the defeat of France, the {MB.152}s stayed in Britain and participated in the Battle of Britain. In 1941 they were retired. Mentor, Miles (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Trainer, 45 built for the RAF. Only one survived WWII. Type: Mentor Function: trainer Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Six I Speed: 251km/h Ceiling: 4200m Range: Armament: Merlin, Miles M-4 (S-GB-A-U-LN-N-AI1) Four built. Type: Merlin Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Six Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4 seats Merlin, European Helicopter (M-GB-H-AU-R?-N-T3) The EH 101 helicopter, an Anglo-Italian design to replace the {Sea King}. The RAF has ordered 22, the RN 44. Italian and Canadian aircraft will be powered by the 1520kW General Electric T700. The first production aircraft was rolled out in March 1996. Deliveries to the RN are expected to begin in 1998. Type: Merlin HM.1 Function: ASW/utility helicopter Year: 1998 Crew: 4 Engines: 3 * 1590kW RTM322-01/8 Rotor Span: 18.59m Length: 22.81m Height: 5.21m Disc Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 14600kg Speed: 309km/h Ceiling: 4575m Range: 1390km Armament: Messenger, Miles M.38 (S-GB-A-U-LN-N-AI1) The Messenger low-wing monoplane with three tail fins was designed as an artillery spotter, based on the Miles M.28. It was used exclusively as liaison aircraft, and production was limited. Type: Messenger Function: liaison Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 140hp D.H. Gipsy Major ID Speed: 187km/h Ceiling: 5185m Range: Load: 3 seats Meteor, Gloster / Armstrong Whitworth (SP-GB-A-FRT-LN-N-JW2) The first allied jet fighter. Its combat use in WWII was limited to intercepting V-1's. The Meteor was of conventional layout, with engines in mid-wing nacelles, and it was capable of accepting many types of engine. The flexible design allowed a long development history after the war, and the Meteor introduced jet engines to many airforces. A two-seat night fighter with a long radar nose was developed by Armstrong Whitworth and entered service in 1950. Around 3875 were built. The last were retired from service in 1961. Type: Meteor F Mk. III Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 770kg R.R. Welland Wing Span: 13.10m Length: 12.57m Height: 3.96m Wing Area: 34.74m2 Empty Weight: 4771kg Max.Weight: Speed: 795km/h Ceiling: 13400m Range: 2160km Armament: 4*g20mm Type: Meteor F Mk.8 Function: fighter Year: 1949 Crew: 1 Engines: 2* 1590kg Derwent 8 Wing Span: 11.32m Length: 13.59m Height: 3.96m Wing Area: 32.51m2 Empty Weight: 4846kg Max.Weight: 7122kg Speed: 962km/h at 3050m Ceiling: Range: 965km Armament: 4*g20mm Type: Meteor NF.11 Function: nightfighter Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1590kg R.R. Derwent 8 Wing Span: 13.11m Length: 14.78m Height: 4.24m Wing Area: 34.74m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 8976kg Speed: 871km/h Ceiling: 43000ft Range: 1530km Armament: 4*g20mm Midge, Folland (P-GB-A-X-HS-N-J1) A lower-powered (7.3kN Armstrong Siddeley Viper 101) aerodynamic prototype of the {Gnat}. One built. Mitchell, North American (S-USA-A-B-MN-N-ARW2) RAF name for the U.S. {B-25} medium bomber. Mohawk, Curtiss (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-AR1) RAF name for the Hawk 75A, export version of the U.S. {P-36} fighter. Monarch, Miles M.11 (S-GB-A-U-LN-N-AI1) Cabin monoplane, eleven built. Five were later impressed by the RAF. Type: Monarch Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 97kW D.H. Gipsy Major Wing Span: 10.87m Length: 7.62m Height: 1.98m Wing Area: 17.37m2 Empty Weight: 578kg Max.Weight: 860kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: Range: 917km Load: 2 seats Monitor, Miles M.33 (S-GB-A-U-HN-N-ARW2) The Monitor was a clean shoulder wing-monoplane, designed as a high-speed target tug for day and night, requested by both the RAF (Mk.I) and the Navy (Mk.II). It a wooden wing and a metal fuselage, and its structure was considered too light for its engine power and difficult. The Mk.I was cancelled before production began, but the Mk.II for the RN, which was able to simulate dive-bombing attacks, was rushed into production. Contracts for 600 Monitors were reduced to 80, but at the end of the war production ended, after only 20 were built. For Miles this was a financial disaster, for the customers a complete waste of time and money. Type: Monitor TT Mk. II Function: target tug Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1750hp Wright R-2600-31 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 576km/h Ceiling: Range: Mosquito, de Havilland (S-GB-A-BFR-HN-N-ILW2) The Mosquito was a twin-engined aircraft of plywood monocoque construction, designed originally as a fast, unarmed light bomber. This concept was regarded as an aberration by the authorities, but the performance of the Mosquito silenced the critics. At night it operated with impunity over Germany to the end of the war, because the Luftwaffe never had a nightfighter fast enough to intercept it. The Mosquito also served with distinction as fighter-bomber, recconaissance aircraft and nightfighter. It was one of the finest aircraft of WWII, with a versatility only matched by the German Junkers {Ju 88}. The nightfighter versions remained in production until 1947. Type: Mosquito B.IV Function: bomber Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 918kW Rolls-Royce Mk.21 Wing Span: 16.51m Length: 12.43m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 42.18m2 Empty Weight: 5942kg Max.Weight: 10152kg Speed: 612km/h Ceiling: 9500m Range: 1960km Armament: 907kg Type: Mosquito NF.II Function: nightfighter Year: 1942 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1075kW R.R. Merlin 23 Wing Span: 16.51m Length: 12.34m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 41.81m2 Empty Weight: 6093kg Max.Weight: Speed: 595km/h Ceiling: 11000m Range: 2740km Armament: 4*g20mm 4*mg7.7mm Type: Mosquito FB Mk. VI Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1250hp R.R. Merlin XXI Wing Span: 16.51m Length: 12.47m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 42.18m2 Empty Weight: 6486kg Max.Weight: 10115kg Speed: 611km/h Ceiling: 11000m Range: 1940km Armament: 4*g20mm 4*mg7.7mm 905kg Type: Mosquito NF Mk.30 Function: nightfighter Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1710hp R.R. Merlin 76 Wing Span: 16.51m Length: 12.64m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 41.81m2 Empty Weight: 6875kg Max.Weight: Speed: 682km/h Ceiling: Range: 1900km Armament: Moth, de Havilland D.H.60 (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AI1) The DH.60 Moth was the precursor of a large family of biplane light aircraft. First flown in 1925, it was an immediate success. Some were used as trainers by various air forces. Type: D.H. 60HG Gipsy Moth Function: liaison Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75kW D.H. Gipsy I Wing Span: 9.14m Length: 7.29m Height: 2.68m Wing Area: 22.57m2 Empty Weight: 417kg Max.Weight: 748kg Speed: 164km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 515km Armament: Moth Minor, de Havilland D.H.94 (S-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Low-wing trainer monoplane, with two open cockpits in tandem. 73 were built in Britain. Then the production line was moved to Australia, were 42 were delivered for the RAAF. Type: D.H.94 Function: trainer Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 67kW D.H. Gipsy Minor Wing Span: 11.15m Length: 7.44m Height: 1.93m Wing Area: 15.05m2 Empty Weight: 446kg Max.Weight: 703kg Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: 5030m Range: 483km Armament: M.R.1, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) All-metal development of the Bristol {F.2} Fighter. Metal construction was employed for its better resistance to a tropical climate. Two built. 1917. Type: M.R.1 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 170hp Wolseley Viper Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Mustang, North American (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The U.S. {P-51} Mustang fighter was designed for the RAF, and initial production went almost entirely to Britain. Type: Mustang Mk.I Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 845kW Allison V-1710-39 Speed: 628km/h Ceiling: 9750m Range: 1700km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 4*mg12.7mm --N-------------------------------------------------------------------------- N.1B, Westland (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-AR1) Twin-float biplane fighter, a compact aircraft of wooden construction. The requirement for a seaplane fighter faded away with the introduction of aircraft carriers. Two built. Type: N.1B Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp Bentley BR.1 Wing Span: 9.53m Length: 7.76m Height: 3.40m Wing Area: 25.83m2 Empty Weight: 682kg Max.Weight: 897kg Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: 3870m Range: 2.75hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm N.2, Short (I-GB-AS-AB-B-N-IL1) Seaplane bomber. A single-engined biplane. Type: N.2B Function: bomber Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 275hp Sunbeam Maori Speed: 145km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: N.2C, Norman Thomson (F-GB-AS-T-B-N-?1) Improved development of the {N.T.4}. Too late for WWI; two built. N.4, Fairey (?-GB-AF-?-B-?-?) Large biplane flying boat. Two built. N.9, Fairey (F-GB-AS-P-B-N-IL1) Biplane seaplane. Type: N.9 Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: Engines: 1 * 190hp R.R. Falcon Speed: 125km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: N.16, Westland (F-GB-AS-FR-?-?-AR1) Seaplane. Type: N.16 Function: reconaissance fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp Bentley BR.1 Speed: 174km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: N.17, Westland (F-GB-AS-FR-?-?-?) Seaplane, a version of the {N.16}. Nautilus, Blackburn 2F.1 (I-GB-AC-F-B-N-IL1) The Nautilus was one of a series of two-seat fighters that were tested around 1930. The Nautilus was a well-streamlined biplane with a liquid-cooled engine. It was not ordered: For shipboard operations, the Hawker {Osprey} was preferred for the simple reason that it was smaller. Type: Nautilus Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 525hp Rolls-Royce F.XIIMS Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 9.65m Height: 3.30m Wing Area: 42.55m2 Empty Weight: 1462kg Max.Weight: 2155kg Speed: 248km/h Ceiling: Range: 603kg Armament: 2*mg7.7mm N.E.1, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-P-ILP1) A development of the {F.E.9} for nocturnal use. Building a specialized night fighter may have been a good idea, but developing it from the conceptually obsolete and disappointing F.E.9 pusher biplane fighter was not. Six built. Type: N.E.1 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 14.57m Length: 9.19m Height: 2.94m Wing Area: 51.57m2 Empty Weight: 939kg Max.Weight: 1336kg Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: 5335m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Nighthawk, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Also known as the Gloster Mars VI. This was a development of the Nieuport {Nighthawk}, powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar or Bristol Jupiter radial engines. About 55 were built, the 29 RAF aircraft were conversions of Nieuport Nighthawk airframes. Type: Nighthawk Function: fighter Year: 1922 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 325hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar II Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 5.49m Height: 2.74m Wing Area: 25.08m2 Empty Weight: 824kg Max.Weight: 1006kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Nighthawk, Nieuport (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, designed at the end of WWI. The ABC Dragonfly engine doomed most aircraft that were powered by it. The Nighthawk entered production, but did not see service. Development continued, producing the Gloster {Nighthawk}. Type: Nighthawk Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 5.64m Height: 2.90m Wing Area: 25.64m2 Empty Weight: 680kg Max.Weight: 1006kg Speed: 243km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Nighthawk, Pemberton-Billing P.B.31E (F-GB-A-F-T-N-ARU2) Development of the {P.B.29}. The Nighthawk was a twin-engined quadruplane. It had a fully glazed cockpit, which at the top tapered in a 'pulpit' for the gunner, between the two upper wings. It was armed with a 1 1/2 lb recoilless gun and two 7.7mm guns. The Nighthawk had an endurance of 18hrs. It was intended for anti-airship patrols, but the entire concept was unpractical. One built. Type: Nighthawk Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 100hp Anzani Wing Span: 18.29m Length: 11.24m Height: 5.40m Wing Area: 89.37m2 Empty Weight: 1668kg Max.Weight: 2788kg Speed: 121km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: 18hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 1*g Nightjar, Gloster (I-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) Naval fighter development of the {Nighthawk}. 22 produced by converting Nighthawks. They served only with the RAF, and then for only two years. Type: Nightjar Function: fighter Year: 1920 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 172kW Bentley BR2 Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 5.59m Height: 2.74m Wing Area: 25.08m2 Empty Weight: 801kg Max.Weight: 982kg Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: 2hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Nimbus A.D.C. (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) This fighter was, like the preceding {A.D.C.1}, a development of the Martinsyde {F.4} Buzzard, but with a different engine and redesigned tail surfaces. Two built. Type: Nimbus Function: aircraft Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 330hp A.D.C. Nimbus Wing Span: 9.98m Length: 8.18m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 29.73m2 Empty Weight: 913kg Max.Weight: 1209kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Nimrod, Hawker (I-GB-AC|AS-F-B-N-IL1) Naval biplane fighter, developed in parallel with the {Fury}. The Nimrod looked very similar, but was a entirely new design, with a longer range. 100 were built, including 10 built in Denmark. The RN used the Nimrod until the spring of 1939. Type: Nimrod Mk.II Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 453kW R.R. Kestrel VFB Wing Span: 10.23m Length: 8.09m Height: 3m Wing Area: 27.96m2 Empty Weight: 1413kg Max.Weight: 1841kg Speed: 311km/h Ceiling: 8535m Range: 1h 40min Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Nimrod, BAe (M-GB-A-ARE-LS-N-JW4) Development of the {Comet} airliner as naval reconaissance and ASW aircraft. The fuselage was shortened, and enlarged by addition of an unpressurized bulge, creating a '8' cross-section, to make room for the additional equipment. The AEW Nimrod programme to provide the RAF with an AWACS aircraft was a failure, but the basic aircraft proved a very effective ASW platform. A number of Nimrods will be upgraded to Nimrod 2000 configuration, with new BMW-RR BR710 engines, airframe modifications, and new avionics, sensors, and weapons. Type: Nimrod MR.1 Function: reconaissance / ASW Year: 1969 Crew: 12 Engines: 4 *54kN R.R. RB168-20 Spey 250 Wing Span: 35.00m Length: 38.63m Height: 9.98m Wing Area: 197.04m2 Empty Weight: 39009kg Max.Weight: 87090kg Speed: 926km/h Ceiling: 13000m Range: 9265km Armament: 6120kg Nomad, Northrop (S-USA-A-A-LN-N-AR1) RAF name for the U.S. {A-17} attack aircraft. Norn, Hawker (I-GB-AC|AS-F-B-N-IL1) Biplane fighter. Two prototypes were built. The production version was renamed {Nimrod}. N.T.2B, Norman Thomson (F-GB-AF-T-B-N-IL1) Biplane flying boat, a two-seater that was used as trainer by the RNAS. Over 200 were built. Type: N.T.2B Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150kW Sunbeam Arab Wing Span: 14.75m Length: 8.34m Height: 3.25m Wing Area: 42.08m2 Empty Weight: 1035kg Max.Weight: 1437kg Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: 3475m Range: Armament: N.T.4, Norman Thomson (F-GB-AF-PT-B-N-?IL1) Biplane flying boat, a two-seater that was used as trainer by the RNAS. 50 were built, with 150hp or 200hp Hispano-Suiza engines. --O-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okapi, de Havilland DH.14 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Single-engined biplane bomber, designed during WWI as a replacement for the DH.9A. It never entered production. Osprey, Austin A.F.T.3 (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) Triplane fighter, first flown in early 1918 when the concept was already obsolete. The superior Sopwith {Snipe} was preferred, and the Osprey remained a one-off. Type: Osprey Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 230hp Bentley B.R.2 Wing Span: 7.01m Length: 5.36m Height: 3.25m Wing Area: 21.64m2 Empty Weight: 502kg Max.Weight: 856kg Speed: 190km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Osprey, Hawker (I-GB-AC|AS-FR-B-N-IL1) This was a naval reconaissance-fighter development of the {Hart} biplane bomber. 112 were built. About 130 built. Type: Osprey Mk.III Function: fighter Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 470kW R.R. Kestrel II Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 8.94m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 31.50m2 Empty Weight: 1545kg Max.Weight: 2245kg Speed: 270km/h Ceiling: 7165m Range: Armament: Overstrand, Boulton-Paul (I-GB-A-B-B-N-ARW2) Twin-engined biplane bomber, development of the {Sidestrand}. The Overstrand was the first RAF bomber with a fully enclosed, powered gun turret, in the nose. It also had an enclosed cockpit for the pilot, and could carry 50% more bombs. On the downside, speed limitations had to be imposed because of tail flutter. 24 built. Type: Overstrand Function: bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 432kW Bristol Peagsus IIM.3 Wing Span: 21.95m Length: 14.02m Height: 4.72m Wing Area: 91.04m2 Empty Weight: 3600kg Max.Weight: 5443kg Speed: 246km/h Ceiling: 6680m Range: 880km Armament: 726kg 3*mg7.7mm Oxford, Airspeed A.S. 10 (S-GB-A-TUC-LN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined monoplane trainer developed form the Envoy civil transport. The Oxford also served as light transports and liaison aircraft. 8751 were built. After the war Airspeed refurbished former RAF Oxfords and uncompleted ones and sold them on the civilian market as the 'Consul'. Type: Oxford Mk. I Function: crew trainer Year: 1938 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 335hp Armstrong Cheetah X Speed: 291km/h Ceiling: 5850m Range: 1545km Armament: --P-------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4/34, Fairey (S-GB-A-B-LN-N-IL1) Single-engined day bomber intended as successor to the {Battle}. Smaller and more refined. No production, but it was the basis for the {Fulmar}. P.32, Boulton-Paul (I-GB-A-B-B-N-ARW3) Large biplane night bomber, built to specification B.22/27. The P.32 and the competing {DH.72} both had two Bristol Pegasus radial engines on the lower wing and one on the upper wing. The P.32 was rejected as unsuitable because of its poor handling. 1930. P.46, Percival (S-GB-A-X-LN-N-AI1) See {Youngman-Baynes}. P.92/2, Boulton-Paul (S-GB-A-X-N-N-ILW2) Half-scale testbed for a projected fighter with cannon armament and two R.R. Vulture engines. The P.92 would have had a gun turret with four 20mm cannon, and a sophisticated predictor sight. The full-scale aircraft was never built. P.111, Boulton-Paul (P-GB-A-X-D-N-J1) Small delta-wing research aircraft with a flat elliptical fuselage. The wing tips and the fin tip could be removed to test several configurations. One built. Type: P.111A Function: experimental Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2313kg R.R. Nene 3 R.N.2 Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 7.95m Height: 3.82m Wing Area: 18.58m2 Empty Weight: 2948kg Max.Weight: 4354kg Speed: M0.98 Ceiling: Range: Armament: P.120, Boulton-Paul (P-GB-A-X-D-N-J1) Development of the P.111 with a high-set triangular tailplane. This was the configuration of the Gloster {Javelin}, and the P.120 was built to test it. The P.120 was considered pleasant to fly, in contrast to the 'twitchy' {P.111}. P.121, Boulton Paul (P-GB-A-F-S-?-?) Variable-sweep fighter design. Not built. P.149, Saunders-Roe (P-GB-A-F-S-?-?) Variable-sweep fighter design. Not built. P.531, Saunders-Roe (P-GB-H-AU-R4-N-?1) Prototype of the Westland {Scout}. P.1005, Hawker (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-IL2) Hawker design for a fast high-altitude bomber powered by two Napier Sabre engines. The succcess of the Mosquito removed much of the need for the P.1005, and it was preferred to use production resources for fighters. It was not built. Type: P.1005 Function: bomber Year: (1942) Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1625kW Napier Sabre IV Wing Span: 21.3m Length: 16.5m Height: 4.4m Wing Area: 62.9m2 Empty Weight: 9823kg Max.Weight: 15420kg Speed: 644km/h at 7620m Ceiling: 9910m Range: Armament: 1815kg, 4*mg7.7mm P.1040, Hawker (P-GB-A-F-MN-N-J1) Land based fighter design, used as the prototype of the navalized {Sea Hawk}. 22.21kN R.R. Nene engine. 