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Aviation History
1957
1957 - 1214.PDF
302 FLIGHT, 30 August 1957 THE DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT CO., LTD. Hatfield Aerodrome, Herts. Telephone: Hatfield 2345 Comet 4 A fleet of 19 Comet 4s was ordered by B.OA.C. in 1955 for operation on the Corporation's medium-stage Commonwealth network. This series represents the technical outcome of all the experience gained in 34,000 hr of earlier Comet airline service, and is due to enter service before the end of 1958. The engines are 10,500 lb thrust Rolls-Royce Avon RA.29s, flight experience on which is to be gained in Comet 2Es (see below). The Corporation will employ its medium-range Comet 4s as partners for its long-range Boeing 707s. Comet 4A The future of this version of the Comet, which was tailored especially to the needs of Capital Airlines, is now in doubt as a result of the deferment by that company of its order for ten. Probably it will not now be built; if Capital "re-activate" the.ir Comet order they are most likely to specify Comet 4Bs. The 4A arose from Capital's need for higher speed and larger capacity. Cruising speed was increased to 520-545 m.p.h. (depend- ing on temperature) by a reduction of span and by airframe strengthening, and seating capacity was increased to a maximum of 92 by a fuselage stretch of 40in. Comet 4B This is the version of the Comet now being offered to the late-1959 market, although earlier delivery of Comet 4s can no doubt be made if required. The 4B represents probably the ultimate stretch of the Comet design, and it is aimed particularly at short/ medium-range operations. To this end seating capacity has been increased to a maximum of 99 (84 first-class) by a further 38in fuselage stretch over the 4A; drag has been reduced by elimination of the wing-nacelle fuel tanks; first cost lowered from £1.21 million (for the 4A) to about £1 million (a reduction which has a marked effect on operating costs); and finally detailed attention has been given to quick terminal turn-iound behaviour. Interest in a small fleet—a figure of six has been mentioned—is at present being shown by B.E.A. to meet jet competition on their routes as from 1959. Comet 2 The Series 2 is Transport Command's fastest trunk-route aircraft, of which a squadron of ten (No. 216, Lyneham, two T.2s and eight C.2s) has been intensively oper- ated on scheduled and special services around the world for more than a year. The T.2s are all-passenger aircraft, and the C.2s have strengthened forward floors for heavy freight in addition to passengers. Comets have increased the R.A.F.'s transport mobility in a striking way, and have in- cidentally done much to re-establish the type into regular passenger-carrying service. The Comet 2s operated by Transport Command were already well advanced in construction for B.O.A.C. and other airlines; extensive modifications to the pressure cabin, wings and tail were made to permit unrestricted operation and a long life. Two other Comet 2s— structurally unmodified—are also to be used by the R.A.F. (not Transport Command) for special duties. Comet 2E Two Comet 2s, fully modified for unrestricted passenger operation, have each been fitted with two Rolls-Royce Avon RA.29s—the engine of, the Comet 4—in the outboard nacelles. The two aircraft are due to be used very shortly by B.O.A.C. for the purpose of amassing hours on this engine, and are to be operated on scheduled non-stop runs be- tween London and Beirut by the newly formed Comet Unit. These operations will doubtless serve also as crew-training flights, and may be put to revenue-earning use by freighting. Fare-paying passengers will not be carried. Comet IA Two of the early Ghost-powered Comets remain in service; operated by theR.C.A.F., they have had the same structural modifications (mainly to the pressure-cabin) as were made to the R.A.F.'s Comet 2s. Powerplant Rolls-Royce Avon R.A.29Span 107ft lOin Length 118ft Gross weight ... 152,500 1b.Typical cruising speed 520-545 m.p.h. Photograph shows Comet 3. Draw- ing and data are for Comet 4B.
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