Air Pictorial 1957-03
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Like T.W.A, in Ethiopia, Transocean Airlines are withdrawing their older equipment from Iranian Airways . Dakota 4, EP-ACK, which together with EP-ADI, was reported homeward bound, is shown here after exchanging the heat of Persia for the snows of Goose Bay, Labrador. They have been replaced by Convairs EP-ADX and 'ADY.
The de Havilland 110 is the most advanced all-weather fighter ever ordered for the Royal Navy
Now in quantity production at Lockheed's California Division, along with a two-seat fighter version designated the F-104B, F-104A Starfighters are being readied to enter service with U.S .A.F. in the near future. From nose to tail the Starfighter measures 54 ft . 9 in., height is 13 ft. 6 in. and span is 21 ft. 11 in . The photograph shows for the first time the shock-forming wedges in the air intakes and the blast channels of the T-171 20-mm. gun.
Modified version of the North American T-6 trainer developed by E. L. Bacon Corp. of Santa Monica. U.S.A., is called the Super T-6. New features are tricycle undercarriage, one-piece canopy, new engine and tip tanks. Cowling has yet to be fitted.
BREGUET 1050 ALIZE. Anti-submarine aircraft must be capable of long endurance, carry the necessary detection equipment and be able to destroy the submarine when a fix is made. Designers are set a formidable task and come up with many answers, such as the Grumman S2F-1 Tracker, the Fairey Gannet and the Breguet 1050 Alize .
The Alize is the culmination of a line of aircraft beginning with the 960 Vultur, the prototype of which - the 960-01 - flew for the first time on 3rd August 1951 and was powered by a 980-s .h.p. Armstrong Siddeley Mamba turboprop and a 4,850-lb. thrust Hispano-Suiza Nene 101 turbojet. The Type 960-02 followed and was powered by a 1,320 s.h.p. Mamba and a 5,000-lb . thrust Hispano-Suiza Nene 104.
Next came the Type 965, an aerodynamic test vehicle for the Alize and was, in fact , the second 960-02 which had the Hispano-Suiza Nene 104 removed and carried a third crew member. Radar equipment was carried in leading-edge, wing-mounted radomes .
The first of five pre-production Alizes flew for the first time on 6th October and the current programme calls for the delivery of fifty production machines, designated Type 1070, during the coming year, followed by a further fifty in 1958. Designed specifically to operate from small carriers, the Alize is powered by a 1,900-e.s.h.p. Rolls-Royce Dart R.Da.7 turboprop and has a maximum speed of 276 m.p.h. Cruising speed is 230 m.p.h. Accommodation is for a crew of three.
Endurance is four hours, and estimated loaded weight - which can include bombs, rockets, depth charges and homing torpedoes - is in the region of 18,000 pounds. The retractable "dustbin" type radome similar to that of the Fairey Gannet, installed just behind the wing trailing edge, is a useful recognition feature.
The low-set wing has a span of 51 ft. 2 in, and an area of 390 sq. ft. Length is 44 ft. 11 in., and height 17 ft.
The Alize is the first post-war carrier-borne Aircraft of national design to be ordered into quantity production in France.
Lightning P-322
Ski-equipped Lockheed C-130 Hercules made its first flight recently. In this photograph the wheels are retracted and the skis lowered. Note new nose radome.
YaK 25 ("FLASHLIGHT"). On 24th June 1956 the air staffs of the Western world gathered at Tushino military airfield to see a display of Soviet air power. Among the many aircraft taking part in the fly-past were two developments of the YaK 25 (N .A.T.O. code name "Flashlight " ).
One (Flashlight C) has a sharply pointed radome similar to that of the Gloster Javelin, and the other (Flashlight B, illustrated) has transparent panels in the nose, and is thought to be a light attack-bomber. Both aircraft have extensions on the wing leading edge inboard of the engine nacelles.
The pilot of Flashlight C is seated in a single-seat cockpit which , as in Flashlight B, is faired into the fin by a dorsal spine. Tail armament, thought to comprise one or more cannon, is remotely controlled by the pilot through a periscopic (or radar-laid) sight. The navigator. who also acts as bomb-aimer, is accommodated ahead of the pilot . Alternate roles for this aircraft is that of a "pathfinder" or for tactical reconnaissance .
In comparison with the YaK 25 both of the developed versions have longer underslung axial-flow turbojets, which are assumed to give 10.000-lb. thrust.
Despite many aerodynamic refinements the Super Flashlight is not thought to be capable of supersonic speed in level flight.
Salient features: Basically, the Flashlight series is similar to the SO-4050 Vautour, and like their French contemporary, they use a tandem dual-wheel type undercarriage with outrigger stabilising wheels or skids. The cylindrical fuselage tapers sharply at both ends, and the wings, which are of constant chord up to the leading edge extensions, are swept back approximately 37 degrees.