1947. P.1052, Hawker (P-GB-A-X-S-N-J1) A swept-wing test aircraft, using the {Sea Hawk} fuselage with a new wing. Two built. Type: P1052 Function: experimental Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 22.21kN R.R. Nene RN2 Speed: 1097km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: P.1072, Hawker (P-GB-A-X-MN-N-J1&R1) One built. Modified {P.1040} with a rocket engine in the extreme tail. Type: P.1072 Function: fighter Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 8.89kN Armstrong Siddeley Snarler 1 * 2270kg R.R. Nene Mk.2 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*g20mm P.1081, Hawker (P-GB-A-F-MS-N-J1) This was a modification of the second {P.1052} (a swept-wing derivative of the {Sea Hawk}) with a straight-trough jet pipe. It was intended to become an operational fighter for Australia, but the project was cancelled in 1950. One built, a conversion of the second P.1052. Type: P1081 Function: experimental / fighter Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2268kg R.R. Nene R.N.2 Wing Span: 9.60m Length: 11.38m Height: 4.04m Wing Area: 23.97m2 Empty Weight: 5080kg Max.Weight: Speed: 1119km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*g20mm P.1127, Hawker (P-GB-AV-X-SH-N-J1) The P.1127 was a VTOL technology demonstrator aircraft. The P.1127 had a relatively low-powered Bristol BE 53 engine, precursor of the R.R. Pegasus, and a small delta wing. Four built. The P.1127 was developed into the {Kestrel}. Type: P.1127 (2nd prototype) Function: experimental Year: 1960 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 5130kg Bristol BE53 Wing Span: 7.42m Length: 14.93m Height: 3.12m Empty Weight: 4040kg Max.Weight: 5355kg Speed: 1160km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: P.1154, Hawker (P-GB-AV-F-?-?-?) Proposed supersonic VTOL strike fighter, designed in reply to a 1960 NATO requirement. Cancelled in 1964. P.1211, Hawker (P-GB-A-F-MS-N-J1) This was Hawker's design for a Mach 2 fighter. It was to be a big single-engined aircraft with an underfuselage inlet and moderately swept wings. The project was cancelled while the prototype was still under construction. Type: P.1211 Function: fighter Year: (1958) Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 13154kg Bristol Siddeley Orpheus BOI.2R Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 20.27m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 19731kg Speed: M2.25 at 11000m Ceiling: Range: 1930km Armament: 1*g r 907kg Panther, Parnall (I-GB-AC-R-B-N-AR1) Humpbacked shipboard reconaissance aircraft. It was fitted with flotation bags and a hydrovane. The fuselage was folded to starboard for storage. Type: Panther Function: reconaissance Year: 1920 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 230hp Bentley BR2 Wing Span: 8.99m Length: 7.59m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 31.21m2 Empty Weight: 602kg Max.Weight: 1177kg Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: 4420m Range: 4.5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Parnall 381 (S-GB-A-X-N-?-?) Project for a gun turret test aircraft, capable of flying with a powered turret with two 20mm, 37mm or 40mm cannon, installed either above or below the fuselage. The Parnall 381 would have been powered by two Bristol Hercules HE.6M radial engines. Not built. Partridge, Boulton Paul (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The Partridge had a slightly assymetrical fuselage and angular constant-chord wings to simplify construction. Its handling qualities were mediocre, and the performance insufficient for the requirements of the RAF. Only a prototype was built. Type: Partridge Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 440hp Bristol Jupiter VII Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 7.03m Height: Wing Area: 28.89m2 Empty Weight: 917kg Max.Weight: 1405kg Speed: 270km/h Ceiling: 8850m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm P.B.23, Pemberton-Billing (F-GB-A-F-B-T-APR1) Single-seat pusher biplane fighter. It was of wooden construction apart from the central nacelles, which was covered with metal. It was abandoned in favour of a development, the P.B.25 {Scout}. Type: P.B.23E Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Le Rhone Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.B.25, Pemberton-Billing (F-GB-A-F-B-T-APR1) Known as the {Scout}. P.B.29, Pemberton-Billing (F-GB-A-F-T-N-ARU2) The extraordinary P.B.29 was a twin-engined quadruplane, intended for anti-airship patrols at night. The fuselage was attached to the underside of the third wing, counting from the top; a 'dustbin' nacelle for the gunner was fitted between the two upper wings. The pusher engines were attached to the same wing as the fuselage. One built. Almost incredible, but development was continued to produce the P.B.31 {Nighthawk}. Type: P.B.29E Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 90hp Austro-Daimler Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.B.31, Pemberton-Billing (F-GB-A-F-T-N-ARU2) See {Nighthawk}. P.D.1, Short (P-GB-A-B-S-?-?) Bomber design, based on the wing tested by the S.B.4 {Sherpa}. Never built. Pembroke, Hunting Percival (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-ARW2) Small twin-engined high-wing transport aircraft. The RAF bought 44, and six that were equipped for cartography. It was developed from an earlier version for the Royal Navy, the {Sea Prince}. The Pembroke was also sold to Belgium, Sweden and Germany. Type: Pembroke Function: transport Year: 1953 Crew: Engines: 2 * 405kW Alvis Leonides Wing Span: 11.4m Length: 7.7m Height: 2.13m Wing Area: 18.6m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 192km/h Ceiling: Range: 690km Load: 8 seats Perch, Parnall (?-GB-AC-T-B-N-?) Biplane trainer, capable of shipboard operations. One built. Percival, Edgar (P-GB-A-AU-HN-P-?) Army cooperation aircraft, a small pod-and-boom design with high-set wings and fixed landing gears. The Army Air Corps tested two for several years, but didn't order the type. 1958. Perth, Blackurn (I-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ILB3) Development of the {Iris}. It was the largest biplane flying boat to serve with the RAF. The Perth had a closed cockpit and a more corrosion-resistant fuselage. Four built. Type: Perth Function: reconaissance Year: 1934 Crew: 5 Engines: 3 * 825hp R.R. Buzzard IIMS Wing Span: 29.57m Length: 21.34m Height: 8.06m Wing Area: 233.27m2 Empty Weight: 9492kg Max.Weight: 17237kg Speed: 212km/h Ceiling: 3505m Range: 2414km Armament: 1*g37mm 3-4*mg7.7mm b907kg Peto, Parnall (I-GB-AC-R-B-N-?1) Shipboard aircraft for submarines, developed in the 1920s. The M.2 submarine had a hanger 2.44m wide. Six were built. Phantom, McDonnell Douglas (M-USA-AC-F-LS-N-J2) The F-4M and F-4K were developments of the {F-4} Phantom II for the RN using many British parts, including the R.R. Spey engines. The Spey is larger than the J-79 and this results in a generally inferior performance, because the fuselage has more drag. Phoenix, Heston (I-GB-A-U-HN-N-AI1) Type: Phoenix Function: liaison Year: 1935 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150kW D.H. Gipsy Six II Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 4700m Range: 805km Load: 4 seats Pike, Avro 523 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ILBP2) Twin-engined escort and anti-airship fighter. The Pike was a large biplane. One had two pusher engines between the wings, the other prototype had two tractor engines. Two built. Type: 523 Pike Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 150hp Sunbeam Wing Span: 18.29m Length: 11.91m Height: 3.55m Wing Area: 75.71m2 Empty Weight: 1814kg Max.Weight: 2751kg Speed: 156km/h Ceiling: Range: 7hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Pike, Parnall (I-GB-A-R-B-N-IL1) Reconaissance biplane, designed to replaced the {Fairey III}D. Powered by a Napier Lion engine. Two built. Pintail, Fairey (I-GB-AS-FR-B-N-IL1) Amphibious two-seat fighter-reconaissance aircraft. Only three were built. the Pintail had a deep fuselage, filling the gap between the wings. Three prototypes were built, and three production aircraft were delivered to the Japanese Navy. Type: Pintail Function: fighter Year: 1920 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425hp Napier Lion Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 9.80m Height: 3.35m Wing Area: 37.16m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 2155kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Pipit, Parnall (I-GB-AC|AS-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat shipboard fighter. The Pipit was a neat all-metal biplane, but both prototypes were lost, the last clearly because of rudder flutter. As a result, the Pipit was classified as "quite unsuitable". Type: Pipit Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 495hp R.R. F.XI Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 7.92m Height: 3.18m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 1381kg Max.Weight: 1805kg Speed: 278km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*9kg Pioneer, Scotish Aviation Prestwick (P-GB-A-U-HN-N-AI1|AR1) Small high-wing STOL aircraft. The RAF used around 40 of them. Total production was 59. Type: Pioneer 2 Function: transport Year: 1953 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 520hp Alvis Leonides 501/3 Speed: 195km/h Ceiling: 7010m Range: 675km Load: 4 seats Pitcairn-Larsen PA-39 (?-USA-R-?-R?-?-AR1) U.S. built autogiro. Seven ordered by the RAF. Type: PA-39 Function: Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * 175hp Warner Super Scarab 165D Speed: 161km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Plover, Parnall (I-GB-AC|AS-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat shipboard fighter. The Plover was a wooden biplane that could be fitted with wheels, or with floats incorporating wheels. Only 18 built before it was superseded by the superior {Flycatcher}. Nevertheless, this made it Parnall's most successful design! Type: Plover Function: fighter Year: 1923 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320kW Bristol Jupiter Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 7.00m Height: 3.65m Wing Area: 28.43m2 Empty Weight: 923kg Max.Weight: 1354kg Speed: 228km/h Ceiling: 7000m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Prawn, Parnall (I-GB-AF-?-?-?-IL1) Small flying boat built in 1930. The Prawn used a redundant engine of the R101 airship, placed in the bow; to have enough water clearance the engine was rotated slightly upward for take-off. The Prawn was seriously underpowered. Prentice, Percival (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-AI1) Monoplane trainer, replacing the {Tiger Moth} in 1946. About 420 were built, despite poor handling characteristics that were never totally remedied. The Prentice was underpowered and rather sluggish. Its service life was brief. Type: Prentice T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 251HP D.H. Gipsy Queen 32 Wing Span: 14.02m Length: 9.53m Height: 3.92m Wing Area: 28.33m2 Empty Weight: 1461kg Max.Weight: 1905kg Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: 5490m Range: 637km Primer, Fairey (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-?) Monoplane trainer, that unsuccessfully competed with the de Havilland {Chipmunk} in 1948. The Primer was designed before WWII by the Belgian subsidiary of Fairey. The Primer was a good trainer, but so was the Chipmunk --- and the Chipmunk was cheaper. Type: Primer Function: trainer Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Prince, Pembroke (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-ARW2) Called {Pembroke} in RAF service. See there. Proctor, Percival (S-GB-A-UT-LN-N-AI1) Liaison and training aircraft. Low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear. Over 2000 were built. Some Proctors were used by the RAF until 1955. Type: Proctor Mk. IV Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 160kW D.H. Gipsy Queen II Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 1075kg Max.Weight: 1588kg Speed: 256km/h Ceiling: 4270m Range: 800km Load: 3 seats Provost, Percival (P-GB-A-T-LN-N-AR1) Low-wing monoplane trainer with fixed landing gear. The Provost replaced the {Prentice} as as basic trainer, and was highly praised both for its handling qualities and for its simple, efficient design. 461 were built. Type: Provost T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1950 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 550hp Alvis Leonides 126 Wing Span: 10.72m Length: 8.74m Height: 3.72m Wing Area: 19.88m2 Empty Weight: 1520kg Max.Weight: 1996kg Speed: 322km/h Ceiling: 7620m Range: 1040km Pterodactyl I, Hill (I-GB-AG|A-X-?-F-?P1|N) The Pterodactyl series were flying-wing aircraft, controlled by all-movable wingtips. The first Pterodactyl I was built as a glider, but later motorized. The IA was a much larger aircraft powered be a 34hp Cherub III engine in a psuher installation, and was built to a RAF contract. As the IB was reengined and the IC configuration had modified landing gear. Two built. Pterodactyl IV, Hill - Westland (I-GB-A-X-HN-F-AIP1) Tailless aircraft, a shoulder-wing three-seat design with a 120hp de Havilland Gipsy III pusher engine. It remained experimental. Pterodactyl V, Hill - Westland (I-GB-A-F-B-F-IL1) Thee V was one in a series of flying wing designs, a two-seat fighter prototype. The Pterodactyl was a tailless sesquiplane, with a swept upper wing and a small, straight lower wing. The tips of the upper wing carried rudders. A gunner was seated in the short aft fuselage. One built. It was abandoned after it suffered damage. Type: Pterodactyl V Function: fighter Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 440kW R.R.. Goshawk Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Pterodactyl VI, Hill - Westland (I-GB-A-F-?-F-?P1) Design for a tailless fighter, powered by a pusher engine. Not built. Puffin, Parnall (F-GB-A|AS-F-?-?-?) Amphibious fighter, WWI. Prototype only. Puma, Aerospatiale/Westland SA330 (M-F&GB-H-UC-R4-N-T2) French-designed medium-size transport and utility helicopter. The Puma is a popular type, in service with the armed forces of 40 countries. It has also been built by the British Westland, and the Rumanian IAR, and the Indonesian IPTN. It has now been replaced on the production lines by the {Super Puma}. About 700 built. Type: Puma HC Mk.1 Function: transport Year: 1973 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 985kW Turbomeca Turmo IIIC4 Rotor Span: 15.00m Length: 14.06m Height: Disc Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 6400km Speed: 280km/h Ceiling: 4800m Range: 630km Load: 16 seats, 2500kg Pup, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) This was a single-seat fighter, the forerunner of the famous {Camel}. The Pup owed much to the {Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter}, and was conventional of construction and layout. The Pup was originally ordered by the Navy. After 1917 it was no longer suitable as frontline fighter. It was then assigned to home defence units, and often reengined with a 100hp Gnome Monosoupape. The Pup was also used for the first experiments with aircraft carriers. 1770 built. Type: Pup Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Le Rhone 9C Wing Span: 8.08m Length: 5.89m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: 23.60m2 Empty Weight: 357kg Max.Weight: 556kg Speed: 179km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Puss Moth, de Havilland D.H.80 (I-GB-A-U-HN-N-AI1) High-wing cabin monoplane. About 284 built. Type: Puss Moth Function: liaison Year: 1930 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 1 * 88kW D.H. Gipsy III Wing Span: 11.20m Length: 7.62m Height: 2.13m Wing Area: 20.62m2 Empty Weight: 574kg Max.Weight: 930kg Speed: 206km/h Ceiling: 5300m Range: 480km Armament: P.V.2, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-AR1) Sesquiplane anti-airship fighter, a very neat floatplane. The upper wing was set at shoulder-height of the circular fuselage, the lower wing was halfway the floats and the fuselage. One built. Type: P.V.2 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 8.23m Length: 6.70m Height: 2.54m Wing Area: 15.60m2 Empty Weight: 493kg Max.Weight: 721kg Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*g P.V.2bis, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-AR1) The P.V.2bis was a fighter development of the {P.V.2}. The upper wing was raised to above the fuselage, and its span was increased. One built. Type: P.V.2bis Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 8.84m Length: 6.70m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 16.72m2 Empty Weight: 549kg Max.Weight: 772kg Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.V.3, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Development of the {Fury} biplane with the R.R. Goshawk engine. Its performance was insufficient, partly because of the heavy (steam) cooling system of the Goshawk. The RAF also decided to introduced its first monoplane fighter, the {Hurricane}, which made the P.V.3 obsolete. One built. Type: P.V.3 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 700hp R.R. Goshawk B41 Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.58m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 26.99m2 Empty Weight: 1601kg Max.Weight: Speed: 360km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm P.V.3, Port Victoria (F-GB-A-F-?-?-?) Land-based two-seat fighter design. 1916. Not built. P.V.4, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-T-ARP1) The P.V.4 was a sesquiplane on floats, with a pusher engine. The gunner in the front cockpit had a single 7.7mm gun. The P.V.4 was considered unsatisfactory. One built. Type: P.V.4 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget Wing Span: 9.75m Length: Height: Wing Area: 20.44m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 130km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.V.5, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat fighter and light bomber seaplane, a development of the {P.V.2bis}. The P.V.5 was a sesquiplane without bracing wires; W-configuration struts connected wings, fuselage and landing gear. One built, because the requirement was abandoned. Type: P.V.5 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.77m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 22.76m2 Empty Weight: 811kg Max.Weight: 1114kg Speed: 151km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm 2*b30kg P.V.5a, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat fighter seaplane. The P.V.5a was a more conventional design than the {P.V.5}. It was a single-bay biplane. One built. Type: P.V.5a Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1* 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 10.08m Length: 8.15m Height: 3.99m Wing Area: 28.71m2 Empty Weight: 894kg Max.Weight: 1142kg Speed: 164km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: P.V.7, Port Victoria (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-AI1) Very small single-seat fighter, intended as a shipboard anti-airship fighter. It had inadequate performance and the two-cylinder A.B.C. Gnat was (given the reputation of A.B.C., one is inclined to say: of course) an unreliable engine. Type: P.V.7 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 35hp A.B.C. Gnat Wing Span: 5.49m Length: 4.55m Height: 1.60m Wing Area: 7.90m2 Empty Weight: 123kg Max.Weight: 223kg Speed: 143km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.V.8, Port Victoria (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-AI1) Small single-seat fighter, a design competing with the {P.V.7}. It was much better than the P.V.7, but the engine was the same troublesome A.B.C. Gnat. Type: P.V.8 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 35hp A.B.C. Gnat Wing Span: 5.78m Length: 4.76m Height: 1.57m Wing Area: 9.85m2 Empty Weight: 154kg Max.Weight: 266kg Speed: 151km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm P.V.9, Port Victoria (F-GB-AS-F-B-N-AR1) Sesquiplane single-seat fighter seaplane. In May 1918 it was considered to best seaplane fighter available, but there was no service requirement for it. Type: P.V.9 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150hp Bentley B.R.1 Wing Span: 9.42m Length: 7.67m Height: 2.75m Wing Area: 21.09m2 Empty Weight: 637kg Max.Weight: 891kg Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm --Q-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q.6, Percival (S-GB-A-CU-LN-N-AI2) The Q.6 was designed as an executive transport. It was a clean twin-engined monoplane, built in versions with fixed and retractable landing gear. 27 were built, but the main user was the RAF, which bought 7 and impressed most of the others. They were used mainly as communications aircraft. The Egyptian air force also had two. Type: Q.6 Function: utility Year: 1937 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 152kW D.H. Gipsy Six Wing Span: 14.2m Length: 9.8m Height: 2.9m Wing Area: 25.8m2 Empty Weight: 1587kg Max.Weight: 2495kg Speed: 313km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: 1205km Load: 4-5 seats Queen Wasp, Airspeed (S-GB-A-*-B-N-AR1) The Queen Wasp biplane was designed as a remote-controlled target, although a cockpit was provided for ferrying. It was a beautiful little aircraft. --R-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ram, Royal Aircraft Factory A.E.3 (F-GB-A-AF-B-T-ILP1) See {A.E.3}. Rangoon, Short (I-GB-AF-P-B-N-ARB3) Reconaissance version of the civilian Calcutta biplane flying boat. Six were built. Type: Rangoon Function: reconnaissance Year: 1931 Crew: 5 Engines: 3 * Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm R.E.5, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-R-B-N-IL1) Biplane reconaissance aircraft, unarmed and slow. It was a development of the R.E.1. Type: R.E.5 Function: reconaissance Year: 1914 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 120hp Beardmore Speed: 125km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 27kg R.E.7, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-RFB-B-N-IL1) Biplane bomber and reconaissance aircraft, developed from the {R.E.5}. It was also designed as escort fighter, but was unsuitable for that role. Even as a bomber it was very vulnerable, because of its low speed and ceiling, and it was soon retired from the front. Used as trainer and target tug. 250 built. Type: R.E.7 Function: bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp RAF 4a Wing Span: 17.37m Length: 9.72m Height: 3.84m Wing Area: 50.91m2 Empty Weight: 1036kg Max.Weight: 1565kg Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: 1980m Range: 6hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm, 152kg R.E.8, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-RB-B-N-IL1) Reconaissance biplane. The R.E.8 had a lot of bad characteristics and few good ones, sturdiness being one of the latter. Nevertheless it was used in large numbers. 