Flight, August 1933

THE NEW DEWOITINE TRANSPORT MONOPLANE, D.332

   THE new Dewoitine three-engine, low-wing cantilever, Transport Monoplane, built at Toulouse for the Air Orient Co., has just arrived at Villacoublay to undergo its official trial tests by the Service Technique. This machine, of metal construction throughout, is designed primarily for long-distance rapid-transport service on the Far-Eastern sections of the Air Orient system.
   Equipped with three Hispano-Suiza, type 9V., air-cooled radial engines, having a rated power of 575 h.p. and a maximum power of 650 h.p. each, this plane has a maximum speed of 187 m.p.h. (300 km./hr.) and a cruising speed of 156 m.p.h. (250 km./hr.). The flight radius is some 1,250 miles (2,000 km.), and the ceiling with one engine stopped 3,000 m. (9,750 ft.).
   The plane carries two pilots, a radio operator and a mechanic, and is designed to transport a commercial load of 1,200 kg. (2,640 lb.), consisting of passengers and freight. The cabin is fitted with eight large reclining chairs to be used by passengers during the long flights of the night services. Piloted by Marcel Doret, the chief pilot of the Dewoitine Co., this plane flew from Toulouse to Paris, a few days ago, having six passengers on board, in 2 hr. 22 min., at a cruising speed of 250 km./hr. (156 m.p.h.).
   The wings are of the standard Dewoitine single-spar type of construction with two box spars, one on each side of it. The form is a trapezoidal one, tapering to a distinct elliptical shape at the extremities. They consist of a centre section built into and forming part of the fuselage, to each end of which the wings are joined. A wing covering of smooth sheet vedal (duralumin alloy) is used.
   The seats of the two pilots are enclosed and installed, side by side, in the front part of the fuselage. The plane is equipped with dual controls, the seat of the radio operator being behind those of the pilots.
   The cabin containing the eight passenger reclining chairs is in the centre, and a large baggage hold of 69 cu. ft. (2 cu. m.) dimensions is installed in the after portion of the fuselage.
   The engine mountings are constructed of chrome nickel steel tubing reinforced by steel ribs. The landing gear is in two independent units, each one of which is installed under a lateral engine Each unit is equipped with Messier Oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers, and the wheels are fitted with spats. A tail landing wheel is used, mounted on an oleo-pneumatic shock absorber.
   The fuel tanks have a capacity of 3,200 litres (711 British gallons approx.), and are equipped with quick-emptying devices. Each engine has an oil tank of 85 litres (19 British gallons) mounted behind the fire wall. The plane is equipped with two-bladed metallic Levasseur propellers.
   The principal characteristics of the D.332 are:- Wing span, 29 m. (94 ft. 3 in.); length o.a., 18,95 m. (61 ft. 7 in.); height, 5,45 m. (17 ft. 9 in.); wing surface, 96 m.2 (1,014 sq. ft.); weight of plane, empty, power plant and fixed installations included, 5,280 kg. (11,616 lb.); fuel, general and special equipment, including crew, 2,870 kg. (6,314 lb.); pay load, 1,200 kg. (2,640 lb.); total weight, 9,350 kg. (20,570 lb.); maximum speed, 300 km./hr. (187 m.p.h.); cruising speed, 250 km./hr. (156 m.p.h.); ceiling (one engine cut out), 3,000 m. (9,750 ft.).

Flight, January 1935

FOR AIR FRANCE
The Dewoitine “Antares" to be put on the Far Eastern Service this year: A Development of the Ill-fated "Emeraude"

   THE first of the new Dewoitine three-engined low cantilever wing monoplanes, which have been ordered by Air France for operation on its Far Eastern and other long-distance routes, has been completed and will shortly begin its trial flights. This machine, known as the "Antares," or 333, is similar in design to the ill-fated "Emeraude," but has been largely strengthened throughout. It now has a load factor of seven, an increase of two on that required by the C.I.N.A.
   The "Antares" is constructed of metal throughout, and is designed to carry eight passengers, who will be seated in large reclining chairs which can be used for sleeping. There are also two large holds in which postal matter, baggage or freight can be carried.
   The centre section, in which are located three tanks with a total capacity of 712 gallons, is built into, and forms part of, the fuselage. On each side of this three lateral panels are joined, and the wing structure itself consists of a main spar located about a third of the chord from the leading edge and of two intermediate spars placed at the rear end of the fuel tanks, which are installed behind the engine mountings. The spars, together with the ribs, are constructed of duralumin, and a smooth Vedal sheet metal stress-carrying covering completes the structure, which has a box form, on each side of the centre spar. The fuel tanks, incidentally, are equipped with independently operated dumping devices, and oil tanks, of 18.7 gallons capacity each, are installed behind the engine. The engine mountings are of chrome-nickel steel tubing reinforced by steel ribs.
   Of monocoque construction, the fuselage is also covered with Vedal sheet, and the structure is composed of bulkhead frames and intermediate formers connected by four main spars and reinforced by stringers, all of which are made of duralumin. It is divided into three sections. The forward part contains an enclosed pilot's compartment with two side-by-side seats equipped with dual controls. The radio operator is located behind, and a baggage hold of 24.7 cu. ft. capacity is located underneath the central oil tank. The central portion contains the cabin, which is 19.7 ft. long, 5 ft. wide and 5.7 ft. high. Behind the cabin is a lavatory. The after portion of the fuselage contains a second hold of 70 cu. ft. capacity.
   The empennage is likewise of metal and is composed of spars and ribs of duralumin covered with Vedal sheet. The tail has swivel wheel attached to an oleo-pneumatic shock absorber. The cantilever undercarriage consists of two independent parts, each of which is located under one of the outboard engines. Messier shock absorbers are used and the wheels are in well-faired "trousers."
   Three Hispano-Suiza nine-cylinder radial engines, type 9V, rated at 575 h.p. each, are fitted with N.A.C.A. cowlings and two-bladed Levasseur airscrews. With these engines the maximum and cruising speeds are 187.5 and 160 m.p.h. respectively, and the cruising speed at 55 per cent, of the full power is 140 m.p.h. The flight radius is 1,260 miles with normal load.
   These particular engines have been considerably "stepped up" recently, and it is understood that the latest types deliver something like 700 h.p., so an improvement in performance may be expected if they are fitted.
   Another development of the "Antares" is being constructed to carry 30 passengers, and it is possible that this D.620 type, as it is known, will be used on the cross-Channel service this year.