Sopwith. Самолеты 1919-1920 годов

<...>
   Последней попыткой "Sopwith" выйти со своей продукцией на гражданский рынок стал самолет Gnu, по своим данным близкий к Antelope, однако на большинстве серийных Gnu кабина пассажиров была открытой.
   Прототип и почти все ДальшеMore>>> из 12 серийных Gnu оснащались ротативным мотором Le Rhone, хотя имелись экземпляры с 200-сильным ротативным Bentley B.R.2 и звездообразным Wright J-5 Whirlwind мощностью 300 л. с.
   Первый полет Gnu выполнил в мае 1919 года, но окончание войны и разразившийся экономический кризис поставили крест на перспективах самолета. Покупатели нашлись только на пять Gnu. Два самолета продали в Австралию компании "Australian Aerial Services Limited", которая использовала их на почтовой линии Аделаида - Сидней.
   Gnu стал последним самолетом компании "Sopwith". Неудача этой машины на рынке привела к ликвидации фирмы.


ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Sopwith Gnu

   Тип: одномоторный туристский/коммерческий биплан
   Силовая установка: один ротативный мотор Le Rhone мощностью 110 л. с. (82 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость 150 км; дальность 483 км; скороподъемность 3,3 м/с
   Масса: максимальная взлетная 1089 кг
   Размеры: размах крыльев 11,60 м; длина 7,80 м; высота 3,00 м

Flight, December 1919

SOME POST-WAR SOPWITH MACHINES

<...>
   The "Gnu" is a light high-performance three-seater passenger or goods machine of the single-engined tractor type, having an enclosed cabin for the passengers or goods at the rear of the main planes. There are two models of the "Gnu," but these differ only as regards the engine fitted, and, consequently, in the performance. In one model a 110 h.p. Le Rhone is fitted, and in the other a 200-h.p. Bentley rotary, the latter giving an extra 17 m.p.h. in the speed and a slight increase in range and climb. The general construction conforms with usual practice and the factor of safety is 6. The following characteristics apply to both models. Span, 38 ft.; chord, 5 ft.; gap, 5 ft.; stagger, 11 ins.; dihedral, 2 1/2°; overall length, 25 ft. 6 ins.; height, 10 ft.; area of main planes, 350 sq. ft.; weight fully loaded, 2,160 lbs. (Le Rhone), 2,400 lbs. (Bentley); maximum safe load 1,202 lbs. (Le Rhone), 820 lbs. (Bentley); loading per sq. ft. 6.1 lbs. (Le Rhone), 6.85 lbs. (Bentley); speed range, 53-93 m.p.h. (Le Rhone), 65-110 m.p.h. (Bentley); climb, 5,000 ft. in 7 3/4 mius. (Le Rhone), 5,000 ft. in 5 1/2 mins. (Bentley); range, 220-300 miles (Le Rhone), 200-250 miles (Bentley).
<...>

Flight, July 1920

The Olympia Aero Show 1920

The machines

Sopwith Aviation and Engineering Co., Ltd. (STAND 42) 65, South Molton Street, London, W.1, and Kingston.

   The "Gnu" has been designed to meet the requirements of a light, high-speed machine for passengers or cargo. It can be equipped either with the 200 Bentley rotary or with the 110 h.p. Le Rhone - both engines having proved extremely reliable upon active service. It is a tractor biplane, following along orthodox practice. Accommodation is provided for two passengers, or the equivalent in cargo, who are totally enclosed in a roofed and windowed cabin. The pilot is placed well forward in front of the cabin, and has very good visibility, being well protected from the "slip stream," enabling him to fly long distances without suffering discomfort. The "Gnu" possesses a speed variation of 100 per cent, pulling up when landing and taking off - owing to its light weight - very quickly. With the 200 h.p. Bentley rotary, fuel is provided for a range of 250 miles, whilst in the case of the Le Rhone engined machine, this distance becomes 300 miles. The engine unit is extremely accessible, and in the event of necessity can be changed by two mechanics in five hours. An adjustable tail plane is fitted, enabling the pilot to trim the machine to suit the particular load that is being carried at the moment. The construction of the fuselage is on perfectly normal lines, and, if necessary, replacements or inspection can easily be carried out.


The Sopwith Machines

   The "Gnu" bears an unmistakable family resemblance to other Sopwith biplanes with rotary engines. The pilot is seated well forward, immediately behind the engine, and a panel in the centre section is left open so as to provide a better view upwards. Two passengers are accommodated side by side in the small cabin aft of the pilot's cockpit. A conservatory roof protects them from the wind, and this roof is hinged so as to allow of entering and leaving the machine. In detail construction the "Gnu" follows usual Sopwith practice, and in outward appearance it is very pleasing to the eye. The machine can be supplied with either a le Rhone or a Bentley rotary engine, according to the load it is desired to carry or to the performance which is demanded.