4077 built. Type: R.E.8 Function: reconaissance Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110kW R.A.F. 4a Wing Span: 12.98m Length: 8.50m Height: 3.47m Wing Area: 35.07m2 Empty Weight: 717kg Max.Weight: 1301kg Speed: 165km/h Ceiling: 4100m Range: 4.25hrs Armament: 2-3*mg7.7mm 120kg Reliant, Stinson (S-USA-A-U-HN-N-AR1) The U.S. built Stinson Reliant high-wing liaison aircraft. R.G., Martinsyde (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) The R.G. was a development of the {G.100} Elephant, powered by the Rolls-Royce Falcon engine. The performance of the R.G. was highly praised, but it was abandoned in favour of the even more advanced {F.3}. Prototype only. Type: R.G. Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 275hp R.R. Falcon III Wing Span: 9.75m Length: 7.87m Height: 2.30m Wing Area: 28.80m2 Empty Weight: 789kg Max.Weight: 1026kg Speed: 212km/h Ceiling: Range: 2hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Rhino, Sopwith (G-GB-A-?-T-N-?) Two-seat, single-engined triplane. 1917. No production. Ripon, Blackburn (I-GB-AC-A-B-N-IL1) Carrier-borne torpedo-bomber and reconaissance aircraft, a development of the {Swift} / {Dart} / {Velos} family. The Ripon was a conventional biplane. 123 built. Type: Ripon IIA Function: reconaissance Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 425kW Napier Lion XIA Wing Span: 13.67m Length: 11.2m Height: 3.91m Wing Area: 63.45m2 Empty Weight: 1930kg Max.Weight: 3359kg Speed: 203km/h Ceiling: 3050m Range: 1705km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 690kg Roc, Blackburn B-25 (S-GB-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) Fighter development of the {Skua}, armed with a four-gun turret. This shipboard equivalent of the {Defiant} suffered not only from a bad tactical concept but also from having ridiculous performance for a fighter. After a few months it was relegated to training duties. The Roc could be equipped with floats, but only three ever were. 136 built. Type: Roc Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 665kW Bristol Perseus XII Wing Span: 14.02m Length: 10.85m Height: 3.68m Wing Area: 28.8m2 Empty Weight: 2278kg Max.Weight: 3606kg Speed: 315km/h Ceiling: 5400m Range: 1300km Armament: 4*mg7.7mm 110kg Rota, Cierva (IS-GB-*-U-R3-N-AR1) Autogiros of the Cierva C.30 and C.40 series used by the RAF during WWII. One of their functions was radar calibration. 178 built. Type: Rota Function: autogiro Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 140hp Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major IA Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 2440m Range: 465km Armament: Rotabuggy, Hafner (S-GB-ARG-C-R?-*-N) A tail and a rotor were fitted to a jeep, and the whole contraption was towed into air. It was never released from its towing aircraft, because of stability problems. Nevertheless, plans were made to fit a rotor to a Valentine tank! Type: Rotabuggy Function: glider Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Speed: 240km/h Rotaplane, Hafner (S-GB-ARG-C-R?-*-N) Glider rotaplane, carrying one armed paratrooper. Never used. Type: Rotaplane Function: rotor glider Year: Crew: 1 Engines: none Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: Range: R.R.F. 25, Robey Peters (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Large biplane 'aircruiser' for anti-airship patrol. Two nacelles were fitted under the upper wing, for two gunners. The port nacelle had a 7.7mm Lewis and the starboard nacelle a big 2lb Davis recoilless gun. The pilot sat far aft, near the tail. The R.R.F. 25 was flown three times; all flights ended in a crash. Two built. Type: R.R.F 25 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 250hp R.R. Eagle Wing Span: 16.61m Length: 8.95m Height: Wing Area: 44.92m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm 1*g2lb RT.1, Siddeley (F-GB-A-RB-B-N-IL1) Improved version of the {R.E.8}. The RT.1 had new wings with a longer span, and larger tail surfaces. Six ordered, three built. Apparently the improvement in performance was not sufficient to justify a production order. Type: RT.1 Function: reconnaissance Year: 1917 Crew: Engines: 1 * 149kW Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 162km/h at 1980m Ceiling: 4875m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Lewis fixed on upper wing. 1*mg7.7mm Lewis flexible for rear gunner. --S-------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.1, Martinsyde (F-GB-A-R-B-N-AR1) Observation biplane. Considered inferior to the Bristol {Scout} and Sopwith {Tabloid}, but used until 1915. About 60 were built. Type: S.1 Function: reconaissance Year: 1914 Crew: Engines: 1 * 60kW Gnome Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: S.2A, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Two-seat development of the Bristol {Scout}. The S.2A had side-by-side seating, and was originally intended as an anti-airship fighter but later adapted to become a trainer. Despite the good performance, only two were built. Type: S.2A Function: trainer Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget Wing Span: 8.58m Length: 6.48m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 635kg Max.Weight: Speed: 153km/h Ceiling: Range: 3hrs Armament: (1*g7.7mm) S9/30, Fairey (I-GB-A-R-?-?-?) Reconnaissance aircraft, 1934. S.18, Short (I-GB-AF-R-HN-N-IL2) All-metal, gull-wing flying boat. The S.18 was more modern than its biplane competitors, but the R.R. Goshawk engine may have contributed to its demise. One built. Type: S.18 Function: reconaissance Year: 1933 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * R.R. Goshawk VIII Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 4450m Range: 1370km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm b454kg S.26, Short (S-GB-AF-CP-HN-N-ARW4) Development of the civilian Empire flying-boat. Three were built. The RAF used them as reconnaissance aircraft during WWII. One survived WWII. Type: S.26 Function: reconaissance / transport. Year: 1939 Crew: 5-7 Engines: 4 * 1015kW Bristol Hercules IV Speed: 290km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 5150km Armament: S.31, Short (S-GB-A-X-HN-N-ILW4) This was a half-scale flying model of the {Stirling}, powered by Niagara Pobjoy IV engines. S.81, Short (?-GB-AS-?-B-N-?P1) Float biplane with a pusher engine. Sage 1 (F-GB-A-B-B-?-?-IL2) Biplane bomber. Two 190hp Rolls-Royce engines. Top speed 150km/h. Sage 2 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) A very small two-seat fighter with an enclosed cockpit. The cockpit was a fairing between the fuselage and the upper wing. A hole in the upper wing allowed the observer to use his gun while standing. The engine was fully cowled, with a large propeller spinner. One built. Type: Sage 2 Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 6.77m Length: 6.45m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 15.61m2 Empty Weight: 404kg Max.Weight: 701kg Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Sage 3 (I-GB-A-T-B-N-IL1) Biplane trainer. Type: Sage 3 Function: Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 75hp R.R. Hawk Speed: 116km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Sage 4 (I-GB-AS-P-B-N-IL1) Patrol seaplane. Type: Sage 4a Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Hispano Speed: 150km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Salamander, Sopwith T.F.2 (F-GB-A-AF-B-N-AR1) This was a ground attack development of the {Snipe}, with which it retained little structural commonality. The entire forward fuselage was an armored box, with plate thickness between 10mm and 6mm. Most orders were cancelled at the end of WWI. 419 were built, but these were never assigned to active service. Type: Salamander Function: attack Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 170kW Bentley BR2 Wing Span: 9.52m Length: 5.94m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 25.27m2 Empty Weight: 836kg Max.Weight: 1139kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: 4000m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b11kg Sarafand, Short (I-GB-AF-RP-B-N-IL6) Big biplane flying boat. One built. Type: Sarafand Function: patrol Year: 1932 Crew: 10 Engines: 6 * 825hp R.R. Bussard Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: S.B.1, Short (P-GB-AG-X-S-N-N) Experimental glider, built to test the same wing design as the S.B.4 {Sherpa} (see there). S.B.3, Beardmore (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) See W.B.III. S.B.3, Short (P-GB-AC-AP-MN-N-TW2) ASW aircraft, developed from the {Sturgeon}, and powered by two Mamba turboprop engines. The Navy preferred the {Gannet}. S.B.4, Short (P-GB-A-X-S-N-J2) See {Sherpa}. S.B.5, Short (P-GB-A-X-HS-N-J1) The S.B.5. was actually a low-speed flying model of the {Lightning} Mach 2 fighter, built to investigate the aerodynamics of the 60 degrees swept wing and tail configuration of the latter. The S.B.5 was flown with 50, 60 and 69 degrees wing sweep, with and without drooped leading edge, with a T-tail and a low-set tailplane. It was rather ugly, had a fixed undercarriage and was seriously undepowered, but contributed significantly to research. Type: S.B.5 Function: experimental Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1590kg R.R. Derwent 8 Speed: Ceiling: Range: S.C.1, Short (P-GB-AV-X-LD-N-J5) An experimental VTOL aircraft. The S.C.1 was built as light as possible; it had a short, fat fuselage and a delta wing. Five RB-108 engines were fitted, one for horizontal propulsion and four as lift engines. Two built. Type: S.C.1 Function: experimental Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 5 * 906kg R.R. RB-108 Wing Span: 7.16m Length: 7.77m Height: Wing Area: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: S.C.5 Belfast, Short (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-TW4) See {Belfast}. Scapa, Supermarine (I-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ILW2) Biplane flying boat, an all-metal development of the {Southampton}, initially known as the Southampton Mk.IV. 14 were built, and served briefly with the RAF. Type: Scapa Function: reconaissance Year: 1935 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 391kW R.R. Kestrel IIIS Wing Span: 22.86m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 227km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 454kg Schneider, Sopwith (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) A development of the {Tabloid}. It was a single-seat float biplane, armed with an upward-angled gun. It was used for anti-airship defence, and also carried aboard light cruisers. 136 built. Type: Schneider Function: fighter Year: 1914 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 7.82m Length: 6.90m Height: 2.97m Wing Area: 22.30m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 143km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Scimitar, Armstrong-Whitworth A.W.35 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat biplane fighter, developed from the {A.W.16}. Six built, four delivered to Norway. Type: Scimitar Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 730hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther XIA Wing Span: 10.06m Length: 7.62m Height: 3.53m Wing Area: 24.28m2 Empty Weight: 1276kg Max.Weight: 1860kg Speed: 343km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b9kg Scimitar, Supermarine 525 (P-GB-AC-F-MS-J2) Shipboard fighter-bomber, a swept-wing development of the {Supermarine 508} and {Supermarine 529}. In contrast to the earlier models, the Scimitar had an area-ruled fuselage. Only 75 production aircraft were built; they remained in service until 1969. Type: Scimitar F Mk.1 Function: fighter / attack Year: 1958 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 5100kg R.R. Avon RA28 Mk.202 Wing Span: 11.33m Length: 16.84m Height: 5.28m Wing Area: 45.05m2 Empty Weight: 10869kg Max.Weight: 15513kg Speed: 1186km/h Ceiling: 14020m Range: 2290km Armament: 4*g20mm 48*r 3620kg Scooter, Sopwith (F-GB-A-?-P-N-AR1) Single-engined parasol monoplane. Scout, A.D. (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) This anti-airship fighter was designed by the Air Department of the Admiralty. It was a pusher biplane, unusual because the nacelle was on the upper wing, instead of between the wings or on the lower wing. The Scout was overweight and difficult to handle; the four built were scrapped. Type: Scout Function: fighter Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 10.18m Length: 6.93m Height: 3.12m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 135km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 1*g2lb Scout, Alcock A.1 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) See {A.1}. Scout, Bristol (Scout A to Scout D) (F-GB-A-FR-B-N-AR1) Single-seat biplane, used until 1916 as reconaissance arcraift and fighter, in the last role with a synchronized gun. Early in the war the RFC units were not homogenous; instead, most units had a few Scouts. 364 built. Type: Scout D Function: reconaissance Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 60kW Le Rhone Wing Span: 8.33m Length: 6.02m Height: 2.59m Wing Area: 18.59m2 Empty Weight: 345kg Max.Weight: 567kg Speed: 161km/h Ceiling: 4900m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Scout, Nestler (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat biplane fighter. The Scout was a wooden single-bay biplane, powered by a 100hp Gnome Monosoupape rotary. It crashed in 1917, and was abandoned. Scout, Parnall (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat anti-airship fighter. It was a large aircraft, with a single 7.7mm gun firing 45 degrees upwards. Two were built. The Scout was seriously overweight, and was considered dangerous. Type: Scout Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 260hp Sunbeam Maori 12 Wing Span: 13.41m Length: Height: Wing Area: 47.94m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Scout, Pemberton-Billing P.B.25 (F-GB-A-F-B-T-APR1) Pusher biplane, a development of the {P.B.23} with a different nacelle and sweptback outer wing panels. It had a poor performance, bad flying characteristics, and an outdated concept. Twenty were built. Type: P.B.25 Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Wing Span: 10.04m Length: 7.34m Height: 3.17m Wing Area: 25.73m2 Empty Weight: 490kg Max.Weight: 699kg Speed: 143km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Scout, Westland (P-GB-H-AU-R4-N-T1) Small utility and anti-tank helicopter. It was in service for over 30 years. There also was a naval version, the {Wasp}. Type: Scout Function: utility Year: 1961 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 505kW R.R. Bristol Nimbus Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: 5200m Range: 510km Load: 4 seats Scout F, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1|AR1) Biplane fighter, originally designed for the 200hp Hispano-Suiza engine. This was in short supply, and the two built were given Sunbeam Arab engines of similar power. The aircraft was excellent, but the engine unreliable. The third prototype (Scout F.1) was powered by the 347hp Brazil-Straker Mercury radial engine, which gave excellent performance, but was also abandoned. Type: Scout F Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Sunbeam Arab II Wing Span: 9.03m Length: 6.35m Height: 2.54m Wing Area: 24.15m2 Empty Weight: 651kg Max.Weight: 1002kg Speed: 222km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Scylla, Supermarine (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-IL2) Five-seat patrol flying boat, designed as a military equivalent of the civilian Swan. The Swan was a biplane, but the Scylla was a monoplane powered by two Rolls-Royce Condor engines. Apparently it never got further than taxying tests. S.E.2, Royal Aircraft Factory (E-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Single-seat scout, a development of the unarmed {B.S.1}. The S.E.2 initially had a monocoque fuselage and a nicely cowled rotary engine. Later the monocoque was replaced by a more conventional construction. Only one built. It was flown until 1915. Type: S.E.2 Function: fighter Year: 1914 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 60kW Gnome Wing Span: 8.38m Length: 6.22m Height: 2.83m Wing Area: 14.47m2 Empty Weight: 327kg Max.Weight: 513kg Speed: 137km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*rifle S.E.4, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. In its day, the S.E.4 was a streamlined aircraft with many advanced features, although some --- such as an enclosed cockpit --- were removed before the aircraft was flown. One built. Development was discontinued after it crashed. Not to be confused with the {S.E.4a}. Type: S.E.4 Function: fighter Year: 1914 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 100hp Gnome Monosoupape Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: S.E.4a, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, unrelated to the S.E.4. Four built. Type: S.E.4a Function: Year: 1915 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80 hp Gnome Wing Span: 8.38m Length: 6.37m Height: 2.87m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: S.E.5, Royal Aircraft Factory (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Sturdy, angular biplane fighter. The initial S.E.5 was a bit underpowered, but the S.E.5a was probably the best British fighter of WWI. Armament consisted of one Vicker gun on the engine cowling and one Lewis gun on the upper wing, probably representing the two competing ideas about fighter armament in the RFC. The S.E.5b had a different wing cellule and a cleaner engine installation, but benefits were minimal. 5205 built. Type: S.E.5a Function: fighter Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 150kW Wolseley Viper W4A Wing Span: 8.11m Length: 6.37m Height: 2.89m Wing Area: 22.83m2 Empty Weight: 694kg Max.Weight: 929kg Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: 5950m Range: 550km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Sea Balliol, Boulton-Paul (P-GB-AC-T-LN-N-IL1) Navalized {Balliol}. About 30 were built. Sea Devon, de Havilland D.H.104 (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-AIW2) Version of the De Havilland {Dove} for the Royal Navy. Seafang, Supermarine (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-IL1) Naval derivative of the {Spiteful}. 