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Aviation History
1952
1952 - 1375.PDF
FLIGHT, 16 May 1952 595 COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT TODAY THOUGH for many years commercial aircraft— especially the larger among them—have tended to become stereotyped in layout, the following pages are proof of the variety in design and function which is character istic of them today. In the case of our own country this is attributable in some degree to the retention of a number of pre-war designs (even stick-and-string biplanes are to be found among them); but it is only necessary to name the Comet, Viscount, Apollo and Britannia as evidence that the breadth of our range ex tends to the future as well as to the past. As for America, her indecision in the pressing matter of pure-jet airliners has occasioned widespread comment— not all of it complimentary—and as the Comet has passed into the ascendant, as it were, in B.O.A.C. service, so have America's stars inevitably waned. Reference to the American sections, however, will disclose that very strong competition will be forthcoming from the newest developments of established American types. Among French designs the pervading mediocrity is relieved by one or two large freight-carriers, embodying some ingenious design features; but in the main the interest of the review centres on the British and American machines. In the following summaries the types are segregated into three classes: large aircraft of 70,000 lb gross weight upwards; medium weight types, 12,500-70,000 lb; and lighter aircraft, below 12,500 lb. 70,000 lb AND ABOVE Avro York. The York is a transport development of the war-time Lancaster bomber; 250 were built, of which the first was delivered to the R.A.F. in 1942. Although still used as a freight and pas senger carrier by a decreasing number of independent companies it is no longer in scheduled service on any of the main airline routes. The York's fuselage can be adapted to carry up to 24 passengers, some 11,500 lb of freight, or combinations of both. Span, 102ft; length, 78ft; wing area, 1,297 sq ft; weight empty, 39,458-43438 lb; gross weight, 71,000 lb; cruising speed, 259 m.p.h. at io,oooft; max range, 2,700 miles with 8,500 lb payload (heavy freighter version). Blackburn and General Aircraft Universal Freighter. The Universal Freighter was designed as a general-purpose transport aircraft for military or civil use. The first prototype, which is powered by four Bristol Hercules 730s, each developing 2,020 h.p. for take-off, is now engaged on final phases of flight-testing prior to mflitary trials. It is not yet known whether the manufacturers will receive the military contract on which commercial application of the design is thought to depend. Now under construction is a second prototype, to be powered by Bristol Centaurus engines of some 2,950 h.p. The extra power will enable the Mk 2 to operate at an all-up weight of 127,000 lb, At the head of the page is the Ghost-powered D.H, Comet Series 1. Two views above show the Bristol 175, Britannia as it will appear in B.O.A.C. service and in prototype form under construction. of which 40,000 will be payload. Maximum cruising speed will also be increased to 225 m.p.h. Operating costs of this machine should be low; the manufacturers claim that a figure of iod per ton-mile will be possible for the 1,000-mile stage carrying 15! short tons at a speed of 170 m.p.h. average. Excellent take-off and land ing characteristics shown by the Mk 1 will not be impaired by the increased weight of the newer model, which, it is stated, will be the only aircraft capable of landing on a grass field 1,000ft long, loading 20 tons of freight and taking off again. The following figures apply to the Mk 2. Span, 162ft; length, 99ft 2in; wing area, 2,916 sq ft; gross weight, 127,000lb; typical performance: stage distance of 1,152 miles at 172 m.p.h. average speed on 53! per cent power at 8,000ft with 29,400-lb payload. Bristol 175 Britannia. The first prototype of this outstanding design, planned in the light of B.O.A.C.'s requirements on long- and medium-range Empire routes, is expected to fly this summer. Some two years later the Corporation intends to put into service the first of 25 Britannias ordered from the drawing-board in July 1949. Centaurus engines were to have been fitted in the first new production aircraft, but progress with the Proteus turboprop enabled B.O.A.C. to announce, early in 1950, that piston engines Civil application of the Blackburn and General Aircraft Universal Freighter (below) is largely dependent on the possibility of a military order. Four Bristol Hercules 730s power this 162ft-spon prototype.
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