Gloster Gauntlet
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1929


Одноместный истребитель
Описание:
Gauntlet
Gloster Gauntlet
Flight, June 1929
BRITISH AIRCRAFT AT OLYMPIA
Flight, December 1929
THE GLOSTER S.S.8
Flight, February 1931
THE GLOSTER S.S.19
Flight, June 1931
SPECIAL TYPES AT THE DISPLAY
Flight, November 1932
British Aircraft
Flight, December 1933
THE GLOSTER. "GAUNTLET"
Flight, June 1934
THE GLOSTER "GAUNTLET"
Фотографии:

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Gauntlet

Истребитель. Одномоторный биплан цельнометаллической конструкции с неубирающимся шасси. Спроектирован в КБ фирмы "Глостер эйркрафт" под руководством Г. Фолланда. Опытный самолет SS.18 впервые взлетел в январе 1929 г. За ним последовали SS.18A, SS.19, SS.19A и SS.19B. Последний запустили в серийное производство как "Гонтлит" I.
Истребитель выпускался на заводе "Глостер" в Хэкклкоте с февраля 1934 г. В 1936 г. сборку из импортированных узлов наладили также в мастерских ВВС в Дании. Всего выпущено 245 экз., из них 228 экз. - в Англии.
Самолет состоял на вооружении в Великобритании с февраля 1934 г., в Дании - с 1936 г., в Финляндии - с 1940 г.
Экипаж - 1 чел. Двигатель "Меркьюри" VIS2. Вооружение 2x7,69, бомбы до 90 кг (как полевая переделка).
Серийно выпускались модификации:
   - "Гонтлит" I с двухлопастным винтом;
   - "Гонтлит" II с трехлопастным винтом.
Как истребитель эксплуатировался ВВС Великобритании в метрополии до октября 1939 г. В 1939-40 гг. использовался как легкий штурмовик против повстанцев в Палестине. С мая 1940 г. служил в ПВО Каира. С лета того же года "гонтлиты" воевали в пустыне на границе Судана как легкие штурмовики и пикирующие бомбардировщики против итальянских войск, в том числе и ночью. В августе - сентябре 1940 г. они там же ограниченно применялись и как истребители. Известен один воздушный бой, в котором английский биплан сбил итальянский бомбардировщик Ca 133. Как штурмовики "гонтлиты" воевали и в Ливии осенью 1940 г. С конца года они использовались только в учебных целях.
Датские истребители были либо уничтожены на земле, либо захвачены немцами в апреле 1940 г. и больше не эксплуатировались. Финны получили партию самолетов "Гонтлит" II и использовали их как учебно-тренировочные.
"Гонтлит" сняли с производства в 1937 г.
Самолет был снят с вооружения в Англии в 1944 г., в Финляндии - в конце 1945 г.


"Гонтлит" II||
Размах:||19,9 м
Длина:||8,0 м
Моторы, количество х мощность:||1х620 л.с.
Взлетная масса, максимальная:||1800 кг
Максимальная скорость:||370 кг
Практический потолок:||10210 м
Дальность:||600 км