18 were built, some of which were never flown. With its wide-track landing gear and raised cockpit, the Seafang had some advantages over the {Seafire}. But on the other hand, low-speed handling had deteriorated. The FAA chose the {Sea Fury} as its last piston-engined fighter. Type: Seafang FR Mk.32 Function: fighter Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * R.R. Griffon 89 Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 10.30m Height: 3.82m Wing Area: 19.51m2 Empty Weight: 3629kg Max.Weight: 4740kg Speed: 764km/h Ceiling: 12500m Range: 1170km Armament: 4*g20mm Seafire, Supermarine (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-IL1) Naval development of the {Spitfire}. The Seafire was not the ideal carrier fighter and especially landings were difficult; but its performance compensated for the disadvantages. The Seafire had a short range, but its fast climb and agility made it a very good fleet defense fighter. The last Seafire version Mk 47 was used in the Korean war, and retired in 1952. Type: Seafire Mk. IIC Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1340hp R.R. Merlin 45 Speed: 536km/h Ceiling: 9750m Range: 1215km Armament: 4*g20mm, 4*mg7.7mm Type: Seafire F Mk. 47 Function: fighter Year: 1947 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2350hp R.R. Griffon 88 Wing Span: 11.25m Length: 10.46m Height: 3.88m Wing Area: 22.63m2 Empty Weight: 3938kg Max.Weight: 5742kg Speed: 727km/h Ceiling: 13135m Range: 1515km Armament: 4*g20mm 3*b227kg Seaford, Short S-45 (S-GB-AF-PR-HN-N-ARW4) Enlarged development of the {Sunderland}. The six built were converted to civil transports for BOAC, under the name Solent. Type: Seaford Function: patrol Year: Crew: Engines: 4 * Bristol Hercules 100 Speed: 389km/h Ceiling: 3960m Range: 4980km Armament: 2*g20mm 6*mg12.7mm 4*mg7.7mm Seafox, Fairey (S-GB-AS-R-B-N-AI1) Biplane floatplane, a catapult aircraft carried by cruisers. Only 64 were built, but they were used until 1943. Type: Seafox Function: reconaissance Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 395hp Napier Rapier VI Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 10.81m Height: 3.68m Wing Area: 40.32m2 Empty Weight: 1726kg Max.Weight: 2458kg Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 3350m Range: 708km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Sea Fury, Hawker (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-AR1) Carrier fighter derivative of the {Fury} monoplane. It was soon decided to use the Sea Fury as a fighter-bomber, the {Seafire} F.47 having taken the role of interceptor. Sea Furies flew many attack sorties in the Korean War, and one became the first piston-engined fighter to shoot down a {MiG-15}! It was also sold to the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Cuba, Burma, and Pakistan. About 850 were built. Type: Sea Fury FB Mk.11 Function: fighter Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1880kW Bristol Centaurus 18 Wing Span: 11.70m Length: 10.57m Height: 4.84m Wing Area: 26.01m2 Empty Weight: 4191kg Max.Weight: 5670kg Speed: 736km/h Ceiling: 11000m Range: 1225km Armament: 4*g20mm 907kg Sea Gladiator, Gloster (S-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) Naval adaptation of the {Gladiator}. For some time, the RN had no own air arm; the RAF provided shipboard aircraft, often adapted land aircraft. Not that the FAA (Fleet Air Arm), when reestablished, showed much more imagination. Seagull, Supermarine (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-IL1) Biplane reconaissance amphibian. The type was unsatisfactory, but the Seagull V development earned fame under the name of {Walrus}. The commonality between the two aircraft was almost nil, the Seagull having an open cockpit, six sets of wings struts, a liquid-cooled tractor engine, and a round fuselage cross-section. Type: Seagull III Function: observation Year: 1921 Crew: Engines: 1 * 335kW Napier Lion V Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Seagull, Supermarine (P-GB-AF-R-P-N-ILW1) Single-engined, monoplane amphibian. The Seagull was a remarkably clean design. The Griffon engine was mounted on a pylon, that also carried the wing and incorporated a coolant radiator and a cockpit for the observer. The tailpane was strongly dihedralled and had three fins. Two built. Type: Seagull Function: reconaissance Year: 1948 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1353kW R.R. Griffon 29 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 6999kg Speed: 418km/h Ceiling: Range: 1230km Armament: Sea Harrier, BAe (M-GB-ACV-AF-SH-N-J1) Naval version for the {Harrier} for use on small carriers. The Sea Harrier is a multi-role aircraft, more suitable for air-to-air combat than the Harrier. The most visible change is the addition of air-to-air radar in the nose (Blue Fox in the Mk.1, Blue Vixen in the Mk.2). The Sea Harrier played a decisive role in the 1982 Falkland war. Type: Sea Harrier FRS.1 Function: fighter Year: 1980 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 95.6kN R.R. Pegasus 104 Wing Span: 7.70m Length: 14.50m Height: 3.71m Wing Area: 18.68m2 Empty Weight: 5897kg Max.Weight: 11884kg Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: 15250m Range: Armament: 3630kg Sea Hawk, Hawker (P-GB-AC-F-MN-N-J1) Elegantly streamlined straight-wing jet fighter for carriers. The Sea Hawk had air intakes in the wing roots, and the jet pipe was bifurcated to create more room in the aft fuselage, with jet nozzles just aft of the wing. It was not an advanced design, but it had beautiful handling characteristics. The Sea Hawk was built for the Royal Navy, the Dutch MLD, the German Marineflieger, and India. 537 built. Type: Sea Hawk FGA Mk.6 Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2449kg R.R. Nene 103 Wing Span: 11.89m Length: 12.09m Height: 2.64m Wing Area: 25.83m2 Empty Weight: 4409kg Max. Weight: 7348kg Speed: 969km/h Ceiling: 13600m Range: 2250km Armament: 4*g20mm 910kg Sea Heron, de Havilland (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-AIW4) Version of the {Heron} for the Royal Navy. Sea Hornet, de Havilland D.H. 98 (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-ILW2) This was a naval fighter derivative of the {Hornet}. The Mk.20 was a single-seat fighter, the Mk.21 a two-seat nightfighter version with a most remarkable, pointed nose, to bring the radar antenna in front of the propeller blades. The RN received 80 single-seaters and 78 two-seaters. But the Mk.21 had limited radar capacity and was not suitable for carrier operations. Type: Sea Hornet NF Mk. 21 Function: nightfighter Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1495kW R.R. Merlin 134/135 Wing Span: 13.72m Length: 11.28m Height: 4.31m Wing Area: 33.54m2 Empty Weight: 6455kg Max.Weight: Speed: 690km/h Ceiling: 12800m Range: 2400km Armament: 4*g20mm 2*b454kg Sea Hurricane, Hawker (P-GB-AC-F-LN-N-IL1) Naval fighter derivative of the {Hurricane}. The Mk.I was not flown from carriers, but catapult-launched from so-called CAM ships to give convoys some protection against German {Fw 200} reconaissance aircraft; the aircraft was then of course lost after landing on the sea. Unofficially these were known as 'Hurricats'. Later models were capable carriers fighters, but lacked the performance to combat the best land-based fighters. Type: Sea Hurricane Mk. IIC Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1435hp R.R. Merlin XX Wing Span: 12.19m Length: 9.83m Height: 3.99m Wing Area: 23.92m2 Empty Weight: 2667kg Max.Weight: 3674kg Speed: 550km/h Ceiling: 10940m Range: 1460km Armament: 4*g20mm Sea King, Westland (M-GB-H-CPU-R5-N-T2) Westland licence-builds the Sikorsky S{H-3} helicopter, and also produces its own developments. The engines are developments of the G.E. T58 installed in the SH-3. Typical for British-built Sea Kings is the radar bulge on top of the fuselage, behind the engines and rotor mast. After the Falkland war, an AEW version was developed with a Searchwater radar, fitted on a rotating arm on the right side of the fuselage. The radar is swung up for landing and down for operation. Just to add some confusion: The RN also operates the {Commando}, and calls it Sea King HC.4. Type: Sea King HAS Mk.5 Function: ASW Year: 1961 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 1238kW R.R. Gnome H.1400-1 Rotor Span: 18.90m Length: 22.15m Height: 4.85m Disc Area: 280.59m2 Empty Weight: 6201kg Max.Weight: 9525kg Speed: 208km/h Ceiling: 3000m Range: 1230km Load: 22 seats, 2948kg Seal, Fairey (I-GB-AS|A-R-B-N-AR1) Version of the {Gordon} for the FAA. Sea Mosquito, de Havilland (S-GB-AC-BFR-HN-N-ILW2) Naval adaptation of the {Mosquito} with folding wings and new landing gear. No prodcution. Type: Sea Mosquito TR Mk.33 Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1635hp R.R. Merlin 25 Speed: 608km/h Ceiling: Range: 2690km Armament: 4*g20mm 4*b500lb 8*r60lb Seamew, Curtiss (S-USA-AS-R-MN-N-AI1) The Curtiss {SO3C}-2C reconaissance floatplane in British service. Seamew, Short (P-GB-AC-AP-MN-N-T1) Light ASW aircraft, first flown in 1953. The Seamew was a small mid-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear and a blunt nose. This arrangment provided good downward view for the pilot, but resulted in a remarkable ugly aircraft. Only 20 were built before the programme was cancelled. Type: Seamew Function: ASW Year: 1953 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1186kW Armstrong Siddeley Mamba Wing Span: 16.76m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: 378km/h Max.Weight: 6804kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Sea Otter, Supermarine (S-GB-AF-R-B-N-AR1) Biplane amphibian for reconaissance and SAR. It was broadly based on the {Walrus}, with a tractor engine and more refined construction. The Sea Otter was the last biplane to enter RAF service, in 1944! 292 were built. Type: Sea Otter II Function: reconaissance / SAR Year: 1944 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 870hp Bristol Mercury 30 Wing Span: 14.02m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 248km/h Ceiling: 4900m Range: 1340km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Sea Prince, Percival (P-GB-A-C-HN-N-ARW2) Navy version of the {Pembroke}. Sea Sout, Westland (P-GB-H-AU-R4-N-T1) See {Wasp}. Sea Vampire, de Havilland (P-GB-AC-F-MN-T-J1) Naval development of the {Vampire}. In 1949 the RN used the Sea Vampire for experiments with belly landings to shorten landing runs, using specially reinforced aircraft and a suitably covered carrier deck. Sea Venom, de Havilland (P-GB-AC-F-MN-T-J1) This was a navalised version of the two-seat {Venom} nightfighter version. It was reinforced, and had folding wings. 259 were built for the RN and the RAAF. It was license-built for the French Navy as the {Aquilon}. Type: Sea Venom FAW Mk.22 Function: fighter Year: 1959 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2402kg De Havilland Ghost 105 Wing Span: 13.08m Length: 11.15m Height: 2.60m Wing Area: 25.99m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 7167kg Speed: 927km/h Ceiling: 12040m Range: Armament: 4*g20mm 8*r27kg Sea Vixen, de Havilland (P-GB-AC-F-S-T-J2) Originally this swept-wing, twin-engined, twin tail-boom fighter was developed as carrier-based all-weather fighter for the RN and nightfighter for the RAF. It was cancelled first by the RN and then by the RAF, but later reinstated by the RN. The Sea Vixen had An unusual characteristic of the already extraordinary Sea Vixen was the assymetric cockpit, offset to port. The observer/radar operator sat to starboard, inside the fuselage nacelle. The Sea Vixen carried AAMs with infrared guidance. It was finally retired in 1972. 146 built. Type: Sea Vixen F(AW) Mk.2 Function: fighter Year: 1964 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 4540kg R.R. Avon 208 Wing Span: 15.54m Length: 17.02m Height: 3.28m Wing Area: 60.2m2 Empty Weight: 12679kg Max.Weight: 18858kg Speed: 1110km/h Ceiling: 14600m Range: 1600km Armament: 28*r 1350kg Sedbergh, Slingsby T.21 (P-GB-AG-T-P-N-N) Two-seat training sailplane. The Sedbergh was a a parasol wing aircraft with side-by-side seating. Designed during the war, it was rejected by the Air Ministry; but a redesigned model entered service with Air Training Command in 1947. 218 built. Type: Sedbergh Mk.1 Function: glider trainer Year: 1947 Crew: 2 Wing Span: 16.46m Length: 8.15m Height: Wing Area: 24.20m2 Empty Weight: 272kg Max.Weight: 477kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Sentry, Boeing (M-USA-A-E-LS-N-UJ4) The Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft in RAF service. It was originally planned to buy an indigenous AEW aircraft, a development of the {Nimrod}. But the avionics development failed. Severn, Saunders / Saunders-Roe A.7 (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-AR3) Three-engined biplane flying boat, an all-metal design. It was an angular design with a corrugated hull planking, as tested earlier on the {A.14}. The construction of the Severn was too light, which resulted in a series of serious structural failures, and it also suffered from corrosion. One built. Type: Severn Function: reconnaissance Year: 1929 Crew: 5 Engines: 3 * 490hp Bristol Jupiter XIFP Wing Span: 26.82m Length: 19.66m Height: 5.86m Wing Area: 144.65m2 Empty Weight: 6720kg Max.Weight: 12300kg Speed: 202km/h Ceiling: 2720m Range: 6hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 4*b227kg Shackleton, Avro 696 (P-GB-A-PR-MN-N-ILW4) Development of the {Lincoln} for maritime reconaissance. Last RAF combat aircraft with piston engines. The RAF celebrated the 40th anniversary of the first flight of the Shackleton, in 1989, with a fly-past of five _operational_ Shackletons. The AEW version carried an AN/APS-20 radar, developed originally during WWII, and was finally replaced by the Boeing {E-3} {Sentry} in 1991! 188 built. Type: Shackleton M.R.3 Function: recconaissance Year: 1955 Crew: 10 Engines: 4 * 2450hp R.R. Griffon 57A Speed: 486km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 6780km Armament: 2*g20mm, 4536kg Shark, Blackburn B-6 (I-GB-AC|AS-ABR-B-N-AR1) Torpedo-bomber and reconaissance biplane, operating as landplane (carrier-borne) and seaplane. Replacement by the {Swordfish} began in 1938, but a few were still in service in the beginning of WWII. 270 built. Type: Shark Mk.II Function: reconaissance / torpedo-bomber Year: 1935 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 1 * 567kW Armstrong Siddeley Tiger VI Empty Weight: 1832kg Max.Weight: 3651kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 4875m Range: 1006km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 907kg Sherpa, Shorts C-23 (M-GB-A-C-HN-N-TW2) Military version of the Shorts 330, as used by the USAF. See {Shorts 330}. Sherpa, Short S.B.4 (P-GB-A-X-S-N-J2) Aerodynamic test vehicle for a bomber design. The Sherpa had a large swept wing and no horizontal tail surfaces. Instead, the outboard sections of the wing (about 1/3 of the span) pivoted. This was called an 'aero-isoclinic wing'. The Sherpa was a modification of the the {S.B.1} glider with two small jet engines, installed in the top fuselage decking. The Sherpa had excellent flying qualities, but the wing design was never applied to a production aircraft. Type: Sherpa Function: experimental Year: 1953 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 160kg Turbomeca Palas Wing Span: Length: 9.72m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: 0.75hrs Armament: Shetland, Short S-35 (S-GB-AF-RPC-HN-N-ARW4) Big long-range flying boat, too late for service in WWII. Two built, the second of which was the prototype for a commercial version with 70 seats. Type: Shetland Function: patrol Year: 1944 Crew: Engines: 4 * 2500hp Bristol Centaurus XI Wing Span: 45.82m Length: 33.53m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 427km/h Ceiling: Range: 7440km Armament: 13619kg Shirl, Short (I-GB-AS-AB-B-N-IL1) Torpedo-bomber biplane. Large flotation bags were carried above the double mainwheels; in other respects it was a common biplane. Type: Shirl Function: 1918 Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 375hp R.R. Eagle VIII Speed: 160km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Short 74 (?-GB-AC-?-?-?-?) Two-seat carrier-borne floatplane. 18 built. Short 166 (F-GB-AS-AB-B-N-AR1) Biplane torpedo bomber. Powere by a 130hp Salmson radial. Short 184 (F-GB-AS-AB-B-N-IL1) Float biplane. The 184 was the first aircraft to sink a ship with a torpedo, in 1915. Nevertheless the performance of the 184 with a 365kg torpedo was only marginal, and the 900 built were used mostly in other roles, during the rest of WWI and later. One flew a reconnaissance mission in the Battle of Jutland, other operated from the carrier HMS Furious with wheeled landing gear. Type: 184 Function: torpedo bomber / bomber / reconaissance Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 240hp Sunbeam Maori V Wing Span: 19.36m Length: 12.38m Height: 4.11m Wing Area: 63.92m2 Empty Weight: 1680kg Max.Weight: 2433kg Speed: 140km/h Ceiling: 2740m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm, 118kg Short 225 This name was occasionally used for the {Short 184}, because it (originally) had a 225hp engine. Short 310 (F-GB-AS-AB-B-N-IL1) Development of the {Short 184}, with a 310kW Sunbeam Cossack engine. 124 were built. Short 320 (F-GB-AS-AB-B-N-IL1) Long-range torpedo-bomber biplane on floats. Used until the end of WWI. Only one crew member could be carried if a torpedo was fitted. Type: 320 Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 310hp Sunbeam Cossack Speed: 116km/h Ceiling: 915m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm 1*454kg torpedo Short 827 (F-GB-AS-RB-B-N-IL1) Successful float biplane, served until the end of WWI. Type: 827 Function: reconaissance - bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 150hp Sunbeam Nubian Speed: 98km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm b Short 830 (F-GB-AS-RB-B-N-IL1) Version of the {Short 827}. Short Bomber (F-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Landplane development of the {Short 184} with long-span wings. The 83 built were used from October 1916 until April 1917, when the Handley Page {O/100} became available. Type: Bomber Function: bomber Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 250hp R.R. Eagle III Wing Span: 25.60m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 125km/h Ceiling: 2900m Range: Armament: 1*mg7.7mm, 410kg Shorts 330 (M-GB-A-C-HN-N-TW2) Twin-engined, high-wing commuter aircraft. The Shorts 330 has typical, extremely rectangular lines, with twin tail fins and a shoulder wing with bracing struts. Used by a number of air forces as utility aircraft, including by the USAF as the {C-23}. Type: 330-200 Function: transport Year: 1984 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 893kW P&WC PT6A-45R Wing Span: 22.76m Length: 17.69m Height: 4.95m Wing Area: 42.1m2 Empty Weight: 6680kg Max.Weight: 10387kg Speed: 352km/h Ceiling: Range: 1240km Freight: 3400kg, 30 seats Sidestrand, Boulton-Paul (I-GB-A-B-B-N-ARW2) Twin-engined medium bomber biplane. The Sidestrand was a relatively clean biplane, with excellent handling. 20 built, of which three were converted to Sidestrand Mk.V, later renamed {Overstrand}. Type: Sidestrand III Function: bomber Year: 1928 Crew: 3-4 Engines: 2 * 35kW Bristol Jupiter VIIIF Wing Span: 21.92m Length: 14.02m Height: 4.52m Wing Area: 91.04m2 Empty Weight: 2726kg Max.Weight: 4627kg Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: 7315m Range: 805km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm b476kg Sidney, Blackburn (I-GB-AF-R-?-?-?) Reconaissance flying boat, 1930. One built. Sinaia, Siddeley-Deasy (I-GB-A-B-B-N-?2) Twin-engined biplane bomber, intended as a competitor for the {D.H.10}. The Sinaia was a fairly conventional design, except that the engine nacelles were lengthened behind the wing, and each accomodated a gunner. Only one prototype was completed. After the end of WWI there was no interest in the aircraft. Type: Sinaia Function: day bomber Year: 1918 Crew: Engines: 2 * 358kW Siddeley-Deasy Tiger Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Singapore, Short S.5, S.12 and S.19 (I-GB-AF-P-B-N-ILBD4) Twin-engined biplane flying boat. The Singapore III was the first all-metal flying boat of the RAF. It was powered by four engines in two tandem pairs between the wings. The Singapore I and II had been unsuccessful prototypes. A few were still in service at the outbreak of WWII. About 40 built. Type: Singapore Mk.III Function: reconaissance Year: 1935 Crew: 6 Engines: 4 * 560hp R.R. Kestrel VIII Wing Span: 27.43m Length: 23.16m Height: 7.19m Wing Area: 170.38m2 Empty Weight: 8355kg Max.Weight: 12475kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: 1610km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Sioux, Bell (P-USA-H-AU-R2-P-T1) The American Bell model 47 ({H-13}) helicopter in British service. Siskin, Siddeley / Armstrong Withworth (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, developed by Siddeley (which acquired the Armstrong Whitworth name in 1919). The original Siddely S.R.2 Siskin was a wooden biplane designed for the infamous ABC Dragonfly engine. Later the Jaguar engine was installed in one of the three built S.R.2s. The Siskin Mk.II was a complete redesign, and the Mk.III was also very different from the Mk.II. In its Mk.III form the Siskin was an all-metal biplane with fabric covering. The Siskin Mk.III was the main RAF fighter in the late '20s, with 412 built. There were also 50 Mk.IIs and more than ten Siskin Mk.Vs completed. Type: Siskin Mk IIIA Function: Fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 420hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Wing Span: 10.10m Length: 7.72m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 27.22m2 Empty Weight: 935kg Max.Weight: 1366kg Speed: 250km/h Ceiling: 8300m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm, Skeeter, Cierva / Saunders-Roe / Westland (P-GB-H-RU-R3-P-AI1) Two-seat observation and training helicopter. 74 built. Type: Skeeter AOP Mk. 10 Function: observation Year: 1958 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp D.H. Gipsy Major Speed: 162km/h Ceiling: Range: 260mls Armament: Skua, Blackburn B-24 (S-GB-AC-AF-LN-N-AR1) A rugged monoplane dive bomber, a low-wing monoplane with a distinctive 'greenhouse' cockpit. Advanced in concept, it was nevertheless nearing obsolescence when it entered service. Originally intended to act also as two-seat fighter, it was clearly unsuitable for that role. The German cruiser Koenigsberg had the dubious honour, on 10 April 1940, to be the first large warship sunk by aircraft --- 16 Skuas. 