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Aviation History
1954
1954 - 1889.PDF
; 852 FLIGHT Westland Wyvern S.4 (Armstrong Siddeley Python). Military Aircraft 1954 CARRIER-BORNE STRIKE Though modern carrier-borne fighters are generally capable of delivering respectable loads of bombs, rockets and other offensive stores (it has been officially stated that the Supermarine 525 development will carry the atom bomb if required), the specialized strike aircraft still retains its identity, as shown by the examples here reviewed. Indeed, in this category the U.S. Navy has a very ambitious programme, involving the heaviest and most formidable machine ever designed for carrier operation—the twin-jet Douglas Skywarrior. This massive machine carries atomic weapons, and can attack from very high, as well as very low, levels. GREAT BRITAIN Westland Wyvern S.4. The "S" in the designation of this massive single-seater signifies "strike," having supplanted the former "TF," denoting a torpedo/fighter. The Wyvern is unique in being powered with the Armstrong Siddeley Python turboprop, driving an eight-blade Rotol contra-rotating airscrew. It is armed with four 20 mm wing-mounted guns and can carry a torpedo, bombs, rocket projectiles, mines or depth charges. The inner wing has Youngman hydraulically operated flaps, and there are dive brakes on the outer panels. The pilot, who has a Martin Baker ejection seat, is placed unusually high, and is thus afforded an extensive field of view for deck landing. Details of loads and performance are restricted, but a Python-powered Wyvern has been publicly flown with a torpedo in addi tion to 16 rocket projectiles and has shown a high standard of manoeuvrability. The original piston-engined Wyvern T.F.I attained 455 m.p.h., and it may be assumed that the S.4 has a superior performance. Span, 44ft; length, 41ft lOin. FRANCE Breguet 960 Vultur. In order to reconcile in this aircraft endurance at low and medium levels and high performance at all altitudes, the designers chose a mixed power plant—an Armstrong Siddeley Mamba turboprop in the nose and a Rolls-Royce Nene Breguet 960 Vultur (Armstrong Siddeley rV.amba and Hispano Nene).
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