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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0612.PDF
26 JULY 5, 1928 THE SUPERMARINE "SOLENT Three Armstrong-Siddeley " Jaguar " Engines GENERAL To the Supermarine Aviation Works, Woolston, Southamp-ton, belongs the credit of being the first British firm to produce a three-engined torpedo-carrying flying-boat capableof carrying a 1,500-lb. (682-kg.) torpedo slung on each side of the hull. The machine, which has been christened the" Solent," has recently completed its tests, and no difficulty was experienced in dropping the torpedoes one at a time, theaileron control being sufficiently powerful to overcome the weight of one torpedo mounted some way out from thecentre. The Boat Hull.—Of all-wood construction, the hull of the" Solent " is of the type which has become known as a " Linton Hope," i.e. with a main structure approximatel 7circular in cross-section, and the steps and chines built-on. As in all modern British flying boats, there are two steps, andthe planing bottom has the form of a rounded Vee. The internal framework consists of light frames and timbers,with numerous light stringers running fore and aft. The planking is laid on in a fore-and-aft direction, and is ofmahogany. The two torpedoes, supported under the lower centresection, are provided with gear for winding, so that they can be wheeled under the wings while the machine is on aslipway, or taken out in a launch and hauled up on to the racks without the use of any extraneous equipment. When carrying the two torpedoes the " Solent " carriesfuel for 3£ hours' flight, but by leaving off the torpedoes and completely filling the tanks the endurance is increased to11-2 hours and the range to 950 miles (1,530 kms.). Wings.—Arranged as an equal-span, equal-chord biplane,with a back-sweep of several degrees. Of wood construction, fabric covered, with the normal two-spar arrangement.Ailerons fitted to both top and bottom planes. Lateral stability on the water is provided by two wing-tip floats. Tail.—Large monoplane horizontal tail plane, with smallerone between rudders, used for trimming. There are three fins and rudders, with horn balances. Engine Installation.—The three " Jaguar " engines aremounted in the gap, and are carefully streamlined. The two large petrol tanks are in the top plane, slightly off the centre line, and provide direct gravity feed, so that there is no petrol in the hull. Power PlantEngines . . .. . . 3 Armstrong-Siddeley " Jaguar.".. 1,265 b.h.p. Total horse-power Propeller drive Fuel capacity (normal tank- age) Fuel capacity (total tankage)Number and placing of fuel tanksFuel supply to engines . . Direct. 210 galls. (954 litres). 560 galls. (2,544 litres). Two, in top plane- Direct gravity feed. Main DimensionsWing span (top) Wing span (bottom)Wing chord (top) Wing chord (bottom)Wing gap Total wing areaLength overall Height 75 ft. (22-8 m.).75 ft. (22-8 m.). 11 ft. (3-36 m.).11 ft. (3-36 m.). 10 ft. 6 in. (3-20 m.).1,576 sq. ft. (146-6 m.2) 50 ft. 2 in. (15-3 m.). 19 ft. (5-80 m.). Weight emptyDisposable load Total loaded weight. .Power loading Wing loading" Wing power " W ights and Loading. . 9,840 lb. (4,469 kg.).' .. 6,460 1b. (2,931 kg.)... 16,300 1b. (7,400kg). .. 12-9 lb./h.p. (5-85 kg./CV). .. 10-3 lb./sq.ft. (50-5 kg./m.2). . . 0-83h.p./sq.ft. (8-63CV/m.2). PerformanceMaximum speed at sea level 111 m.p.h. (178'5 km./h.), Cruising speed Landing speedClimb to 5,000 ft. (1,525 m.) Service ceiling 90 m.p.h. (145 km./h.)54 m.p.h. (87 km./h.). 10-25 mins. 11,000ft. (3,360m). Endurance at cruising speed (normal tankage) . . 3-5 hrs.Endurance at cruising speed (full tankage) . . 11 -2 hrs. Range with total tankage (no torpedoes) . . 950 miles (1,530km.) 560
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