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Aviation History
1939
1939 - 1166.PDF
APRIL 20, 1939 FLIGHT. 405 The Silver Streak (right) was built entirely of metal and was shown at Olympia in 1920. Built to a military specification, the Springbok (right, centre) was a development of the Silver Streak. From November 17, 1927, until May 31, 1928, a Singapore was being used by Sir Alan Cobham and a crew of five (including Lady Cobham) on a survey flight round Africa. A distance of 9.950 miles was covered in 100 hours 34 minutes flying time, demonstrating the potentialities of the type. The subsequent development of the Singa pore will be outlined later, though already, in 1927-28, the finer features of the design were being reproduced in a three-engined civil fly ing boat known as the Calcutta. Hull con struction was similar, there being a series of annular frames to which the metal sheets were riveted. Fore and aft were light intercostal members acting as local stiffeners. Actually, the first Calcutta was launched on February 13, 1928. In manufacturers' trials and in official tests at Felixstowe the machine demon strated its ability to fly with full load on any two of its three geared Bristol Jupiter IX engines, which delivered a combined output of I >575 h-P- Flying at an all-up weight of 20,500 lb. (the empty weight was 12,800 lb.) the Calcutta showed a maximum speed of 103.8 knots and an initial rate of climb of 710 ft. /min. Overloaded to 24,000 lb., she left the water in 32 seconds. Although cramped and noisy in comparison with the Empire boats of to-day, the cabin of the Calcutta marked a new step forward in passenger comfort. The fifteen seats were arranged in rows of three; they were fitted with detachable cushions which could be used in emergency as lifebelts and each was provided with a considerable table. The amenities of the Calcutta included a kitchen and a lavatory. A notable contribution to high-speed research was the Crusader racing seaplane produced by the Schneider Trophy—a beautiful low-wing monoplane fitted with a " helmeted " Bristol Mercury radial engine. This machine was designed by Mr. W. G. Carter and was of wooden construction. Although its maximum speed was lower than that of contemporary aircraft fitted with water-cooled engines the Crusader provided a good deal of valuable experience before she was accidentally crashed because of negligence in rigging the controls. The Short Satellite (right) with Bristol Cherub engine was the first all- metal light aeroplane. It appeared in 1924. Below are the Shrimp, produced just after the war, and carrying a pilot and three passengers ; and the Cro marty, with two Rolls- Royce Condors. Short's first all-metal flying boat was the little Cockle, with two Black- burne motor cycle engines. The Singapore continued to be developed with liquid- cooled engines, the Condors being replaced in 1928 by two Rolls-Royce H.X vee-twelves (Buzzard type) of 800 h.p. each. With these units the Singapore showed a top speed of 128 m.p.h., a service ceiling of 15,500ft., and a range at cruising speed of 900 miles. To meet specific Service requirements the company pro duced a militarised version of the Calcutta. This was christened the Rangcon and did excellent service in the East—particularly in the Persian Gulf—over a period of years as the equipment of No. 203 (F.B.) Squadron. The success of the civil and military versions of the MM I
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