Aeroplane Monthly 1977-10
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R.Riding - Comper Kite /British pre-war ultralights/
Another view of the factory-fresh Kite at Heston.
The Kite at Heston on July 11, 1934, shortly after completion and still in its primer dope.
The 90 h.p. Pobjoy Niagara seven-cylinder air-cooled radial engine weighed 150lb minus exhaust system, cowlings and propeller and developed 90 h.p. at 3,500 r.p.m. The 1934 King’s Cup Race was won by a Monospar powered by two Niagaras.
The Comper Kite, with Flt Lt E. H. Healy at the controls, moments before taking off in Heat 1 of the King's Cup Race at Hatfield on July 14, 1934. The front cockpit was faired over for this event.
Types of Machine in the King's Cup Race (4) Comper "Kite," Pobjoy "Niagara" 90 h p engine.
The neat and compact cockpits of the Kite, the forward one minus windshield.
Another view of the Kite at Hatfield on July 14, 1934.
Nicholas Comper was born in London in 1897 and flew B.E.2Cs with the RFC in France. He was responsible for the Cranwell Light Aeroplane Club designs of the 1920s, and in 1929 he formed the Comper Aircraft Company at Hooton Park. After its demise in 1934 Comper became an aeronautical consultant until his tragic death at Hythe in June 1939.