Lockheed T-33 is used as a test-bed for guidance systems for supersonic missiles. Electronics, developed by Ryan Aircraft, fit inside standard T-33 tip tank. The system operator gets a fix on a B-47 posing as an enemy aircraft, and a simulated attack is made. All information is telemetered to a ground station.
PASSENGER-CARGO GRUMMAN. The TF-1 Trader is a general utility-transport-trainer version of the 52 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft. The Trader utilises the same wing and tail unit as the Tracker, but has a deeper, wider and roomier fuselage, with accommodation for nine passengers. Life rafts are stowed in compartments in the rear ends of the engine nacelles. Equipped with the latest navigational devices, the Trader is also suitable for all-weather operational carrier-training.
Like the Sabres now at Speke, 19687 is an ex-R.A.F. Canadair-built machine sporting its original R.C.A.F. serial but decorated in U.S.A.F. colours prior to delivery to one of the N.A.T.O. countries.
A Viscount Type 764D, and is one of three for the U.S. Steel Co. Note nose radar and slipper fuel tank on wing.
The first machine to be delivered from Britain to the German Air Force is this de Havilland D.H.114 Heron Mk. 2. It is arranged as an eight-seat executive aircraft for General Kammhuber, Chief of the Air Staff. A second Luftwaffe Heron will be delivered later this year.
The Vought V-66E (serial K3561) photographed at Felixstowe in 1932.
Two ex-British aircraft which recently visited Bromma Airport, Stockholm, were Argus 2, OH-FCG (c/n. 858, ex-G-AJSR), and Lodestar 18-56, SE-BUF (c/ n. 2070, ex-G-AGBR). The latter was once B.O.A.C. 's Almaza-based "Lewes" before going to E.A.A.C. as VP-KFE, "Lake George", and thence to Sweden in 1952.
The Hycon P-38 Photo Plane
Two ex-British aircraft which recently visited Bromma Airport, Stockholm, were Argus 2, OH-FCG (c/n. 858, ex-G-AJSR), and Lodestar 18-56, SE-BUF (c/ n. 2070, ex-G-AGBR). The former, once owned by Pasolds Ltd. at White Waltham, was sold to Finland in 1951 and is now owned by J. Tapanainen and based at Maarianhamina.
Rearwin 9000L Sportster (ZK-AIP) is fitted with a 90-h.p. Le Blond radial engine and was imported into New Zealand pre-war as ZK-AGS.
The Fibreglass Taylorcraft Seabird 400 is a float version of the Ranch Wagon. Fibreglass is used extensively in the construction of both models, the fuselage consisting of two half-sections and the wing of eight units.
AUBERT PA-204L SUPER-CIGALE. Aubert-Aviation was formed in 1932 and commenced aircraft design in 1936. The first aircraft constructed was the PA-20 Cigale, a side-by-side trainer which, after successful trials, was exhibited at the 1938 Paris Salon.
In 1938 Aubert-Aviation became the Societe Anonyme des Avions P. Aubert and undertook considerable work for the nationalised industry. A direct contract for the production of Morane-Saulnier M.S .230 trainers was placed with the company by the French Government, but all work ceased with the capitulation of France in June 1940.
After the war Aubert revised the PA-20 (the prototype of which had been destroyed during the occupation) and it was designated PA-201 . Power was provided by a 140-h.p . Renault engine.
A four-seater development, the PA-204 Cigale-Major, flew on 21st April 1947, and was externally similar to its predecessor. Second of the Cigale-Major prototypes was fitted with a 170-h.p. SNECMA-Regnier 4LO-2 engine in June 1955 and redesignated PA-204S Super-Cigale.
Current development is the PA-204L Super-Cigale powered by either a Lycoming engine of 135, 150 or 170 h.p., or a SNECMA 4L-21 engine. The prototype 135-h.p. version shown here flew for the first time on 27th July 1955, and has a wider cabin and a better forward view than the earlier machine fitted with the SNECMA engine. A version equipped to carry a doctor and one stretcher patient, in addition to the pilot, was built in 1956.
Ford Trimotor "WZ" (later CF-BEP) was used for various duties including crop-dusting during its career. After service with the R.C.A.F. it was bought by G. W . G. McConachie, who was one of the founders of Canadian Pacific Airways.
Top photograph is of a Single-seat English Electric Wren, originally built in 1922, and recently rebuilt and flying again. Engine is a 398-c.c. A.B.C. flat-twin motor cycle unit which gives a top speed of 50 m.p.h.
