Aeroplane Monthly 1980-02
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C.Baker - Fixing a Fairey
Fairey IIID G-EBKE at Hamble a few months earlier.
THE FAIREY AMBULANCE SEAPLANE: Views of the Fairey III-D seaplane (Rolls-Royce "Eagle IX" engine), which has been specially fitted out as an ambulance for service in British Guiana. On the top, the "patient" is shown being hoisted up on the stretcher by means of a portable winch. In the bottom, the "patient" is safely stowed inside the fuselage, and the hinged fuselage-top is being closed down.
Fairey IIID G-EBKE, subject of Charles Baker’s article, was one of two British civil examples and was built to the order of Real Daylight Balata Estates Ltd for ambulance duties in British Guiana. This IIID began life as N9630 (c/n F.439), and was modified for civil use at Ramble in 1924. In order to carry a stretcher case and attendant the rear fuselage decking was hinged for access. Portholes were added and the aircraft equipped with radio.
THE FAIREY AMBULANCE SEAPLANE: Views of the Fairey III-D seaplane (Rolls-Royce "Eagle IX" engine), which has been specially fitted out as an ambulance for service in British Guiana. General view of the machine ready for flight.
These Flight photographs were taken at Ramble during the latter part of 1924. G-ABKE was powered by a 360 h.p. Rolls-Royce Eagle IX.
Fairey IIID G-EBKE, with broken undercarriage, tied up to the bank of the Potaro.
The IIID supported by a third boat under the centre.
Another view of the IIID with the third boat in position under the fuselage.
Left, the IIID supported by river boats immediately after the removal of the chassis. Right, the float chassis detached, leaving the aircraft resting on two bateaus. Note the packing under the mainplane struts, now its sole support.