192 built. Removed from first-line service in 1941. Type: Skua Mk.II Function: dive bomber Year: 1938 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 664kW Bristol Perseus XII Wing Span: 14.07m Length: 10.85m Height: 3.81m Wing Area: 28.98m2 Empty Weight: 2490kg Max.Weight: 3732kg Speed: 362km/h Ceiling: 5820m Range: 1220km Armament: 5*mg7.7mm 1*b227kg 8*b14kg Skyship 600, Westinghouse (M-GB-Z-X-*-*-?) One airship bought by the RAF for testing. Snail, Sopwith 8F.1 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) This fighter prototype was designed at the end of WWI. Like many other British fighters of that time, it was powered by the promising ABC Wasp radial engine --- which ended as a total failure. Hence the Snail was abandoned. Three were built, two with a conventional structure and one with a plywood monocoque fuselage. Type: Snail (monocoque) Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 170hp A.B.C. Wasp I Wing Span: 7.72m Length: 5.79m Height: 2.39m Wing Area: 21.24m2 Empty Weight: 630kg Max.Weight: 871kg Speed: 185km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2-3*mg7.7mm Snapper, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Late WWI fighter prototype, the last Sopwith fighter. The Snapper was a biplane with an ABC Dragonfly engine, that doomed the future of the type. Three built. Type: Snapper Function: fighter Year: 1919 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C Dragonfly I Wing Span: 8.53m Length: 6.27m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: 27.13m2 Empty Weight: 663kg Max.Weight: 993kg Speed: 225km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Snark, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) Late WWI fighter prototype, a triplane with an ABC Dragonfly engine. The Snark had a wooden monocoque fuselage. For its time very, it carried heavy armament. Apart from having a disastrous engine, the Snark also suffered from structural problems. Three built. Type: Snark Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly I Wing Span: 8.08m Length: 6.25m Height: 3.30m Wing Area: 29.91m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1036kg Speed: 209km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 6*mg7.7mm Snipe, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The Snipe was a replacement for the {Camel}, designed around the new Bentley BR.2 engine. The performance of the Snipe was not much better than that of the Camel, but it had improved handling and visibility. The 497 built became the most numerous British single-seat fighters of the immediate post-war period, and served until the mid-twenties. Type: Snipe Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 230hp Bentley BR2 Wing Span: 9.47m Length: 6.04m Height: 2.51m Wing Area: 25.17m2 Empty Weight: 595kg Max.Weight: 916kg Speed: 195km/h Ceiling: 6000m Range: 3.0hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 4*b11kg Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The 1 1/2 Strutter was the first British fighter with a fixed, forward-firing, synchronized gun. The name was given because of the arrangment of the wing cabane. The 1 1/2 Strutter was used as bomber and reconaissance aircraft after its usefulness as fighter had disappeared. Around 1500 built in the UK, and alledgedly 4500 in France. Type: 1 1/2 Strutter Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 95kW Clerget Wing Span: 10.21m Length: 7.69m Height: 3.12m Wing Area: 32.14m2 Empty Weight: 592kg Max.Weight: 975kg Speed: 161km/h Ceiling: 4570m Range: 3.75hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 60kg Sopwith 807 (F-GB-AS-AB-B-N-AR1) Floatplane. 75kW Gnome engine. Some were sent to Africa to attack the German cruiser Koningsberg, but it was unable to lift bombs or torpedos in the hot conditions! Southampton, Supermarine (I-GB-AF-P-B-N-ARB2) Patrol fying boat, a development of the civil Swan. The Southampton had a neatly curved fuselage, biplane wings and three tail fins. The Mk.I had a wooden fuselage, the Mk.II a metal one. The 68 built gave long and reliable service. Type: Southampton Mk.II Function: reconaissance Year: Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * 373kW Napier Lion VA Wing Span: 22.86m Length: 15.58m Height: 6.82m Wing Area: 134.61m2 Empty Weight: 4082kg Max.Weight: 6895kg Speed: 174km/h Ceiling: Range: 1500km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm b499kg Sparrow, Handley Page (S-GB-A-BC-HN-N-ARW2) Transport version of the {Harrow}. Sparrowhawk, Gloster (I-GB-A|AC-F-B-N-AR1) This was a development of the Nieuport {Nighthawk}, which had been license-built by Gloster. The Sparrowhawk was built using Nighthawk parts, with modifications for naval use as required by the Japanese Navy. 50 were delivered, plus parts for 40 more. Type: Sparrowhawk III Function: fighter Year: 1921 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 170kW Bentley B.R.2 Wing Span: 8.51m Length: 5.99m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 25.08m2 Empty Weight: 839kg Max.Weight: 982kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: Range: 483km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Spearfish, Fairey (P-GB-AC-AB-LN-N-AR1) Monoplane torpedo bomber. The Spearfish was a large aircraft with an internal weapons bay, and equipped with a remotely-controlled gun turret. Five built. Type: Spearfish Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2585hp Bristol Centaurus 57 Speed: 482km/h Ceiling: Range: 1440km Armament: 4*mg12.7mm 2000lbs Sperrin, Short (P-GB-A-B-HN-N-WJ4) The Sperrin was a jet bomber of conventional layout, considered as a backup design in case there would be trouble with the V-bombers. However, Vickers pushed the {Valiant} as interim jet bomber, and the Sperrin was reduced to a research aircraft before the prototypes were completed. It had a capacious, bulky fuselage, a straight wing with taper on the leading edge, and four jet engines paired in mid-wing nacelles --- one engine on top of the wing, one below. Later it was used to the test the powerful D.H. Gyron engine, two of these being installed in the lower parts of the nacelles. Two built. Type: Sperrin Function: bomber Year: 1951 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 2950kg R.R. Avon R.A.2 Wing Span: 33.25m Length: 31.55m Height: Wing Area: 176m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 910km/h Ceiling: 13700m Range: Armament: 9080kg S.P.Gn, Sopwith (E-GB-AS-R-B-T-?P1) Armed, two-seat pusher biplane built for the Greek government. Spider, Avro 531 (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The Spider had a complex arrangement of V-struts, without bracing wires, between the wings. It was a good fighter, but the Sopwith {Camel} was already in production. Type: Spider Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 130hp Clerget 9B Wing Span: 8.68m Length: 6.25m Height: 2.38m Wing Area: 17.55m2 Empty Weight: 437kg Max.Weight: 688kg Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 5970m Range: 400km Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Spiteful, Supermarine (P-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) Supermarine's last piston-engined fighter, looking much like a {Spitfire} but completely redesigned, with a straight-tapered laminar-flow wing, a wide-track undercarriage, and better visibility. But it lacked the praised handling characterics of the Spitfire, and had some undesirable ones. Performance was not sufficiently improved to start production, especially with jet fighters already in production. Only 18 were built. Type: Spiteful F Mk.14 Function: fighter Year: 1945 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * R.R. Griffon 69 Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 10.03m Height: 4.08m Wing Area: 19.51m2 Empty Weight: 3334kg Max.Weight: 4513kg Speed: 777km/h Ceiling: 12800m Range: 908km Armament: 4*g20mm Spitfire, Supermarine (P-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) An uncompromised, fast and maneuvrable fighter. The remarkable thin elliptical wing made the Spitfire capable of very high speeds, but it had to be reinforced several times to retain aileron effectiveness. The Spitfire served as first-line fighter throughout WWII in increasingly fast and powerful versions, first with the Merlin, later with the Griffon engine. The Spitfire was continuously changed to meet all kinds of threats and demands, as low- and high altitude fighter, tropicalized, navalized, or equipped as unarmed photo-reconaissance aircraft. Probably the most famous military aircraft ever, it was also the one to reach the highest Mach number recorded for a piston-engined aircrat in controlled tests --- Mach 0.92. 20351 were built. The RAF retired its last Spitfires, PR Mk. 19 recce aircraft, in 1954. Type: Spitfire Mk. IA Function: fighter Year: 1938 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1030hp R.R. Merlin II Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 9.12m Height: 3.86m Wing Area:22.48m2 Empty Weight: 2049kg Max.Weight: Speed: 571km/h Ceiling: 10360m Range: 805km Armament: 8*mg7.7mm Type: Spitfire Mk.VC Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1185hp R.R. Merlin 45 Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 9.12m Height: 3.86m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 2313kg Max.Weight: 3078kg Speed: 602km/h Ceiling: 11280m Range: 756km Armament: 2*g20mm 4*mg7.7mm Type: Spitfire Mk. IX Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1565hp R.R. Merlin 61 Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 9.47m Height: 3.86m Wing Area: 22.48m2 Empty Weight: 2556kg Max.Weight: 4309kg Speed: 656km/h Ceiling: 13400m Range: 700km Armament: 2*g20mm 4*mg7.7mm Type: Spitfire Mk. XIV Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2050hp R.R. Griffon 65 Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 9.96m Height: 3.86m Wing Area: 22.48m2 Empty Weight: 2994kg Max.Weight: 3856kg Speed: 721km/h Ceiling: 13560m Range: 1368km Armament: 2*g20mm 4*mg7.7mm b225kg Springbok, Shorts (I-GB-A-AU-B-N-AR1) Two-seat all-metal biplane, ordered in 1922. The Springbok was intended as Army-cooperation aircraft for tropical climates, replacing the Bristol {F.2}. It was ordered after extensive tests of the Short Silver Streak all-metal biplane, and was based on the latter. Four were built. The RAF changed its requirements, and the Springbok was developed into the {Chamois}. Type: Spingbok Mk.II Function: co-operation Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Bristol Jupiter IV Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Squirrel, Eurocopter (M-GB-H-T-R?-N-T1|T2) Name of the Eurocopter AS 350BB {Ecureuil}, in service with the Defence Helicopter Flying School. S.R.2, Siddely See {Siskin}. SR.53, Saunders-Roe (P-GB-A-F-D-N-J1&R1) Mixed power fighter. The SR.53 was intended as a point defence interceptor with a rocket engine for high performance and a small turbojet for cruise. The SR.53 had a cropped delta planform and a T-tail; the jet engine was placed above the rocket engine. It was felt that the SR.53 was too small to be practical, and the design was developed into the SR.177. Two built. Type: SR.53 Function: fighter Year: 1957 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 744kg Armstrong Siddeley Viper 1 * 3630kg D.H. Spectre HTP Wing Span: 7.65m Length: 13.72m Height: 3.29m Wing Area: 25.45m2 Empty Weight: 3357kg Max.Weight: 8618kg Speed: 2135km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament:b 2*msl SR.177, Saunders-Roe (P-GB-A-F-D-N-J1&R1) Mixed-power fighter design, developed from the {SR.53}. Similar in planform, but with a much deeper fuselage. The jet engine was now placed under the rocket engine, and more powerful. Future looked good, with interest from the RAF, RN and Germany, when the 1957 defence White Paper cancelled the RAF version. Cancellation of the RN version by the Defence Minister followed four months later. Not built. Type: SR.177 Function: fighter Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * De Havilland Gyron Junior 1 * De Havilland Spectre Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: SR/A.1, Saunders-Roe (P-GB-AF-F-HN-N-J2) Jet-engined flying boat fighter. The requirement for such aircraft proved to be imaginary. The SR/A.1 had good performance, despite its bulkiness. It was a shoulder-wing monoplane with a jet intake in the nose, and exhausts on the sides of the aft fuselage. Three were built. Type: SR.A/1 Function: fighter Year: 1947 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1746kg Metropolitan-Vickers F2/4 Beryl Wing Span: 14.02m Length: 15.24m Height: 5.11m Wing Area: 38.60m2 Empty Weight: 5108kg Max.Weight: 8633kg Speed: 824km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*g20mm SS18, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Prototype of the {Gauntlet}. SS19, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) More developed form of the {SS18}. SS37, Gloster (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Prototype of the {Gladiator}. S.S.A., Bristol (F-GB-A-FR-B-N-AR1) Armoured version of the {Scout}, designed by Coanda for the French government. Pilot, fuel and oil tanks, and engine were protected by a steel 'bathtub'. One built. 1914. Stag, de Havilland D.H.9AJ (I-GB-A-AU-B-N-?1) Multi-purpose biplane, 1926. It competed unsuccessfully with the {Wapiti}. Starling, Armstrong Whitworth A.W.14 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The Starling Mk.I and Mk.II were biplane fighters of mixed construction. They had little else in common. The Mk.II was developed when the Mk.I prototype proved disappointing. Three Mk.IIs were built, but no production followed. Type: Starling Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 410hp Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Wing Span: 9.55m Length: 7.67m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 22.89m2 Empty Weight: 934kg Max.Weight: 1404kg Speed: 278km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mmm Type: Starling II Function: fighter Year: 1930 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 540hp Armstrong Siddeley Panther IIIA Wing Span: 10.44m Length: 7.53m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1463kg Speed: 295km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Stirling, Short S.29 (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-ARW4) First of the RAF's four-engined heavy bombers. Soon replaced by the {Lancaster} and {Halifax}, and used as targer tug. The shortcomings of the Stirling were mostly due to faulty specifications. The Stirling had a too small wing, and the towering high undercarriage of the Stirling was required to give the small wing a sufficient incidence for take-off and landing. The Stirling Mk.V was a transport version. 2375 built. Type: Stirling Mk. II Function: bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 7 Engines: 4 * 1230kW Bristol Hercules XVI Wing Span: 30.20m Length: 26.59m Height: 6.93m Wing Area: 135.63m2 Empty Weight: 19595kg Max.Weight: 31750kg Speed: 435km/h Ceiling: 5200m Range: 3250km Armament: 8*mg7.7mm 6350kg Stranrear, Supermarine (I-GB-AF-P-B-N-ARW2) Development of the {Southampton}, originally called the Southampton Mk.V, but soon renamed because it little in common with the Southampton. 58 were built, most of them in Canada. The Stranrear was the last biplane flying boat designed by R.J. Mitchell. Type: Stanrear Function: reconaissance Year: 1936 Crew: Engines: 2 * 650kW Bristol Pegasus X Wing Span: 25.91m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 268km/h Ceiling: 5600m Range: 1600km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 454kg Streamline Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) See {FB.9}. Strikemaster, BAC 167 (P-GB-A-AT-LN-N-J1) Development of the {Jet Provost} with enhanced ground-attack capability. The 167 carries a four times larger load than the Jet Provost. 146 were sold, most to third-world airforces. Type: Strikemaster Function: trainer / attack Year: 1968 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1547kg R.R. Viper 535 Wing Span: 11.23m Length: 10.27m Height: 3.34m Wing Area: 19.85m2 Empty Weight: 2810kg Max.Weight: 5216kg Speed: 775km/h Ceiling: 13400m Range: 2225km Armament: 2*mg7.62mm 1360kg Student, Miles M.100 (P-GB-A-T-HN-N-OJ1) In 1947 the Miles company went into receivership, but in 1957 the Miles brothers flew the M.100 Student, a private-venture jet trainer. It had slighlty swept wings, an engine installed in the dorsal position, and twin tailfins. The RAF preferred the {Jet Provost}. Sturgeon, Short (P-GB-AC-UT-MN-N-ILW2) Naval liaison and target tug aircraft. Originally intended as carrier-borne reconaissance bomber, but this requirement was dropped when WWII ended and the plans for large carries abandoned. The Sturgeon was a large, but clean twin-engined design with a distinctive glazed nose. 24 Sturgeon TT Mk.2 target tugs were built, and two S Mk.1 gunnery trainers. Type: Sturgeon TT Mk.2 Function: target tug Year: 1946 Crew: 2-3 Engines: 2 * 2080hp R.R. Merlin 140 Wing Span: 18.23m Length: 14.91m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 10136kg Speed: 589km/h Ceiling: Range: Sunbeam, Short (?-GB-AF-R-?-?-?) Reconaissance flying boat. Sunderland, Short S-25 (S-GB-AF-P-HN-N-ARW4) Long-range patrol flying boat, based on the pre-WWII series of civil 'Empire' flying boats. The Sunderland was one of the most successful flying boats of WWII. It served with the RAF througout the war, and postwar small numbers were retained until 1959. The Sunderland was reliable and well-armed, but its range was not long enough to cover the Atlantic entirely. The engines were Bristol Pegagus or Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radials. 749 were built. Type: Sunderland V Function: patrol Year: 1944 Crew: Engines: 4 * 895kW P&W R-1830-90B Wing Span: 34.38m Length: 26.00m Height: 10.52m Wing Area: 156.72m2 Empty Weight: 16738kg Max.Weight: 29484kg Speed: 343km/h Ceiling: 5455m Range: 4330km Armament: 10*mg7.7mm 2*mg127mm 2250kg Super Lynx, Westland (M-GB-H-U-R4-N-T2) Upgraded development of the {Lynx}. More powerful R.R. Gem engines, new rotor of advanced construction and design, and a reconfigured nose radome. Supermarine 224 (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) This monoplane fighter was the predecessor of the {Spitfire}, in the sense that the latter was created from the 224 by incremental redesign -- which changed virtually all features. The 224 was a heavy, ugly and dissapointing monoplane with a thick inverted gull wing and a trousered undercarriage. The importance of the 224 is that R.J. Mitchell learnt how NOT to design a fighter. One built. Type: 224 Function: fighter Year: 1934 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 600hp R.R. Goshawk III Wing Span: 13.97m Length: 8.97m Height: 3.63m Wing Area: 27.40m2 Empty Weight: 1552kg Max.Weight: 2151kg Speed: 367km/h Ceiling: 11825m Range: Armament: 4*mg7.7mm Supermarine 317 Design for a four-engined bomber, 1936. The 317 looked very promising: A top speed 160km/h faster than the Lancaster was claimed for the design. But the destruction of the two uncompleted prototypes during a German air raid, and Supermarine's already heavy work load, caused the project to be abandoned. Supermarine 322 (S-GB-AC-AB-N-N-?) Shipboard torpedo- and dive bomber. The 322 competed with the Fairey {Barracuda}, which was preferred by the FAA. It was a more advanced design, with variable incidence wings. The prototype was used for aerodynamic research. First flown in 1943. Supermarine 508 (P-GB-A-X-LN-N-J2) Test aircraft. The 508 had two jet engines, a straight wing and a V-tail. The 508 was a development of the unbuilt 505 design for a fighter without undercarriage, intended for belly landings on a 'flexible' carrier deck! One built. Type: 508 Function: experimental Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 2948kg R.R. Avon RA.3 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: (4*g20mm) Supermarine 510 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) Swept-wing test aircraft, using the fuselage of the Attacker. Despite its modest performance, this was the precursor of the {Swift} fighter, via the {Supermarine 528}, {Supermarine 535}, and {Supermarine 541}. Type: 510 Function: experimental Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2315kg R.R. Nene Wing Span: 9.66m Length: 11.61m Height: 2.68m Wing Area: 25.36m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 5534kg Speed: 982km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Supermarine 517 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) This was the 510, modified with a movable rear fuselage to vary the tail incidence. Supermarine 525 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J2) Swept-wing development of the {Supermarine 508}. The 525 had 50 degrees wing sweep and a conventional tail. It was the precursor of the {Scimitar}. Type: 525 Function: experimental Year: 1954 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 3405kg R.R. Avon RA.7 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Supermarine 528 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) Development of the {Supermarine 510}. It had an afterburning engine and numerous other improvements. It was soon modified even more to become the {Supermarine 535}. Supermarine 529 (P-GB-A-X-LN-N-J2) A slightly improved {upermarine 508}, in fact the modified second prototype of the 508. One built. Type: 529 Function: fighter Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 2948kg R.R. Avon RA3 Wing Span: 12.50m Length: Height: Wing Area: 31.59m2 Empty Weight: 9373kg Max.Weight: 10244kg Speed: 977km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: (4*g20mm) Supermarine 535 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) The 535 was the modified {Supermarine 510}. The fuselage was made longer, a tricycle undercarriage was fitted, and other refinements were made. Type: 535 Function: experimental Year: 1950 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * R.R. Nene Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Supermarine 541 (P-GB-A-X-LS-N-J1) This was a development of the {Supermarine 535} with a R.R. Avon engine. It became the prototype of the {Swift}. Swallow, British Aircraft (I-GB-A-T-LN-N-AR1) This was a license-built version of the German Klemm {L.25}. 