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Aviation History
1932
1932 - 0208.PDF
FLIGHT, MARCH 4, 1932 The Westland P.V.0 A New General Purpose Aircraft which is the logical development of the famous " Wapiti" and has its wings interchangeable with it. The perform - ance is, however, much better. The Engine is a Bristol " Pegasus M 2 "|V."T|rOT only is there an insistent and increasing I \J demand for aircraft designed to fulfil a number JIL ^1 of different functions, but also the performance asked and the load to be carried increase con stantly. The aircraft designer who would succeed is thus compelled to produce something rather exceptional. Recently the Westland Aircraft Works, of Yeovil, have introduced a new type in the " General Purpose " class, the P.V.6. This machine has a quite remarkable per formance, and is also noteworthy for the fact that it is one of the first, if not the very first, aircraft to be equipped with the new Bristol " Pegasus " engine, an article on which begins in the present issue. The P.V.6 has more than a passing likeness to the famous " Wapiti," and resembles that machine in more than superficial outlines, the main structure being of the same type. The extra performance has been obtained by a general " cleaning up " of the design. For instance, the decking over the cockpits and forward portion of the fuselage has been given tumble-home sides, which also has the effect of improving the view. The forward portions of the fuselage side fairings are now curved so as to house the fixed machine gun and its mounting, as well as the elevator control cranks and cables. The sides in front are in the form of detachable panels, which can be quickly removed for inspection of structure and equipment, etc., while on the rear portion the fabric covering is fitted with " Zipp " fasteners so that this also can be easily inspected. An undercarriage of a type different from that of the " Wapiti " has been incorporated, and is of the " split " type, the oleo leg being also of an improved design giving excellent action. Wheel brakes are fitted, and a tail wheel supplants the tail skid of the " Wapiti." The wings, struts, centre section and tail surfaces are interchangeable with those of the standard " Wapiti," and are stressed to take a maximum aerobatic load of 5,500 lb. For special purposes the aircraft can be flown at an all-up weight of 6,500 lb., and can thus be flown for distances up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km.) when fitted with extra tanks. With normal tankage a widely difiering assortment of bombs can be carried, up to the maximum permissible load. Very simple bomb releases make it possible to drop the bombs either in series or in salvo. The armament consists, in addition to the bombs, of THE WESTLAND P.V.6 : The three-quarter front view at the top of the page and the three-quarter rear view above show the machine to have a strong family resemblance to the " Wapiti." Note the low-drag cowling over the Bristol " Pegasus " engine. 192
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