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Aviation History
1949
1949 - 0523.PDF
MARCH 24TH, 1949 FLIGHT 333 VISCOUNT. 700- Lengthened Fuselage, Greater Span and Latest Rolls-Royce Darts Permit Increased Payload ON that most agreeable occasion when Flight firsttasted the joys of travel in the Vickers Viscount,Mr. George Edwards, its designer, intimated that he was pondering a larger version. Such a machine, he believed, would appeal to a greater number of airline operators than would the present Viscount, impressions of which were recorded in our issue of December 30th, 1948. This delightful prototype, it is learned, continues to behave in an exemplary manner, but has yet to complete its pressurizing and de-icing trials. The Viscount 700, as the new model is designated, will take advantage of the increased output of the 1,420 h.p. Rolls-Royce Dart RDa 3 turboprops, and will be charac- terized by a larger fuselage—6ft 8in longer than that of the prototype—and a wing of 94ft span (an increase of 5ft). The lengthened fuselage will allow an increased pay-- load, but the larger span necessitated is not expected to affect the excellent handling characteristics. Despite an increase in gross weight to 48,000 lb, the wing loading— at 49.8 lb/sq ft—is slightly lower than that-of the present prototype. The track and wheelbase of the nose wheel undercarriage are both increased. Two variants, known as the Model 40 and Model 52, will seat respectively 40 and 53 passengers—an important advance on the prototype which accommodates 32 to 43, according to layout. The accompanying drawing shows that the deep oval windows are retained. Not only are they extremely efficient from the structural standpoint, but they are a great convenience and comfort to passengers, each being The increase in overall dimensions has certainly not marred the appearance of the Viscount. Pro- portions in fact, are little affected. • VICKERS VISCOUNT 700 Four Rolls-Royce Dart RDa 3 Turboprop! (4 x 1,420 h.p.) Dimensions Viscount Present 700 Prototype Span ... 94ft 89fc Length 81ft 2in 74ft 6in Height 26ft 9in 26ft 9in Track t tin 21ft lin Wheelbase 24ft 9in 21ft Sin Wing area (gross) „ 963 sq't 885 sq ft Weights Max. take-off weight 48,000 1b 45,000 1b Max. landing weight 45,500 Ib 42,500 Ib Wing loading at max. take-off weight 49.8 Ib/sq ft 50.8 Ib sq ft Wing loading at max. landing weight ... ... 47.2 Ib/sq ft 48 Ib/sq ft Capacities Fuel capacity ^ .„ 1400 gall 1200 gall Performance Cruising speed at max. take-off weight on 68 per cent power at 20,000ft 274 knots 280 knots (315 m.p.h.) (322m.p.h.) Cruising speed at 85 per cent take-off weight on 68 per cent power at 25,000ft 283 knots 290 knots (327.5 m.p.h.) (333 m.p.h.) Air miles (nautical) per gall, mean weight, at 25,000ft 1-26 1.3Air miles (statute) per gall, mean weight, at 25,000ft ... 145 1.5 Take-off distance to clear 50ft at max. take-off weight, I.C.A.N. still air, I.C.A.O. technique ... 1,146 yd 1,030 yd 3-engine takeoff to clear 50ft at max. take-off weight 1,375 yd 1,300 yd Landing distance from 50ft at max. landing weight in still air and I.C.A.N. conditions ... — 900 yd 900 yd Service ceiling at max. take-off weijht : (a) all 4 engines operating 30,000ft 32,500ft (b) one engine inoperative 23,000ft 26,000ft unusually large in area and forming an emergency exit. Representatives of some of the most important home and overseas airlines have displayed interest in the Viscount and many have en- joyed demonstration flights. The silence and lack of vibra- tion, of course, have evoked special praise. A popular test for vibration during flight is to stand a pencil on end upon one of the tables and to time the period it remains erect. The record of twenty minutes is held by the designer's own pencil—of the common pro- pelling variety. The frontal aspect of the Viscount 700 will differ little from that of the brototvbe, shown Jter€, excep*^fc«t^the eel track is increasi light" photograph
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