134 were built. Type: Swallow II Function: liaison Year: 1927 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 66kW Pobjoy Cataract III Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: 5180m Range: 675km Swallow, de Havilland DH-108 (P-GB-A-X-S-F-J1) Tailless experimental swept-wing jet aircraft. The DH-108, flown by John Derry, was the British first aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound -- against the will of its pilot. Geoffrey de Havilland had been killed in an earlier attempt. Type: Swallow Function: experimental Year: 1948 Crew: 1 Engines: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Swallow, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-P-N-AR1) Parasol monoplane, using the {Camel} fuselage with a new wing. Performance was inadequate; one built. Type: Swallow Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Le Rhone OJ Wing Span: 8.79m Length: 5.72m Height: 3.10m Wing Area: 14.86m2 Empty Weight: 403kg Max.Weight: 644kg Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Swift, Blackburn T.1 (I-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Single-seat torpedo bomber. Type: Swift Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1920 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 335kW Napier Lion IB Speed: 171km/h Ceiling: Range: 560mk Armament: Swift, Supermarine (P-GB-A-FR-LS--N-J1) Fighter development of the {Supermarine 535}. The career of the Swift, the first British swept-wing jet fighter, was spoiled by serious handling and engine problems. The Swift F Mk.1 fighter was quickly abandoned by the RAF. Later around 50 FR Mk.5 photo-recce aircraft served a short period. The last version Swift Mk.7, armed with Fireflash AAMs, was a modern and effective weapons system, but only 12 were built. Total production 167. Type: Swift FR Mk.5 Function: reconaissance / fighter Year: 1952 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4130kg R.R. Avon 108 Wing Span: 9.85m Length: 12.88m Height: 4.02m Wing Area: 30.44m2 Empty Weight: 6094kg Max.Weight: 9831kg Speed: 1148km/h Ceiling: 13960m Range: 1014km Armament: 2*g30mm 910kg Swordfish, Fairey (S-GB-AC-A-B-N-AR1) By far the most succesful and famous biplane fighting aircraft of WWII. The 'Stringbag' served throughout the war as torpedo bomber, ASW aircraft, minelaying aircraft, ground attack aircraft and trainer, and was extremely succesfull, escpecially when writing history with the famous attack on Taranto, 11 November 1940. But of course the RN should never have gone to war with a biplane torpedo bomber! 2391 built. Type: Swordfish Mk. II Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1936 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 560kW Bristol Pegagus 30 Wing Span: 13.92m Length: 11.12m Height: 3.93m Wing Area: 56.39m2 Empty Weight: 2359kg Max.Weight: 4196kg Speed: 224km/h Ceiling: 3780m Range: 1240km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 730kg Sycamore, Bristol 171 (P-GB-H-U-R3-P-AR1) Light helicopter, a fairly conventional design, suitable for many roles. Type: Sycamore HR.14 Function: SAR Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 410kW Alvis Leonides 73 Rotor Span: 14.81m Length: 14.07m Height: 3.71m Disc Area: 172.22m2 Empty Weight: 1728kg Max.Weight: 2540kg Speed: 205km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4 seats --T-------------------------------------------------------------------------- T1/37, Heston (I-GB-A-T-N-N-AI1) Trainer monoplane prototype. The bulky T1/37 was unsatisfactory. Two built. Type: T1/37 Function: Year: 1938 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 190hp D.H. Gipsy Queen Speed: 235km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: T.7B, Blackburn (I-GB|JAP-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Carrier-borne torpedo bomber. Built by Mitsubishi as the {B2M}. T-VIII W, Fokker (S-GB-AS-AB-LN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined floatplane, designed as torpedo bomber for the Dutch Navy. After May 1940, some T-VIII W were flown to England and used, with Dutch crews, for sea reconaissance; others were in German service... Type: T-VIII W Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1940 Crew: 3-4 Engines: 2 * Wright R-975-E3 Speed: 285km/h Ceiling: 6800m Range: 2750m Armament: 2*mg7.9mm 600kg T.20, Slingbsy (S-GB-AG-T-P-N-N) Parasol-wing, two-seat training glider. Tested by the RAF Training Command in 1944, but rejected. The single prototype was later fitted with research equipment, and towed behind the carriers Pretoria Castle and Illustrious to investigate the turbulence and airflow behind them. Type: T.20 Function: trainer Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 0 Wing Span: 16.61m Length: 7.39m Height: Wing Area: 266.95m2 Empty Weight: 231kg Max.Weight: 454kg Speed: Ceiling: T.24, Slingsby (S-GB-AG-T-P-N-N) Parasol-wing, two-seat training glider. Three built. Type: T.24 Function: trainer Year: 1946 Crew: 2 Engines: 0 Wing Span: 16.56m Length: 8.75m Height: Wing Area: 24.7m2 Empty Weight: 360kg Max.Weight: 545kg Speed: Ceiling: Range: T.188, Bristol (P-GB-A-X-D-N-JW2) See {Bristol 188}. Tabloid, Sopwith (F-GB-AS|A-XR-B-N-AR1) Won the Schneider Cup race of 1914, and subsequently adopted as reconnaissance aircraft. Around 40 built. Type: Tabloid Function: reconnaissance Year: 1914 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Gnome Speed: 148km/h Ceiling: Range: Tabor, Tarrant (I-GB-A-B-T-N-ILBD4|ILB2) Large triplane bomber with a wing span of 131ft, larger than a {Lancaster} or {B-17}. This monstrosity was destroyed while taking off for its first flight; because two engines were placed between the upper wings, far above the center of gravity, the Tabor nosed over. Type: Tabor Function: bomber Year: 1919 Crew: 5 Engines: 6 * 500hp Napier Lion Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 3962m Range: 1900km Armament: 2100km Tadpole, Armstrong Whithworth (F-GB-A-R-B-N-IL1) The Tadpole was a reconaissance modification of the {D.H.9}A, with a strongly modified aft fuselage, incorporating a belly gondola with fore and aft windows. Type: Tadpole Function: reconaissance Year: 1920 Crew: Engines: 1 * Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Tarpon, Grumman (S-USA-AC-AB-MN-N-AR1) Name originally assigned to the {Avenger}. T.B.8, Bristol (E-GB-A-TR-?-?-?) Two-seat trainer/reconaissance aircraft. 1913. TC.33 Goshawk, Gloster (I-GB-A-C-B-N-ILB2) Troop transport. The TC.33 was of deliberately conservative design, with biplane wings, fixed landing gear, and engines installed in push/pull tandem nacelles. Performance was disappointing, and only one was built. Type: TC.33 Function: transport Year: 1932 Crew: Engines: 4 * 580hp R.R. Kestrel Speed: Ceiling: Range: 1930km Load: 30 seats Tempest, Hawker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1|AR1) Development of the {Typhoon} with a new, thinner wing, a longer fuselage, and an all-round vision canopy. Finding a satisfactory engine proved to be a problem, but some 400 Tempest Mk. Vs were built with a Napier Sabre II engine before the war ended, and these proved to be excellent all-round fighters. The Tempest II (Bristol Centaurus) and Tempest VI (Sabre VI) were post-war developments. 1418 built. Type: Tempest Mk. II Function: fighter Year: 1944 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1860kW Bristol Centaurus 5 Wing Span: 12.49m Length: 1049m Height: 4.72m Wing Area: 28.21m2 Empty Weight: 4218kg Max.Weight: 6305kg Speed: 710km/h Ceiling: 11300m Range: 1320km Armament: 4*g20mm 820kg Type: Tempest Mk. V Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1626kW Napier Sabre II Wing Span: 12.50m Length: 10.26m Height: 4.90m Wing Area: 28.06m2 Empty Weight: 4802kg Max.Weight: 6142kg Speed: 686km/h Ceiling: 11125m Range: 1190km Armament: 4*g20mm Thunderbolt, Republic (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-AR1) The U.S. {P-47} Thunderbolt fighter. Tiger Moth, de Havilland D.H.82 (IS-GB-A-T-B-N-AI1) One of the most famous biplane trainers. The RAF used the Tiger Moth for 15 years, the Navy continued to use them well into the late 1960s, and many are still flying. The Tiger Moth was a sturdy, conventional design based on the D.H.60, with new, slightly swept wings. Type: Tiger Moth II Function: trainer Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 130hp D.H. Gipsy Major Wing Span: 8.94m Length: 7.29m Height: 2.68m Wing Area: 22.20m2 Empty Weight: 506kg Max.Weight: 828kg Speed: 175km/h Ceiling: 4150m Range: 490km Armament: 8*b9.7kg Titania, Fairey (I-GB-AF-?-B-?-?4) Large four-engined biplane flying boat. 1925. Tomahawk, Curtiss (S-USA-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The Curtiss Hawk 81A, more or less equivalent to the USAAF {P-40}C. Models later than P-40D were known as {Kittyhawk} in the RAF. Tomtit, Hawker (I-GB-A-T-B-N-?1) Two-seat training biplane. Only 36 were built, including 25 for the RAF, two for Canada, and four for New Zealand. Type: Tomtit Mk.I Function: trainer Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 112kW Armstrong Siddeley Mongoose IIIC Wing Span: 8.71m Length: 2.54m Height: 2.5m Wing Area: 22.09m2 Empty Weight: 499kg Max.Weight: 794kg Speed: 200km/h Ceiling: 5945m Range: 563km Tornado, Hawker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1|IL1) The Tornado was a parallel design to the {Typhoon}, with a different engine installation. This troublesome R.R. Vulture engine also caused its abandonment. One was converted to test the Bristol Centaurus radial. Four built: two prototypes, one production aircraft, and one prototype with the Centaurus engine. Type: Tornado (Vulture) Function: fighter Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1760hp R.R. Vulture V Wing Span: 12.77m Length: 10.00m Height: 4.47m Wing Area: 26.29m2 Empty Weight: 3800kg Max.Weight: Speed: 640km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 12*mg7.7mm Type: Tornado (Centaurus) Function: fighter. Year: 1939 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2210hp Bristol Centaurus CE.4S Wing Span: Length: 9.73m Height: 4.47m Wing Area: 26.3m2 Empty Weight: 3645kg Max.Weight: 4685kg Speed: 647km/h Ceiling: 10000m Range: Armament: 12*mg7.7mm Tornado, Panavia (M-GB&D&I-A-AFTR-S-N-J2) Multi-role aircraft developed and built in cooperation with Germany and Italy. It is a compact twin-engined variable-geometry aircraft. The Tornado was also the first production military aircraft with flight-by-wire controls. There are strike-attack (IDS), air defence (ADV) and electronic warfare (ECR) versions. The ADV has an elongated nose. The original contractors bought 933 aircraft, but production is still underway for Saudi-Arabia. The IDS version is considered a very effective attack aircraft, but the ADV has been critized because it is a long-range interceptor with little capacity for dogfights. British IDS Tornadoes will be upgraded to GR.4 configuration. The loss of six Tornadoes during the 1992 Gulf War resulted in a storm of criticism, most of it unjustified. Production ended in September 1998. Type: Tornado F Mk.3 Function: fighter Year: 1986 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 8530kg Turbo-union RB199-34R Mk.104 Wing Span: 13.91m/8.60m Length: 18.08m Height: 5.95m Wing Area: 30.00m2/ Empty Weight: 14501kg Max.Weight: 27987kg Speed: 2333km/h Ceiling: 21335m Range: 3600km Armament: 1*g27mm BK 27, msl Type: Tornado GR.1 Function: attack Year: 1982 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 71.4kN Turbo-union RB199-34R Mk.101 Wing Span: 13.90m/8.60m Length: 16.70m Height: 5.70m Wing Area: 30m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 27210kg Speed: 1480km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: 3890km Armament: 2*g27mm BK 27, 8980kg Traveller, Beech (IS-USA-A-CU-B-N-AR1) The USAAF U{C-43}. Triplane, Austin (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) Single-engined triplane fighter. Triplane, Sopwith (F-GB-A-F-T-N-AR1) Fighter triplane. The fuselage was similar to that of the {Pup}, but the wings were new, with a narrow chord and I-struts. It possessed a high maneuvrability and an excellent climb rate. The brief but spectacular succes of the Triplane initiated the design of a number of triplane fighters, amongst them the famous {Fokker Dr.I}. Only 144 were built. Type: Triplane Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 130hp Clerget Wing Span: 8.08m Length: 5.94m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: 21.46m2 Empty Weight: 450kg Max.Weight: 642kg Speed: 187km/h Ceiling: 6250m Range: 2.75hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm Triple Tractor, Short (E-GB-A|AS-B-N-?1|?2) A two-seat tractor biplane. It could be used with wheels or floats. One was built with two engines, the second engine driving two propellers in Wright Flyer-style. Type: Triple-Tractor Function: Year: 1912 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Tristar, Lockheed (M-USA-A-C|K-LS-N-JW2&J1) The RAF is the only military user of the Tristar airliner. It had some of them converted to tanker/transport aircraft. TSR.2, BAC (P-GB-A-AB-HN-N-J2) A compact attack and strike aircraft. The TSR.2 was a big aircraft with a high wing loading, optimized for low-level flying; it was loaded with special equipment for its mission. It was a great technical achievement, but the project was a financial and management disaster. The {F-111} was ordered to replace it, but later cancelled; the RAF finally adopted the {Buccaneer} as strike aircraft. Type: TSR-2 Function: attack Year: 1964 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 136kN Bristol Siddeley Olympus 22R Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 27.13m Height: 7.32m Wing Area: 65m2 Empty Weight: 20334kg Max.Weight: 34500kg Speed: 2185km/h Ceiling: Range: 6880km Armament: TTA, Bristol (F-GB-A-F-B-N-ILB2) Twin-engined fighter, a large biplane. The TTA was designed to have a gunner in the nose. The invention of synchronization gear for fixed guns made the TTA superfluos. Only two built. Type: TTA Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 120hp Beardmore Wing Span: 16.30m Length: 11.94m Height: 3.81m Wing Area: 75.90m2 Empty Weight: 1733kg Max.Weight: 2313kg Speed: 140km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Tucano, Shorts (M-GB|BRAZ-A-T-LN-N-T1) Version for the RAF of the Brazilian {Tucano} turboprop trainer, with a more powerful engine and some structural modifications. Replaced the {Jet Provost}. Type: Tucano T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1987 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 820kW Garrett TPE331-12B Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 9.86m Height: 3.40m Wing Area: 19.4m2 Empty Weight: 2210kg Max.Weight: 2935kg Speed: 514km/h Ceiling: 10365m Range: 2100km Armament: Turcock, Blackburn F.1 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter. The prototype was built in hope of a Turkish contract; hence the name of Turcock. It was of all-metal construction with fabric covering. Only one unarmed prototype was built. Type: Turcock Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 446hp Armstrong Siddeley VI Wing Span: 9.45m Length: 7.41m Height: 2.72m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 1035kg Max.Weight: 1236kg Speed: 283km/h Ceiling: Range: 1.75hrs Armament: (2*mg7.7mm) Tutor, Avro 621 (I-GB-A-T-B-N-AR1) Biplane trainer, of steel tube construction with fabric covering. The Tutor was an excellent prilmary trainer. 795 were built, replacing the {Avro 504}; many were exported or sold to civil customers. Type: Tutor Function: trainer Year: 1932 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 240hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx Speed: 196km/h Ceiling: 4940m Range: 400km Twin, Blackburn (F-GB-AS-F-?-T-?2) Twin-fuselage, twin-engined seaplane. Intended to attack Zeppelins with incendiary darts. 1915. Twin Hotspur, General Aircraft. (S-GB-AG-CT-MN-T-N) To create a larger glider to {Hotspur} fuselage weere joined by a new wing centre section. Type: Twin Hotspur. Function: glider Year: Crew: 1 Engines: Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 16 seats Twin Pioneer, Scottish Aviation (P-GB-A-UC-HN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined STOl transport, a sturdy design with fixed landing gear and twin tail fins. 87 were built, including 39 for the RAF. Type: Pioneer CC Mk.2 Function: transport Year: 1955 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 560hp Alivis Leonides 531 Wing Span: 23.32m Length: 13.79m Height: 3.73m Wing Area: 62.24m2 Empty Weight: 4627kg Max.Weight: 6622kg Speed: 266km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 1080km Load: 16 seats, 907kg Typhoon, Hawker (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-IL1) The so-called 'N type' fighter (developed in parallel with the {Tornado}) was powered by a 2200hp Napier Sabre engine. This powerful engine gave the Typhoon exceptional low-altitude performance, but it had a lot of teething troubles. Another problem was the conservative wing design, with a thickness of 18%, which was resulted in serious compressibility problems. A bad high-altitude performance and problems with the tail structure --- finally traced back to a failure of the elevator balance weight causing flutter --- sealed its failure as an all-round fighter. The Typhoon then earned fame as ground attack aircraft. 3332 built. Type: Typhoon Mk. IB Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1941 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 1600kW Napier Sabre IIA Wing Span: 12.67m Length: 9.73m Height: 4.52m Wing Area: 25.8m2 Empty Weight: 3945kg Max.Weight: 5860kg Speed: 650km/h Ceiling: 10400m Range: 1530km Armament: 4*g20mm 2*b450kg Typhoon, Eurofighter This name has been chosen for export versions of the {Eurofighter 2000}. It will not be official within Europe, to placate German sensitivies (see the other {Typhoon}) but one can expect that it will be widely used anyway. --U-------------------------------------------------------------------------- U-125, BAe (P-GB-A-CU-LS-N-FJ2) SAR version of the {BAe 125}, developed for the JASDF. --V-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Valentia, Vickers (I-GB-A-C-B-N-ARB2) Biplane transport aircraft, a development of the {Victoria} with radial Pegasus engines instead of in-line Napier Lions. The Valentia also had a tailwheel, while the Victoria had a skid. 82 were built, most conversions from Victorias. Type: Valentia I Function: bomber / transport Year: 1934 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 470kW Bristol Pegasus II Mk.3 Wing Span: 26.62m Length: 18.14m Height: 5.41m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 4964kg Max.Weight: 8845kg Speed: 195km/h Ceiling: 4900m Range: 1290km Load: 22 seats Armament: 998kg Valiant, Schleicher ASW-19 (?-GB-AG-T-?-?-N) Sailplane, used by the RAF to train cadets. Valiant, Vickers 131 (I-GB-A-AU-B-N-AR1) Biplane, an all-metal development of the {Vixen} and {Vivid}. It was designed as a replacement for the {D.H.9A}, and has an all-metal structure. While the Valiant was popular with test pilots, they preferred the {Wapiti}, a recommendation that was accepted by the Air Staff. One built. It was later sold to Chile. Type: Valiant Function: multi-role Year: 1927 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 492hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 13.84m Length: 10.20m Height: 3.54m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 1380kg Max.Weight: Speed: 209km/h at S/L Ceiling: 6000m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 227kg Valiant, Vickers (P-GB-A-BR|K-HNS-N-JW4) First of the jet-engined 'V-bombers', a four-engined nuclear bomber with a high wing with moderate sweepback. The Valiant was considered an interim type, pending production of the {Victor} and {Vulcan}. Later they were used as tankers. It was retired early because of wing spar fatigue. 