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Aviation History
1949
1949 - 1453.PDF
AUGUST 25TH, 1949 FLIGHT 217 excrescence is visible on the smoothly tapered circular-section fuselage. In- tersection between wing, fuselage and nacelles has been achieved without recourse to fillets. The Canberra has a wing-span of 65ft 6in and a length of 64ft. Its height is 15ft 7in and the aspect ratio is 4.3. A small degree of dihedral is apparent in the wings, and the low-set tailplane, which has greater dihedral, probably to keep the surfaces clear of the jet efflux, is slightly swept back. No details are given of performance, armament, or crew capacity, but a study of exterior views suggests that the Canberra may follow the Mosquito principle of relying entirely on speed for protection. There are certainly no visible indications that guns have been fitted. As in the D.H. bomber, the crew seems likely to consist of two members only. Aft of the cockpit there are apparently no crew positions and the remainder of the fuselage is probably taken up by fuel tanks and bomb stowage. Although there are no indications as to the all-up weight, the Canberra appears to have a moderate wing-loading, which would enhance handling characteristics at high alti- tude. High speeds—certainly well over 500 m.p.h.—seem assured by the installation of two Rolls-Royce Avons. At present in a relatively early stage of development, these axial turbojets are among the most powerful in existence. WC. R. P. Beamont, D.S.O., D.F.C., chief test pilot of English Electric, Ltd., is in charge of the Canberra flight-test programme. The flush fuselags-door is of ample area. The Canberra's undercarriage is of English Electric design and incorporates single-leg, inwards-retracting main wheels completely enclosed by the inner wing. The coupled twin nosewheels, placed unusually far back, fold rearwards. Appearance of the Canberra prototype, undoubtedly one of the most graceful ever presented by a British bomber, is made doubly attractive by its glossy, cerulean blue finish. HAXDLEY PAGE HERMES V Final inspection and checks prior to a first flight were being made on the Handley Page Hermes V last week-end. It is a d,re,t develop- ment of the Hercules-powered Hermes IV and is the largest wboprop-powered transport^ The fwr Bnstol Theseus power umts produce more then 10,000 s.hp. and wi\l give a cruising speed of between 325 and 350 m.p.h. at 30,000 feet, biitiof rate of climb (with 63 passengers) is calculated at 2,000 ft/min and maximum range with reduced load will be over 3,000 miles. B 11
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