XL-15 TAGAK. As part of a programme of research and study to investigate the possibilities of aircraft construction in the Philippines, the Institute of Science and Technology, Manila, designed and built the XL-14 Maya. Main object was to test the application of local materials, such as home-grown woods, plywood and bamboo.
A second aircraft, the XL-15 Tagak, developed as a joint project of the Institute and the Philippine Air Force, has been undergoing flight evaluation tests since October 1954.
Powered by a 190-h.p. Lycoming O-425A engine, the Tagak is a general purpose monoplane which can be used for ambulance duties, and two stretchers and a medical attendant can be carried. Alternatively the Tagak can seat four persons . Structure is entirely of local woods, plywood, and "Wobex " (Woven Bamboo Experimental, which is a form of reinforced woven bamboo).
Salient features: The pod and twin-boom layout of the Tagak make it unmistakable in the air . Fuselage is angular and cabin and rear fuselage have large transparencies. The high-mounted wing is of constant chord, and tapers sharply on the trail ing edge and slightly on the leading edge.
COMMANCHE NUMBER TWO. Second prototype of the Piper PA-24 Commanche is, along with the first prototype, undergoing flight-test trials. Intended to supersede the PA-23 Apache, the Commanche is of all-metal construction, and high-speed features include a laminar-flow wing, swept fin and rudder, and "flying tail", a single-unit combination of stabiliser and elevator, such as is used by several current jet fighters. The prototype Commanche flew for the first time on 23rd May '1956, and has a 180-h.p. Lycoming engine. Final choice of engine for the production model has not been made, but it is thought that some models will have a 250-h.p. Lycoming.
The Short PD.16, a project for a military or civil freighter, is clearly in the same category as the recently announced Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 series.
In the same class as the A.W.650 was the projected Short PD.16 transport. Design work started on this machine several years ago, and various engines such as the Rolls-Royce Dart and Tyne. Armstrong Siddeley Mamba, Napier Eland, and Bristol Orion and Proteus, were considered as powerplants. Other details are: span 122 ft.; length 87 ft.; and height 23 ft.
The Hiller XROE-1 can be assembled in ten minutes, claims the manufacturers. It is powered by a Nelson H-59 engine of 40 h.p.
MACH 2 FIGHTER. This drawing gives some indication of what the North American F-107 fighter will look like. In the plan view it resembles the F-100. Side and head-on views show the bifurcated dorsal air intake that feeds the P. & W. J75 turbojet.
Pou du Ciel G-AEKR (c/n, C.A.C.I) hangs today in the roof of Claybourn's Garage near Doncaster Airport, scene of its third and last flight on 23rd June 1937. Inscribed "This is the Flea that Claybourn's Built", it is fitted with a twin cylinder Anzani inverted motor.
MARCEL JURCA M.J.2 TEMPETE is of wooden construction with the exception of undercarriage fittings, engine bearers and other small items which are of metal. It was designed purely as an aerobatic and sporting mount, although speed was not a prime requisite, the whole design is arranged to give maximum manoeuvrability. To this end the span has been kept short; aspect ratio is only 4, and the ailerons are large. Many parts of the aircraft are standard Jodel components, the most outwardly obvious being the undercarriage. The whole machine was designed for quick and cheap production, these two aims were fulfilled because the craft was made in about eight months and cost a little over ?500. Power is supplied by a Continental flat-four engine giving 65 h.p.; fairing this unit into the overall design has allowed a wide and roomy fuselage. The sliding cockpit canopy is a one-piece moulding. Main dimensions and performance details are: span 19.70 ft.; length 18.70 ft.; height, tail up 7.87 ft .; area 86 sq . ft.; all-up weight 882 Ib. ; max. speed 130.5 m.p.h. ; min. speed 49.7 m.p.h.; cruise 106 m.p.h.; initial rate of climb 5,500 ft. i min.; practical duration 3 hrs. 20 mins.
CROP-DUSTING TEXAN. The Transland Company of California, U.S.A., has for many years been converting surplus World War II aircraft into crop-dusters. In conjunction with the Texas A. & M. College, Transland designed and constructed the AG-2. The AG-2 utilises equipment of a specialised nature which includes such refinements as rotary hopper gates, agitators and pumps. Two complete and separate dispersion systems are built into the airframe, one to deal with fluids and the other with powders. Power comes from a 450-h.p. Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-985 engine . Span 42 ft .; length 27 ft. 11 in . ; height 9 ft . 8 in.
Burgess Gun-bus in service with the R.N.A.S. in 1915. Note the radiators, which look like rocket-launching tubes.
A Mosquito F.B.6, night-fighter conversion.
Rolls-Royce have recently civilianised their Dart Dakota testbed, KJ829 (c /n. 14168, ex-43-48352), as G-AOXI. It is seen here at Hurn inward bound for Hucknall from Bilbao on 30th November 1956.