108 built. Type: Valiant B Mk.1 Function: bomber Year: 1955 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 4535kg R.R. Avon 201 Wing Span: 34.85m Length: 32.99m Height: 9.80m Wing Area: 219.43m2 Empty Weight: 34419kg Max.Weight: 63503kg Speed: 912km/h Ceiling: 16460m Range: 7420km Armament: 9525kg Valkyrie, Saunders-Roe A.3 (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-IL3) Large reconnaissance flying boat. The Valkyrie was a biplane of conventional construction. It looked good, but the wooden monococque hull was weak, soaked up water and leaked. The Valkyrie also had poor flight characteristics. The Air Ministry decided to buy flying boats with metal hulls. Type: Valkyrie Function: reconaissance Year: 1926 Crew: 5 Engines: 3 * 680hp Rolls-Royce Condor IIIA Wing Span: 29.6m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 191km/h Ceiling: 2930m Range: 9hr 20min Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 2*b250kg Valleta, Vickers (P-GB-A-CT-LN-N-ARW2) Troop transport derivative of {Viking} airliner, itself a derivative of the {Wellington} bomber. The Valetta had a reinforced floor, larger doors, new landing gear and more powerful engines. The Valetta was also used as VIP transport and trainer. Type: Valetta C.1 Function: transport Year: 1948 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 1470kW Bristol Hercules 230 Wing Span: 27.20m Length: 19.18m Height: 5.94m Wing Area: Empty Weight: 11090kg Max.Weight: 16556kg Speed: 468km/h Ceiling: 6750m Range: 2350kg Load: 4007kg, 34 seats Valparaiso, Vickers (I-GB-A-RF-B-N-?1) Two-seat fighter and reconaissance biplane, developed from the {Vixen}. 1924. Sold to Chile (19) and Portugal (at least 27). Vampire, de Havilland (P-GB-A-F-MN-T-J1) A small, very successful jet fighter. To reduce the length of intake and outlet ducting the engine and pilot were placed in a short nacelle, and the tail was carried by two slender booms. There were single-seat day fighters and fighter-bombers and two-seat nightfighters and trainers. It was license-built in France, Italy, India and Switzerland; the latter country used them well into the 1990's. There was also a nightfighter version with side-by-side seating in a wider fuselage, and a trainer developed from it. Type: Vampire FB Mk.6 Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1946 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 14.91kN de Havilland Goblin 3 Wing Span: 11.58m Length: 9.37m Height: 2.69m Wing Area: 24.34m2 Empty Weight: 3304kg Max.Weight: 5620kg Speed: 882km/h Ceiling: 13045m Range: 1960km Armament: 4*g20mm 907kg Vampire, Vickers FB.26 (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ILP1) See {FB.26}. Vanelius, Vickers 83 (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-BP1) Development of the {Viking} amphibian, intended as three-seat observation aircraft for the fleet. One built. Vanguard, Schleicher ASK-21 (?-GB-AG-T-?-?-N) Sailplane, used by the RAF to train cadets. Varsity, Vickers (P-GB-A-CER-LN-N-ARW2) Crew trainer, 163 built. The Varsity was an enlarged development of the {Viking} / {Valetta} series. A few served as SIGINT aircraft, also in Swedish service. Type: Varsity T.1 Function: trainer Year: 1951 Crew: 4 Engines: 2 * 1950hp Bristol Hercules 264 Speed: 463km/h Ceiling: 8750m Range: 4260km Armament: 272kg VC10, BAC/BAe (M-GB-A-C|CK-LS-JF4) Tanker and transport development of the VC10 airliner. The VC10 was a jet airliner with swept wings, a T-tail and and four tail-mounted engines. It was a beautiful, efficient design, but only 54 were sold. The RAF ordered a number as long-range transports; later some of these and a number of ex-civilian VC-10s were converted to tankers. Type: VC10 K Mk.2 Function: transport / tanker Year: 1982 Crew: 4 Engines: 4 * 9888kg R.R. Conway Mk.550B Wing Span: 44.55m Length: 50.62m Height: 12.04m Wing Area: 272.38m2 Empty Weight: 60872kg Max.Weight: 135624kg Speed: 935km/h Ceiling: 12190m Range: 14500km Load: 80067kg Velos, Blackburn (I-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Torpedo bomber, development of the {Dart}. Type: Velos Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 335kW Napier Lion IIB Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Vendace, Vickers (I-GB-A|AS-T-B-N-IL1) Biplane trainer, designed to have interchangeable float and wheeled undercarriage. Two built. Type: Vendace Mk.I Function: trainer Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 205kW R.R. Falcon III Wing Span: 13.59m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 1576kg Speed: 199km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: Vengeance, Vultee (S-USA-A-AB-LN-N-AR1) The U.S. built Vengeance dive-bomber, moderately successfull in Burma. The USAF designations were {A-31} and {A-35}. 1931 built. Type: Vengeance Mk. IV Function: dive-bomber Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1700hp Wright R-2600-13 Speed: 450km/h Ceiling: 7600m Range: 3700km Armament: 8*mg12.7mm 900kg Venom, de Havilland D.H.112 (P-GB-A-FB-MN-T-J1) This was a development of the {Vampire} with the more powerful DH Ghost engine and a thinner, slightly swept-back wing. The Venom was obsolescent as an air superiority fighter, but it became the standard RAF ground attack fighter. A two-seat nightfighter version, with a wider fuselage nacelle, was also developed, and the RN adopted this in the navalised {Sea Venom} model. The Venom was also exported to several other countries, and served in the Swiss air force until 1983. Type: Venom FB Mk.4 Function: fighter-bomber Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 2336kg de Havilland Ghost 105 Wing Span: 12.70m Length: 10.06m Height: 2.03m Wing Area: 25.99m2 Empty Weight: 6945kg Max.Weight: Speed: 961km/h Ceiling: 14630m Range: 1730km Armament: 4*g20mm, 900kg Type: Venom NF Mk.3 Function: nightfighter Year: 1953 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 2336kg de Havilland Ghost 105 Wing Span: 13.06m Length: 11.17m Height: 1.98m Wing Area: 25.99m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 927km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 4*g20mm Venom, Vickers (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) A thoroughly refined {Jockey}, with cantilever wings, retractable landing gear, enclosed cockpit and cowled engine. Handling was excellent, but the Venom needed more engine power. The Aquila engine was not produced in quantity and the Venom was too small for other engines. One built. Type: Venom Function: fighter Year: 1936 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 625hp Bristol Aquila Wing Span: 9.98m Length: 7.36m Height: 3.27m Wing Area: 13.56m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 502km/h Ceiling: 9755m Range: Armament: 8*mg7.7mm Venture, Vickers (I-GB-A-R-B-N-?1) Reconaissance development of the {Vixen}. Six built. The type did not enter service. Ventura, Lockheed (S-USA-A-BP-MN-N-ARW2) Military development of the Lockheed {Lodestar}. USAF designation was {B-34}. Intended as a day bomber, but it was soon found out that it was more useful as a sea patrol aircraft. Type: Ventura I Function: bomber Year: 1941 Crew: Engines: 2 * 1850hp P&W GR-2800 Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: 8*mg7.62mm 1125kg Venture, Slingsby T61E (?-GB-A|AG-T-?-?-?1) License-built version of the Schiebe SF250B Motor Falke sailplane with auxiliary engine. It is used by the RAF to train cadets. Venture, Vickers (I-GB-A-?-B-N-P?) Pusher biplane, 1923. Six built for the RAF, but never entered service. Vernon, Vickers (I-GB-A-C-B-N-BIL2) Transport development of the {Vimy}. The Vernon had a new and extremely fat fuselage. It was derived from the Vimy Commercial, which was also used by the RAF as the Vimy Ambulance. 55 were built. Type: Vernon Mk.II Function: bomber / transport Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 336kW Napier Lion Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Vespa, Vickers (I-GB-A-AU-B-N-AR1) Biplane army support aircraft. It was not accepted by the RAF, but some were bought by Ireland (8) and Bolivia (6). One Vespa, equipped with a supercharged engine, set an altitude record of 13404m. Type: Vespa Mk.IV Function: ground support Year: 1929 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 365kW Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar VIC Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: VFB, Vickers (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) See {FB.5}. Vickers 121 Wibault Scout (I-GB-A-F-P-N-AR1) Parasol-wing monoplane fighter, developed from the French Wibault {WIB}. Vickers held the British patents for the Wibault light-alloy contruction techniques. Vickers did modify the design, and installed a Bristol Jupiter engine. 26 were built for Chile, which used them until 1930. It was not entirely satisfactory. Type: 121 Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 455hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 11.00m Length: 7.21m Height: 3.50m Wing Area: 22.00m2 Empty Weight: 871kg Max. Weight: 1347kg Max. Speed: 232km/h Ceiling: 7010m Range: 483km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Vickers 123 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Biplane fighter, a precursor of the {Vickers 141} with a French Hispano-Suiza engine, because the originally intended Rolls-Royce engine was not yet available. The 123 was an all-metal biplane with sleek fuselage lines, and considerable wing stagger. One built. Type: 123 Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 465hp Hispano-Suiza 12Jb Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.69m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 35.12m2 Empty Weight: 1033kg Max. Weight: 1497kg Max. Speed: 240km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Vickers 125 Vireo (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) See {Vireo}. Vickers 141 (I-GB-A|AC-F-B-N-IL1) This was a modification of the {Vickers 123} prototype, with the originally intended Rolls-Royce F.IX liquid-cooled V-12 engine. The deep radiator under the nose ruined the sleek lines of the 123; the 141 was certainly ugly. It was a good aircraft, but the RAF selected the even better Bristol {Bulldog} for production. Trials as a shipboard fighter also failed to produce orders. Type: 141 Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 465hp Hispano-Suiza 12Jb Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.23m Height: 2.72m Wing Area: 35.12m2 Empty Weight: 1202kg Max. Weight: 1678kg Max. Speed: 285km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Vickers 143 (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) The 143 was a dvelopment of the {Vickers 141}, intended for Bolivia. It was powered by a radial engine, had modified wings, and a better undercarriage. Six were delivered, three of which survived long enough to participate in the 1932 was between Bolivia and Paraguay. One made a 'kill' in that war. Type: 143 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 450hp Bristol Jupiter VIA Wing Span: 10.36m Length: 8.50m Height: 3.43m Wing Area: 31.21m2 Empty Weight: 1019kg Max.Weight: 1415kg Speed: 241km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Vickers 150 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-ILB2|ARB2) Twin-engined biplane night bomber. The 150 was a rather ugly biplane with Kestrel or Pegasus engines. The competing {Heyford} won the contract. One built. Vickers 151 Jockey (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) See {Jockey}. Vickers 161 (I-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) The type 161 single-seat fighter returned to a old formula: It was a pusher biplane with twin tail booms. It was designed to carry the 37mm COW gun, which was fixed in a 45 degrees upward firing position. The 161 was of all-metal contruction and flew well, but the interest in the type vanished together with the interest in its armament. One built. Type: 161 Function: fighter Year: 1931 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 530hp Bristol Jupiter VIIF Wing Span: 9.57m Length: 7.16m Height: 3.76m Wing Area: 25.08m2 Empty Weight: 1080kg Max.Weight: 1520kg Speed: 298km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 1*g37mm Vickers 163 (I-GB-A-B-B-N-?4) Private-venture alternative for the {Vickers 150}. The type 163 was four-engined. One built. Vickers 177 (I-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) Shipboard biplane fighter, developed as a private venture. It was rejected as unacceptable for shipboard use. One built. Type: 177 Function: fighter Year: 1929 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 540hp Bristol Jupiter XFS Wing Span: 10.44m Length: 8.38m Height: 3.43m Wing Area: 31.21m2 Empty Weight: 1286kg Max.Weight: 1837kg Speed: 306km/h Ceiling: Range: 756km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Vickers 253 (?-GB-A-AU-B-N-?) General purpose biplane. Vickers 432 (S-GB-A-F-MN-N-ILW2) An high-altitude cannon armed fighter, called "Tin Mossie" because it looked like a bigger {Mosquito}. The construction techniques were unique very advanced. The pilot sat in a pressurized cockpit with a bubble dome. Because of the pressurisation of the front fuselage, the cannon were to be installed in a fairing under the aft fuselage. But performance was not sufficient any more, the 432 had handling problems and the competing Westland {Welkin} was preferred. One built. Type: 432 Function: fighter Year: 1942 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 1520hp R.R. Merlin 61 Wing Span: 17.34m Length: 12.38m Height: 4.19m Wing Area: 40.97m2 Empty Weight: 7427kg Max.Weight: Speed: 611km/h Ceiling: 11280m Range: 2415km Armament: 6*g20mm (never fitted) Vickers Fighting Biplane (F-GB-A-F-B-T-ARP1) See {FB.5}. Victor, Handley Page (P-GB-A-B|K-S-N-JW4) Last of the V-bombers; also used as tanker aircraft. 80 built. The Victor looked a little bit odd with its deep nose bulge and crescent-shaped wings. The latter were intended to keep the Mach number constant over the entire wing span. Wing sweep decreases gradually from 48.5 degrees at the root to 26.75 degrees at the tip. As a bomber it aged rapidly, and in 1964 conversion to tanker aircraft began. It is in this role that it was used mostly, also during the Falkands war. It was retired in 1993 when the aircraft life was expended. 80 built. Type: Victor B Mk.2 Function: bomber Year: 1961 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 7830kg R.R. Conway RCo.11 Wing Span: 36.48m Length: 35.03m Height: 8.57m Wing Area: 223.52m2 Empty Weight: 41277kg Max.Weight: 105687kg Speed: M0.95 Ceiling: 18300m Range: 3700km Armament: 15875kg Type: Victor K Mk.2 Function: tanker Year: 1974 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 9344kg R.R. Conway RCo.17 Mk.201 Wing Span: 34.44m Length: 35.03m Height: 8.57m Wing Area: 204.38m2 Empty Weight: 51936kg Max.Weight: 107955kg Speed: 964km/h Ceiling: 15240m Range: 7400km Fuel load: 55792kg Victoria, Vickers 56 (I-GB-A-C-B-N-ILB2) Biplane transport, developed in parallel with the {Virginia} bomber and using much of the structure. The Victoria had a bulky fuselage of elliptical cross-section with a blunt nose, and looked remarkably ugly. 97 were built, that contributed a lot to the development of military air transport. Type: Victoria Mk.V Function: transport Year: 1926 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 570hp Napier Lion XI Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: 4900m Range: 1240km Load: 22 seats Vigilant, Grob G 109B (M-D-AG&A-T-?-?-?1) Motorized glider, the Grob G.109B. It is used by the RAF to train cadets. Type: Vigilant T Mk.1 Function: trainer Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 56kW Limbach Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Viking, Grob G 103A Twin Acro (M-D-AG-T-?-?-N) Sailplane, a two-seater with a composite structure, used by the RAF to train cadets. Viking, Vickers 54 (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-BP1) Small single-engined biplane amphibian. 26 were built for a number of airforces. Type: Viking Mk.IV Function: utility Year: Crew: Engines: 1 * Napier Lion Wing Span: 15.24m Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 182km/h Ceiling: Range: Load: 4 seats Viking, Vickers (P-GB-A-C-LN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined transport aircraft, developed from the {Wellington}. The Viking had a new fuselage, and after the first prototypes also abandoned the geodetically constructed Wellington wings. The RAF called its own Vikings {Valetta}; but many Vikings served in other airforces. Type: Viking IB Function: transport Year: 1946 Crew: Engines: 2 * Bristol Hercules 634 Wing Span: 27.20m Length: 19.86m Height: 5.94m Wing Area: 80.2m2 Empty Weight: 10546kg Max.Weight: 15422kg Speed: 338km/h Ceiling: 7240m Range: 2736km Load: 24-36 seats Vildebeest, Vickers (I-GB-A-A-B-N-AR1) Light bomber and torpedo bomber, used until 1938. The Vildebeest was an ugly biplane of thoroughly practical appearance, very typical of British practice during the interbellum. Some did see combat during WWII, operating in the Pacific as late as 1942. They suffered heavy losses. 209 built. Type: Vildebeest Mk.I Function: bomber Year: 1934 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 622hp Bristol Pegasus I M.3 Wing Span: 14.94m Length: 11.18m Height: 4.47m Wing Area: 67.6m2 Empty Weight: 1920kg Max.Weight: 3677kg Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: 5800m Range: 2000km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 500kg Vimy, Vickers (F-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) The Vimy was a long-range biplane bomber, which was too late for service during WWI. But it became famous for the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic, flown by J. Alcock and A. Brown, on 14 June 1919, and the England-Australia flight of R. and K. Smith in the same year. About 230 were built, some were in service until 1929. See also {Vernon}. Type: Vimy Mk.II Function: bomber Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 270kW R.R. Eagle VIII Wing Span: 20.75m Length: 13.27m Height: 4.76m Wing Area: 122.44m2 Empty Weight: 3222kg Max.Weight: 4937kg Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: 4270m Range: 1450km Load: 4*mg7.7mm 1125kg Vincent, Vickers (I-GB-A-A-B-N-AR1) Light biplane bomber, development of the {Vildebeest}. 197 built, including Videbeest conversions. During WWII it continued in service in Africa and the Middle East. Type: Vincent Function: bomber-reconaissance Year: 1934 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 470kW Bristol Pegasus II Mk.3 Wing Span: Length: Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 230km/h Ceiling: 5800m Range: 2010km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 450kg Vireo, Vickers 125 (I-GB-A-F-LN-N-AR1) The Vireo was a rather ugly, rectangular monoplane fighter, developed by Vickers using the French Wibault construction system. It was a low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear and an open cockpit. Because it was intended as a light shipboard fighter, the Vireo was a small aircraft with a low-powered engine. Together with the high drag of corrugated skinning, this produced low performance. One built. Type: Vireo Function: fighter Year: 1928 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 230hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV Wing Span: 10.67m Length: 8.43m Height: 3.48m Wing Area: 19.88m2 Empty Weight: 885kg Max.Weight: 1157kg Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: 4495m Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Virginia, Vickers (I-GB-A-B-B-N-BIL2) The Virginia was a large, ugly biplane with a mediocre performance. Nevertheless it was in service for 13 years as the RAF's heavy night bomber, until 1937. The Mk.VII was given some wing sweepback to correct a c.g. problem, and the last model, the Mk.X, had an all-metal construction. 124 were built, and the last were retired from service in 1941. Type: Virginia Mk.X Function: bomber Year: Crew: Engines: 2 * 433kW Napier Lion VB Wing Span: 26.72m Length: 18.97m Height: 5.54m Wing Area: 202.34m2 Empty Weight: 4377kg Max.Weight: 7993kg Speed: 174km/h Ceiling: 4725m Range: 1585km Armament: 3*mg7.7mm 1360kg Vivid, Vickers (I-GB-A-RF-B-N-IL1) Biplane, an all-metal development of the {Vixen}. It was the basis for the development of the {Valiant}, but while the Valiant had an uncowled radial engine, the Vivid had a clean in-line installation. Vixen, Vickers 71, 87, 91, 105, 116, 126 (I-GB-A-RF-B-N-?1) Multi-role aircraft, a compact biplane. Small numbers were built, with different engines and design changes. They were also known as {Venture}, {Valparaiso}, {Vivid} and {Valiant}. Vulcan, Avro (P-GB-A-BR|K-D-N-WJ4) Large, delta-wing jet bomber. Its service life was reduced when its role was changed from high-altitude to low-altitude bombing, but it can be considered the most successful of the V-bombers. According to the fans, it was also the most beautiful one. Its saw operational use in the Falklands war, when Vulcan bombers attacked the local airfield at Port Stanly after a long flight during which they were refuelled several times by {Victor} tankers. There was also a reconnaissance version. Type: Vulcan B Mk.2 Function: bomber Year: 1960 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 9980kg Bristol Siddeley Olympus 301 Wing Span: 33.83m Length: 32.15m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 113400kg Speed: 1030km/h Ceiling: 19800m Range: 7640km Armament: 21454kg Vulture, Vickers 78 (I-GB-AF-R-B-N-BP1) Development of the {Viking} amphibian, with new wings. Two built. --W-------------------------------------------------------------------------- W-9, Cierva (S-GB-H-X-R?