Gloster Gauntlet

Истребитель Gauntlet, в 1937 году состоявший на вооружении, по меньшей мере, 14 эскадрилий ПВО Истребительного командования британских ВВС, был создан по техническому заданию F.9/26 Министерства авиации. Первоначально "Gloster" представила на конкурс истребитель Goldfinch, но потерпела неудачу. Фирма приступила к созданию новой машины, полностью соответствующей всем требованиям задания, но прежде чем она была закончена, появились новые требования F.20/27 к одноместному высотному истребителю-перехватчику. "Gloster" предложила двухстоечный биплан SS.18 цельнометаллической конструкции с обшивкой из легких сплавов и полотна, неубирающимся шасси и двигателем Bristol Mercury IIA мощностью 450 л. с. (336 кВт), оказавшимся ненадежным. Несмотря на проблемы с силовой установкой, самолет неплохо показал себя в ходе испытаний.
   Обнадеженная результатами прототипа, фирма "Gloster" продолжила разработку SS.18, оснастив его радиальным двигателем Bristol Jupiter VIIF в 480 л. с. (358 кВт) и присвоив обозначение SS.18A. Позднее на этот самолет установили двигатель Armstrong Siddeley Panther III мощностью 560 л. с. (418 кВт), снова изменив обозначение на SS.18B. Этот тяжелый двухрядный двигатель вызвал проблемы с управляемостью, и на биплане SS.19 "Gloster" вернулась к Jupiter. В 1931 году SS.19 получил обтекатели на колеса шасси, превратившись в SS.19A. Установка двигателя Mercury VIS в 536 л. с. (400 кВт) в октябре 1932 года привела к появлению варианта SS.19B, а в 1934 году, наконец, был выдан заказ на 24 серийных истребителя Gauntlet Mk I с двигателями Mercury VIS2.
   Первые самолеты были поставлены 19-й эскадрилье ВВС 25 мая 1935 года. В 1934 году "Gloster" попала под контроль компании "Hawker Aircraft Ltd", в результате чего основной серийный вариант, Gauntlet Mk II, построенный в количестве 204 экземпляров, был изготовлен по технологиям "Hawker", в остальном мало отличаясь от Gauntlet Mk I. Помимо самолетов для ВВС, ставших последними британскими истребителями-бипланами с открытой кабиной, 17 самолетов построили по лицензии в Дании. Позднее старые британские Gauntlet Mk II были поставлены ВВС Австралии (шесть), Финляндии (25), Родезии (три) и Южной Африки (шесть).
  

ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Gloster Gauntlet Mk II

   Тип: одноместный истребитель
   Силовая установка: один радиальный двигатель Bristol Mercury VIS2 мощностью 640 л. с. (477 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость на высоте 4815 м - 370 км/ч; время набора высоты 6095 м - 9 мин 30 с; потолок 10210 м; дальность полета 740 км
   Масса: пустого 1256 кг; максимальная взлетная 1801 кг
   Размеры: размах крыла 9,99 м; длина 8,05 м; высота 3,12 м; площадь крыла 29,26 м'
   Вооружение: два 7,7-мм пулемета Vickers MkV по бортам носовой части фюзеляжа

Flight, June 1929

BRITISH AIRCRAFT AT OLYMPIA

GLOSTER AIRCRAFT CO., LTD.

   FOUR complete aircraft will be exhibited on this stand, and in addition, there will be on view a large series of metal wings showing the development of Gloster all-metal aircraft construction dating back to 1917, and illustrating in the most convincing manner possible, the progress made during a period of more than ten years.
   The four complete aircraft to be exhibited are: A twin-engined air survey machine (to be shown in skeleton), a "Gnatsnapper" single-seater shipplane, another Gloster single-seater fighter, and the little "Gannet" single-seater light 'plane designed for the Lympne competition of 1923.
<...>
   The other Gloster single-seater fighter has been designed for rapid climb to a great altitude, and for high speed at that altitude. It is a land machine of all-metal construction, fitted with Bristol "Mercury IIA" engine. In its construction this machine incorporates the latest developments of Gloster metal construction, and special care has been taken in the anti-corrosion treatment. The main dimensions of the Gloster single-seater fighter are: Length o.a., 25 ft. 9 in.; wing span, 32 ft. 9 in.; wing chord, 5 ft. 3 in.; wing area, 332 sq. ft. The total loaded weight is 3,270 lbs.
<...>

Flight, December 1929

THE GLOSTER S.S.8
An Interceptor Fighter fitted with "Jupiter" VII or "Jaguar" VIII

