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Aviation History
1957
1957 - 1230.PDF
,31 \F1 30 19 SAUNDERS-ROE, LTD. Osborne, East Cotves, Isle of Wight. Telephone: Cotoes 2211 SR.S3 This prototype is one of the most significant military research aircraft to be flown since the war, embodying as it does the "mixed-power" principle of rocket plus turbojet. For the present the de Havilland Spectre rocket unit is supplemented by an Armstrong Siddeley Viper, but there have been references to possible developments with a Gyron Junior instead of the Viper. Interest in such a development has been displayed not only by the German government but by the Royal Navy, and it has been officially stated that it might well be adopted for the Fleet Air Arm. It is the maker's view that an intercepter of this sort, armed with guided missiles, offers the best hope of an effective air defence until such time as long-range pilotless surface-to-air missiles have been perfected. They add:<: The mixed-unit aircraft fits perfectly into such a defence system. It is mobile and small enough to operate from almost anywhere, even from metal mesh laid in a meadow, and is flexible enough to meet every type of attack. With a lengthy period of radar early warning, it can climb on the power of its turbojet alone, to ensure maximum endurance. When there is little warning, the rocket and jet can be used together to give an extremely rapid rate of climb, followed by the high acceleration to supersonic speed and manoeuvrability at height that are essential for the interception of a modern jet bomber." Skeeter The latest of the Skeeter line of light helicopters is the Mk 12, now in production for the British Army and R.A.F. and for the Army and Navy of the Federal Government of Germany. This mark is particularly interesting in respect of powerplant. The basic engine is a Gipsy Major 215, of 215 h.p. A methanol-injection system, which maintains rated engine power at sea level in all air temperatures up to tropical conditions, can be installed if required. Alternatively, an exhaust-driven turbo-supercharger can be fitted. This is readily removed or refitted and enables rated power to be maintained in all climates up to at least 4,000ft altitude. A rocket-boost system, developed in collaboration with D. Napier and Son, Ltd., provides greatly enhanced short-period performance if required. Reporting an air test of a Skeeter in our issue of July 5 last, the Editor wrote: "For the first time, I felt that here was a machine sufficiently compact, simple, conventionally manoeuvrable and comfortable to challenge the light fixed-wing machine on even terms. . . Of course it can offer a lot more in some respects, while on the other hand it is still consider- ably slower in cruising flight. But if the price can in time be brought within bounds, this is a type of aircraft I could use and appreciate week-by-week." £L Powerplant de HaviUand Spectre andArmstrong Siddeley Viper Photograph and provisional draw- ing above show SR.S3. Powenlantdo Havilland Gipty Major 21S Rotar diameter ... ... 32ftLength (blades foMed) .. 28ft 5in Gross weijK (nor.jal) ... 2,2501bMax. speed 103 m.p.h. Drawing above showr Sketier Mk 12; photograph shows .Mk. 6.
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