-?-AI1) Experimental helicopter. No tail rotor was fitted; instead the exhaust was ducted to the tail. Type: W-9 Function: experimental Year: 1944 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 1205hp D.H. Gipsy VI (??) Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Wagtail, Westland (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Late WWI fighter prototype, a biplane fighter optimized for manoeuvrability and climb. It achieved this performance by using the A.B.C. Wasp engine, which was a failure. Five built, of which two were unarmed testbeds for the A.S. Lynx engine. Type: Wagtail Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 170hp A.B.C. Wasp Wing Span: 7.06m Length: 5.77m Height: 2.44m Wing Area: 17.65m2 Empty Weight: 338kg Max.Weight: 603kg Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Wallace, Westland (I-GB-A-A-B-N-AR1) Single-engined biplane, a development of the {Wapiti} with a new engine, a new undercarriage, and a cleaned-up fuselage. Performance was greatly improved. The Wallace did not serve in the colonies like the Wapiti, but was primarily a part of the home-based reserve bomber units. During the beginning of WWII it was useful as trainer. 172 built. Type: Wallace Mk.II Function: multi-purpose Year: 1939 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 500kW Bristol Pegasus IV Speed: 255km/h Ceiling: 7350m Range: 760km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 260kg Walrus, Supermarine (S-GB-AF-PR-B-N-ARP1) Catapult-launched, biplane amphibian with pusher propeller, developed from the {Seagull}. The Walrus was rather rectangular in outline, and did not show that it was built by the same manufacturer as the {Spitfire}. It was the standard catapult- launched reconnaissance and SAR aircraft for some time. 740 were built between 1936 and 1944. Type: Walrus Mk. I Function: reconaissance Year: 1935 Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 775hp Bristol Pegasus VI Wing Span: 13.97m Length: 11.35m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 56.67m2 Empty Weight: 2223kg Max.Weight: 3266kg Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: 5210m Range: 966km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 272kg Walrus, Westland (I-GB-AC-U-B-N-IL1) Shipboard utility aircraft. It used D.H.9 wings. 36 built. Type: Walrus Function: utility Year: Crew: 3 Engines: 1 * 450hp Napier Lion II Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Wapiti, Westland (I-GB-A-A-B-N-AR1) Biplane multi-purpose aircraft, that used as much {D.H.9} parts from war surplus equipment as possible; that included the wings and, on the prototype, the tail. Typical for the RAF aircraft of the interwar period, and often used by the colonial forces. 558 built. Type: Wapiti Mk.I Function: bomber/reconaissance Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 480hp Bristol Jupiter VIII Wing Span: 14.15m Length: 9.65m Height: 3.61m Wing Area: 45.3m2 Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 2343kg Speed: 217km/h Ceiling: 6300m Range: 580km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 225kg Warwick, Vickers (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-ARW2) Twin-engined bomber of geodetic construction, basically a larger development of the {Wellington}. Obsolete as a bomber, it was used for reconaissance, search and rescue (carrying a lifeboat) and transport. Its career was brief, partly because of control problems, and partly because better four-engined aircraft were available. 850 built. Type: Warwick ASR.I Function: search & rescue Year: 1943 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1850hp P&W Double Wasp Wing Span: 29.48m Length: 20.88m Height: 5.64m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 360km/h Ceiling: 5100m Range: 3200km Armament: 6*mg7.7mm Washington, Boeing B-29 (S-USA-A-B-MN-N-ARW4) The U.S. {B-29} Superfortress heavy bomber. Due to the obsolescence of the {Lincoln} and the slow development of jet bombers, the RAF had to accept a loan of around 80 B-29's to keep up its strength. Wasp, Westland (P-GB-H-AU-R4-N-T1) Small shipboard helicopter, the Royal Navy version of the {Scout}. The Wasp has four insect-like legs with wheels, a beetle-eye cockpit, and an engine exposed on top of the aft fuselage. Type: Wasp Function: ASW Year: 1958 Crew: 1-2 Engines: 1 * 530kW Rolls-Royce Nimbus Mk.103 Rotor Span: 9.83m Length: 12.29m Height: Disc Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: 2404kg Speed: 193km/h at S/L Ceiling: Range: 485km Load: 4 seats W.B.I, Beardmore (F-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) A long-range bomber biplane. Type: W.B.1A Function: bomber Year: Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 500hp Beardmore Atlantic Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: W.B.II, Beardmore (F-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter biplane, broadly based on the {B.E.2}c. The W.B.II had a good performance, but the Hispano-Suiza engine was in short supply. Type: W.B.II Function: Year: 1917 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza 8Bd Wing Span: 10.62m Length: 8.18m Height: 3.05m Wing Area: 32.88m2 Empty Weight: 800kg Max.Weight: 1202kg Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.8hrs Armament: 3*mg7.7mm W.B.III, Beardmore (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-AR1) Development of the Sopwith {Pup} with folding wings and folding or jettisonable main undercarriage. 100 were ordered, and the W.B.III saw limited service as carrier fighter. Some were sold to Japan. Type: W.B.III Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 80hp Le Rhone 9C Wing Span: 7.62m Length: 6.16m Height: 2.46m Wing Area: 22.57m2 Empty Weight: 404kg Max.Weight: 585kg Speed: 166km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.75hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm W.B.IV, Beardmore (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat reconaissance biplane. For good visibility, the pilot was seated in front of the wings, and the engine between the wings, behind the pilot. The front fuselage was made watertight and boat-shaped, and small wingtip floats were provided. Three built. Type: W.B.IV Function: reconaissance Year: 1917 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 10.92m Length: 8.08m Height: 3.00m Wing Area: 32.52m2 Empty Weight: 932kg Max.Weight: 1177kg Speed: 177km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm W.B.V, Beardmore (F-GB-AC-F-B-N-IL1) Single-seat shipboard fighter, a more conventional design than the {W.B.IV}, but armed with a 37mm cannon between the cylinder banks of the engine. The W.B.V had folding wings, and a jettisonable undercarriage for safer ditching. Three were ordered, the 37mm cannon being quickly abandoned in favour of two 7.7mm guns. Type: W.B.V Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 200hp Hispano-Suiza Wing Span: 10.92m Length: 8.10m Height: 3.61m Wing Area: 36.60m2 Empty Weight: 844kg Max.Weight: 1134kg Speed: 180km/h Ceiling: Range: 2.5hrs Armament: 2*mg7.7mm W.B.VI, Beardmore (F-GB-AC-AB-B-N-IL1) Single-seat torpedo-bomber biplane. Type: W.B.VI Function: torpedo-bomber Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 350hp R.R. Eagle Speed: 164km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: W.B.XXV, Beardmore (?-GB-A-F-B-?-IL1) Design for a two-seat biplane fighter, an unconventional design powered by a Napier Lion engine. Not built. W.B.XXVI, Beardmore (I-GB-A-F-B-N-IL1) Two-seat fighter biplane, designed for Latvia. The W.B.26 was of mixed construction, with angular lines. It had struts, but no wire bracing. Handling was excellent, but the aircraft was underpowered. Only one was built. It was delivered to Latvia in 1926, and flown only three times afterwards. Type: W.B.XXVI Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 360hp Rolls Royce Eagle IX Wing Span: 11.28m Length: 8.49m Height: Wing Area: 33.07m2 Empty Weight: 1159kg Max.Weight: 1805kg Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 4hr Armament: 3*mg Weasel, Westland (F-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane two-seat fighter, first flown in 1918. It was another victim of the A.B.C. Dragonfly radial engine. Three built. Type: Weasel Function: fighter Year: 1918 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 320hp A.B.C. Dragonfly Wing Span: 10.82m Length: 7.56m Height: 3.07m Wing Area: 34.19m2 Empty Weight: 847kg Max.Weight: 1393kg Speed: 210km/h Ceiling: 6310m Range: Armament: 3*mg7.7mm Welkin, Westland (S-GB-A-F-HN-N-ILW2) High altitude fighter. The design of the Welkin was based on the configuration of the {Whirlwind}, with high-aspect ratio, long-span wings and Merlin engines. The engines and propellors proved to be unreliable, and the wing was too thick, resulting in a low limiting Mach number. Because the high-flying bomber treat never materialized, the 67 Welkins built were kept in storage. Later Westland built a prototype of a two-seat nightfighter version, but the development of the advanced cabin pressurisation system was the only real benefit from this project. Type: Welkin F Mk. I Function: fighter Year: 1943 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * R.R. Merlin 61 Wing Span: 21.34m2 Length: 12.65m Height: 4.65m Wing Area: 42.73m2 Empty Weight: 6520kg Max.Weight: 8970kg Speed: 623km/h Ceiling: 13410m Range: 2400km Armament: 4*g20mm Wellesley, Vickers (I-GB-A-B-LN-N-AR1) This was the first bomber to apply a geodetic construction. It was a clean monoplane with a very large wingspan; bombs were carried in streamlined boxes under the wings. One made a non-stop flight of 11500km! The type was obsolete at the outbreak of WWII, but some saw combat in the Mid-East. 177 built. Type: Wellesley Mk. I Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 925hp Bristol Pegasus XX Wing Span: 22.73m Length: 11.96m Height: 3.76m Wing Area: 58.53m2 Empty Weight: 2889kg Max.Weight: 5035kg Speed: 367km/h Ceiling: 10000m Range: 1766km Armament: 2*mg7.7mm 905kg Wellington, Vickers (S-GB-A-B-MN-N-ARW2|ILW2) Twin-engined medium bomber of geodetic construction. It was the main British bomber during the first part of WWII, but the RAF was soon forced to abandon daylight attacks because of its vulnerability. The Wellington was in production until the end of the war. After its replacement in Bomber Command by the new four-engined bombers it was flown on numerous other duties, and some were used until the 1950s. The Mk.X introduced a fuselage structure of light alloy, instead of steel. There were also prototypes and a small production series (about 60) of the Mk.V and Mk.VI, with early cabin pressurisation systems, which did not enter service. 11461 Wellingtons were built, with Pegasus, Hercules, Merlin or Twin Wasp engines. Type: Wellington Mk.IC Function: bomber Year: 1937 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1050hp Bristol Pegasus XVIII Speed: 378km/h Ceiling: 5790m Range: 2900km Armament: 8*mg7.7mm 2040kg Type: Wellington B Mk.III Function: bomber Year: Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1500hp Bristol Hercules XI Wing Span: 26.26m Length: 18.54m Height: 5.31m Wing Area: 78.04m2 Empty Weight: 8471kg Max.Weight: 13381kg Speed: 410km/h at 3810m Ceiling: 5790m Range: Armament: 8*mg7.7mm 2014kg Type: Wellington B Mk.X Function: bomber Year: 1943 Crew: 6 Engines: 2 * 1675hp Bristol Hercules XVI Wing Span: 26.30m Length: 19.76m Height: 5.33m Wing Area: 78.0m2 Empty Weight: 10194kg Max.Weight: 16556kg Speed: 410km/h Ceiling: 6700m Range: Armament: 1814kg 8*mg7.7mm Wessex, Westland (P-GB-H-UA-R4-N-T1|T2) Development of the Sikorsky S-58 helicopter. The radial engine of the S-58 is replaced by a one or two turboshaft engines, also fitted in the nose, behind bulging nose doors. The result is extremely ugly, but useful. It was used for transport, search and rescue, and VIP transport. Retired in 1996. Type: Wessex HC Mk.2 Function: transport Year: 1966 Crew: 2 Engines: 2 * 1007kW R.R. Gnome Mk.110/111 Rotor Span: 17.07m Length: Height: 4.93m Disc Area: 228.81m2 Empty Weight: 3767kg Max.Weight: 6123kg Speed: 212km/h at SL Ceiling: 3050m Range: 540km Load: 18 seats, 1814kg Westbury, Westland (I-GB-A-F-B-N-ARW2) The Westbury was a big, ugly three-seat 'heavy fighter' biplane. The gunners in the nose and behind the pilot each had a 37mm COW gun, and a 7.7mm gun was installed in a ventral hatch. Two prototypes were built, but the requirement for such a fighter did not survive the confrontation with reality. Type: Westbury Function: fighter Year: 1927 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 450hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wing Span: 20.73m Length: 13.23m Height: 4.19m Wing Area: 79.89m2 Empty Weight: 2198kg Max.Weight: Speed: 201km/h Ceiling: 6400m Range: Armament: 2*g37mm Westminster, Westland (P-GB-H-XC-R?-*-T2) Large 'skycrane' helicopter with two 2320kW Napier Eland E.229A engines. Two built. The fuselage was an open tube structure, making the Westminster look as if building hadn't finished. Whirlwind, Westland (S-GB-A-F-LN-N-ILW2) A small, fast twin-engined fighter, one of the first to be armed with four 20mm cannon. The Whirlwind was a fine fighter that could combat single-engined fighters with success. It had the misfortune that the development and production of the R.R. Peregrine engine was halted, and no alternative was available. The Whirlwind was tailored to this engine and the original specification. When the {Hurricane} and {Spitfire} proved to be able to carry the 20mm cannon, and the {Beaufighter} filled in the heavy fighter role, interest in the Whirlwind faded. Another defiency was its short range, with a radius of action of only 240km. It served in small numbers (116 built) as fighter-bomber. Type: Whirlwind Mk. IA Function: fighter Year: 1940 Crew: 1 Engines: 2 * 660kW R.R. Peregrine I Wing Span: 13.72m Length: 9.83m Height: Wing Area: 23.22m2 Empty Weight: 3768kg Max. Weight: 5175kg Speed: 580km/h Ceiling: 9240m Range: 1300km Armament: 4*g20mm b453kg Whirlwind, Westland (P-GB-H-U-R3-P-AR1) The Sikorsky S-55 helicopter. The first Whirlwinds were US-built S-55s, but later models were built in Britain. The engines were P&W R-1340, Wright R-1300 or Alvis Leonides radials. Westland also built a version with a Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft engine in a longer nose. Whitley, Armstrong Whitworth (S-GB-A-BCTU-MN-N-ARW2|ILW2) Twin-engined monoplane bomber. The Whitley was one of the first heavy night bombers of the RAF, and the first RAF aircraft with a stressed-skin fuselage. It had a characteristic nose-down flying attitude, because of the high incidence of the wing. Performance was mediocre, and from 1942 onwards it was used as trainer and glider tug. Around 2900 built. Type: Whitley V Function: bomber Year: 1939 Crew: 5 Engines: 2 * R.R. Merlin X Speed: 370km/h Ceiling: 6100m Range: 3860km Armament: 5*mg7.7mm 3175kg Whitney Straight, Miles (?-GB-A-U-LN-N-AI1) 50 built. Type: Whitney Straight Function: liaison Year: Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 95kW D.H. Gipsy Major Speed: 233km/h Ceiling: Range: 920km Load: 1 seat Wibault Scout, Vickers 121 (I-GB-A-F-P-N-AR1) See {Vickers 121}. Widgeon, Grumman (S-USA-AF-RU-HN-N-AIW2) The U.S. {J4F} amphibian. Wight Quadruplane (F-GB-A-F-T-?-AR1) The Wight Quadruplane was characterised by its very short wing span. It was built of wood. Both wings and fuselage were later extensively modified. One built. Type: Wight Function: fighter Year: 1916 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 110hp Clerget 9Z Wing Span: 5.79m Length: 6.25m Height: 3.20m Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Wight Twin Landplane (F-GB-A-B-B-T-R2) This large twin-boom bomber was built by Wight for the French. It crashed during a test flight, and was abandoned. One built. Type: Wight Twin Landplane Function: bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 150kW Salmson-Unne Wing Span: 25.60m Length: 9.90m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Wight Twin Seaplane (F-GB-A-B-B-D-R2) This double-fuselage seaplane was intended to carry an 18-in torpedo, to attack large warships. This turned out be a too ambitious goal, and the aircraft could not carry the torpedo and a full fuel load. Three built. Type: Wight Twin Seaplane Function: torpedo bomber Year: 1915 Crew: 3 Engines: 2 * 150kW Salmson-Unne Wing Span: 25.60m Length: 13.33m Height: Wing Area: Empty Weight: Max.Weight: Speed: 128km/h Ceiling: Range: 5hrs Armament: 1*mg7.7mm, 18-in torpedo Wildcat, Grumman (S-USA-AC-F-MN-N-AR1) Formerly known as {Martlet} in RN service. Windsor, Vickers (S-GB-A-B-N-N-ILW4) Four-engined heavy bomber of geodetic construction. Prototypes only. The Windsor was powered by the latest developments of Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. Witch, Westland (I-GB-A-B-P-N-AR1) High-altitude bomber, a parasol monoplane. One built. Type: Witch Function: bomber Year: 1928 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 420hp Bristol Jupiter VI Wizard, Westland (I-GB-A-F-P-N-IL1) Parasol-wing single-seat fighter. It stemmed from an experimental high-speed aircraft, but after an accident the fuselage was modified, the engine installation cleaned up, and armament installed. In this form, the Wizard was offered to the RAF as a fighter, with a Rolls-Royce Falcon engine. After a second accident the Wizard emerged in its Mk.II form, with a supercharged engine and an all-metal wing. The Wizard did not prove that the formula had any advantages over biplanes, with sluggish handling and poor forward view. The Mk.II also had disappointing performance. Type: Wizard Mk.I Function: fighter Year: 1926 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 550hp R.R. F.XI Wing Span: 12.04m Length: 8.18m Height: 2.84m Wing Area: 22.11m2 Empty Weight: 1067kg Max.Weight: Speed: 303m/h Ceiling: 7100m Range: Armament: 2 * mg7.7mm, 600 rpg. 4 * 20lb bomb Woodcock, Hawker (I-GB-A-F-B-N-AR1) Biplane fighter, the first RAF-fighter designed for night operations. The Woodcock had bulky, wooden fuselage that offered the pilot good forward visibility. It was a rather mediocre fighter, and even the completely redesigned Woodcock Mk.II had and structural problems. It entered service in 1925, and was retired in 1928. 64 built. Type: Woocock Mk.II Function: fighter Year: 1925 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 380hp Bristol Jupiter IV Wing Span: 9.91m Length: 7.98m Height: 3.02m Wing Area: 32.14m2 Empty Weight: 914kg Max. Weight: 1351kg Speed: 227km/h Ceiling: 6860m Range: 2h 45min Armament: 2*mg7.7mm Wolf, Armstrong-Whitworth (I-GB-A-TR-B-N-AR1) Trainer and reconaissance biplane. Six built. Type: Wolf Function: trainer/recce Year: 1923 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 261kW Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar III Speed: Ceiling: Range: Armament: Wren, FWA (?-SWISS-A-T-LN-N-AI1) The Swiss FWA AS 202 Bravo trainer. Wyvern, Westland (P-GB-AC-A-LN-N-T1) This shipboard strike fighter was Westland's last fixed-wing aircraft. Engine problems, including two engine changes, made the development of the Wyvern protracted and complicated. Full service status was achieved ten years after design began, and the aircraft was already obsolescent. The Wyvern was a clean monoplane with an enormous propeller hub, sporting large contra-rotating props, and a big vertical tail surface to match this. They saw combat during the 1956 Suez crisis, and were generally well-liked. 113 were built. Type: Wyvern S.4 Function: attack Year: 1951 Crew: 1 Engines: 1 * 4110hp Armstrong Siddeley Python 3 Wing Span: 13.42m Length: 12.80m Height: 4.57m Wing Area: 32.98m2 Empty Weight: 7076kg Max.Weight: 11113kg Speed: 616km/h Ceiling: 8335m Range: 1464km Armament: 4 Hispano Mk.V 20mm cannon, 200rpg 1360kg bombs, rockets or torpedoes --X-------------------------------------------------------------------------- --Y-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yeovil, Westland (I-GB-A-B-B-N-IL1) Two-seat, single-engined biplane bomber. Three built; the {Horsley} was chosen to fulfill the requirement. Type: Yeovil Function: bomber Year: 1925 Crew: 2 Engines: 1 * 650hp R.R. Condor Speed: 193km/h Ceiling: Range: Armament: 454kg York, Avro 685 (S-GB-A-C-HN-N-ILW4) A transport development of the {Lancaster}, with a bigger fuselage of rectangular cross-section and an additional tailfin. Production during WWII was limited because it was agreed that the US would supply transport aircraft. 257 built. Type: York Mk. I Function: transport Year: 1944 Crew: 5 Engines: 4 * 1280hp R.R. Merlin 24 Speed: 467km/h Ceiling: 6500m Range: 4990km Load: 50 - 56 seats Youngman-Baynes (S-GB-A-X-LN-N-AI1) A Percival {Proctor} low-wing cabin monoplane, modified to test the flap system designed by R. T. Youngman. The aircraft had large double flaps over the entire wing trailing edge; the ailerons were inset in the flaps. Type: Youngman-Baynes Function: experimental Year: 1948 Crew: Engines: 1 * 250hp De Havilland Gipsy Queen 32 Wing Span: 10.05m Length: 8.84m Height: 7.13m Wing Area: 16.7m2 Empty Weight: 1080kg Max.Weight: 1635kg Speed: 290km/h Ceiling: Range: --Z-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------