   PROBABLY most of our readers will, by now, be aware of the fact that the type of single-seater fighter known as an "Interceptor" is a class of aircraft designed, as the title suggests, for intercepting hostile aircraft. The general equipment of this type of machine may not be gone into in detail, but it may be stated that the object of the class is to "get upstairs" as quickly as possible, there to locate and give battle to attacking aircraft. The class is intended to operate from bases not very far removed from the probable line of attack, and to some extent, therefore, fuel capacity is sacrificed for rapid rate of climb. Supercharged engines are the logical types for this class of aircraft, a high rate of climb at considerable altitudes, and a high service ceiling (altitude at which the rate of climb has dropped to 100 ft. per minute) being essential.
   The Gloster Aircraft Co., Ltd., has recently produced a machine in this class, known as the "Gloster” S.S.8 Interceptor Fighter, of which it has now become possible to publish a brief description and some photographs.
   The main dimensions of the "Gloster" S.S.8 are: Length overall, 27 ft. 4 in. (8-23 m.). Wing span, 26 ft. 4 in. (8-03 m.). Height, 10 ft. 6 in. (3-2 m). Wing area, 300 sq. ft. (27-9 m.2). Wing section R.A.F.28. Engine power more than 1,250 h.p. Total loaded weight, 3,800 lb. (1,725 kg.).
   A landplane of all-metal construction, the "Gloster" S.S.8 incorporates the latest developments of Gloster metal construction, special care having been taken to treat the materials against corrosion. The fuselage is built in three sections, of which the front section forms the engine mounting, the middle portion containing the cockpit, fuel and oil tanks, etc., and the rear portion carrying the tail. The main fuselage structure is of rectangular section, and is faired off by metal panels from the engine back to the cockpit, while the rear portion is faired by a fabric covering supported on a light metal structure in the form of "T"-shaped hoops and stringers.
   The biplane wings are arranged with two-bay bracing, thus producing a structure which is very strong in torsion. The wings have two main spars each, of high-tensile steel, and the ribs are also of steel. The fabric covering is attached to the wing ribs by the Gloster patented "wired on" method. The ailerons are of the "Frise" type, and are so arranged that their control levers do not project beyond the fabric surface. All bracing wire fork-ends, strut ends, etc., are similarly buried inside the covering.
   The various surfaces of the tail unit are designed for easy removal from the fuselage, and a large door in the aft end of the fuselage gives easy access to all the gear in this vicinity. The tail plane is trimmed from the pilot's cockpit to meet various speeds and conditions of load.
   The wide-track undercarriage has telescopic legs in which rubber compression blocks take the load, and bouncing is prevented by an oil dashpot. Metal plates are interposed between adjacent rubber blocks, and are also moulded into the rubbers. Wheel brakes are fitted, and can be operated either by pedals on the rudder bar or direct from the control stick itself.
   The Gloster S.S.8 can be supplied either with Bristol "Jupiter" VII (direct drive) or Armstrong-Siddeley "Jaguar" VIII (geared) engine. In the former case the tare weight is 3,240 lb. (1,470 kg), and the performance is as follows: Maximum speed at 3,000 ft., 169 m.p.h. (272 km./h.) Speed at 10,000 ft. (3,000 m.), 190 m.p.h. (306 km./h.) Speed at 19,700 ft. (6,000 m.), 177-5 m p.h. (286 km./h.). The climb to 1,000 m. occupies 2 minutes. To 3,000 m., 6 minutes. To 6,000 m. 14-4 minutes. The absolute ceiling is 29,000 ft. (8,840 m.), and the stalling speed near the ground is 58 m.p.h. (93 km./h.).
   When the Armstrong-Siddeley "Jaguar" VIII is fitted, the tare weight is 3,400 lb. (1,540 kg.), and the following performance is attained: Speed at 1,000 m., 157 m.p.h. (253 km./h.). At 3,000 m. 173 m.p.h. (278 km./h.). At 6,000 m. 187 m.p.h. (301 km./h.). The climb times are: To 1,000 m., 2-4 mins.; to 3,000 m., 7-2 mins. To 6,000 m., 15-6 mins. Absolute ceiling 31,600 ft. (9,630 m.). Stalling speed near ground, 62-5 m.p.h. (101 km./h.). The maximum speed attainable is 193 m.p.h. (310 km./h.) at 14,500 ft. (4,320 m.).

