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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 0725.PDF
FLIGHT, OCTOBER 5. 1933 THE LATEST WESSEX IESTLAND AIRCRAFT WORKS have altered their well-known three-engined " Wessex " (three seven- cylinder " Genets ") to carry eight persons, including the pilot, and this, the latest, version was described in FLIGHT for September 14. A few days ago we had the pleasure of a flight in this model, and found that the added accommodation has in no way spoilt the comfort or general attractiveness for operators who want a machine entirely suitable for really hard commercial work on feeder lines or on scheduled ferry services like that run by the Portsmouth, Southsea & Isle of Wight Aviation Co., Ltd., be tween Portsmouth and Ryde and Shoreham-by-Sea. In fact, for most uses the extra accommodation will un doubtedly enhance the value of the " Wessex " considerably. Imperial Airways have nothing but praise for the " Wessex," which they have had for some considerable time and which they use for charter work all over the world. It is probably one of the hardest worked aeroplanes in their fleet, but nevertheless their upkeep costs have been almost negligible. It is its robust construction which immediately attracts anyone with en gineering knowledge who looks at this machine. After all, freedom from upkeep costs is one of the most important desiderata to the operator, and this point of view has been kept to the fore by those responsible for the " Wessex." The latest version has a few differences when compared with the older mfidels. The wing struts are now made from streamline steel tube instead of round tubes faired with wood. Shaped mudguards have been fitted to replace the flat shields used previously, and the undercarriage has been widened in order to give a larger wheel track and better to carry the increased load. This has also been allowed for by fitting larger wheels. The model we were able to inspect and photograph had been sent up some what hurriedly for inspection, and the Townend ring-type engine cowlings had not been fitted. In the pilot's cockpit there is immediate evidence of care and thought for the pilot's comfort. The windscreen on the left-hand side is divided and so arranged that the lower half can be opened outwards to a greater extent than the top half. This deflects the draught clear of the intervening gap while at the same time giving the pilot a space to look This view shows how easily the pilot of the " Wessex " can raise the cockpit roof and also how the windscreen opens in front of him, making flying in bad weather safer than with a closed screen. (FLIGHT Photo.) through between the two halves. In bad weather this is; an excellent feature. The roof of the cabin, which is lighted with cellon panels, hinges up as a whole, and the latest model will have a small panel above the pilot which he will be able to open and put his head through in order to assure himself that no aeroplane is landing over him when he himself is about to take off. The main cabin is. well upholstered with very comfortable seats, having adjustable head rests, and has a generous equipment of hat racks and other convenient accessories. There are instruments on the forward bulkhead, so that the passen gers can see what is happening, and the door between them and the pilot has a large window in the upper half for communication purposes when it is not desired to open the whole door. From the performance point of view we do not think that any great difference will be found between this and the earlier model. We were not able to try the machine ourselves, but were able to see that for normal purposes, the performance on any two engines is admirable. We understand that height can be maintained at 5,000 ft. with full load under these circumstances. The Westland patent- rudder bias relieves the pilot of all trouble should he have to fly on two engines, and both this and the tail trimming gear appeared adequately sensitive. A well-fitted lavatory and luggage space are aft of the cabin. This view shows that there is no difficulty in flying the " Wessex " with one of the engines stopped. Actually we made a circuit of Heston Airport like this, climbing at quite a fast rate after the photograph had been taken. (FLIGHT Photo.) 1007
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