Flight, February 1931

THE GLOSTER S.S.19
A Multi-Gun Single-Seater Fighter

   ONE of the most interesting single-seater fighters produced for some time is the Gloster S.S.19. It is a development of the Gloster S.S. 18 interceptor fighter, and differs from that machine mainly in its armament, which consists of no less than six machine guns, plus four bombs of 20 lb. each.
   The Gloster S.S.19 has recently completed its tests at Martlesham, and the performance figures are as follows (the figures in parentheses indicating altitude) :- Speed in m.p.h.: 170 (ground level); 180 (5,000); 188 (10,000); 186 (15,000); 176 (20,000). The rates of climb are: At 1,000 ft., 1,800 ft./min.; at 5,000 ft., 1,720 ft./min.; at 10,000 ft., 1,600 ft./min.; at 15,000 ft., 1,125 ft./min.; at 20,000 ft., 660 ft./min. The service ceiling is 26,100 ft. Climb to various altitudes are accomplished in the following times: To 5,000 ft., in 2 min. 54 sec.; to 15,000 ft., in 9 min. 30 sec.; to 20,000 ft., in 15 min. 14 sec. The take-off run is 125 yards, and the landing run 170 yards. The landing speed is 57 m.p.h.
   The Gloster S.S.19 is of all-metal construction, incorporating the usual Gloster forms of construction, i.e., steel tube fuselage and corrugated steel strip mam spars and wing ribs. Being of the two-bay biplane type, the wings are extremely strong both in bending and in torsion, and it is reported that the machine has repeatedly been dived at its terminal velocity of 320 m.p.h.
   The armament consists, in addition to the usual two Vickers guns in blast tunnels in the sides of the fuselage, of four Lewis guns mounted in the wings. The muzzles of the wing guns can be seen in the FLIGHT photographs on this page. It will be noted that they have been neatly housed in the wing structure, so that the extra drag caused by these guns must be very small, as the performance figures indicate it to be. The wing guns are so mounted as to have their lines of fire converging on a point some distance ahead of the machine. The machine should thus be a formidable opponent, as a burst of fire can scarcely fail to hit some vital part of the target.
   The engine fitted is a Bristol "Jupiter" type VII F, which develops 480 h.p. at 9,000 ft. The fitting of a Townend ring should be noted. Doubtless this contributes in no small measure to the high performance.

Flight, June 1931

SPECIAL TYPES AT THE DISPLAY

THE GLOSTER S.S.19

   RESEMBLING in a general way its famous ancestors, such as the "Grebe" and "Gamecock," the Gloster S.S.19 differs from these in that it is designed to carry an unusually large armament, consisting of no less than six machine guns. Two of these are Vickers guns, mounted inboard in the ordinary way in the deck fairing of the fuselage. The other four are Lewis guns, and are mounted inside the wings, some little distance outboard, with their muzzles projecting. There is a gun in each wing, i.e., one in the top starboard plane, one in the bottom starboard, one in the top port, and one in the bottom port wing.
   The Gloster S.S.19 is of all-metal construction, and is fitted with a 480-h.p. Bristol "Jupiter" VIII F. engine. The wing span is 32 ft. 10 in. (10 m.), and the total flying weight 3,468 lb. (1,575 kg.). The endurance is /2 hr. at ground level, plus 1 hr. at 15,000 ft. (4,600 m.). The landing speed is 60 m.p.h. (96 km./h.), and the top speed 188 m.p.h. (303 km. h).

Flight, November 1932

British Aircraft

The Gloster Aircraft Co., Ltd.
Hucclecote, Gloucestershire

   PERHAPS the Gloster Aircraft Co., Ltd., has become best known throughout the world at large through its strong air racing policy, which began with the company designing and building the famous "Bamel" racer, and was continued through Schneider Trophy seaplanes, (biplanes and monoplanes) up till recent times. The firm has, however, designed and built a large number of types adopted at one time or another by the British R.A.F. Quite recently the firm showed that its experience of small high-performance single-seaters had not interfered with its ability to produce large aircraft, and the Gloster Troop Carrier biplane saw the light of day. This machine is of all-metal construction, and has a metal monocoque fuselage in which an excellent streamline shape is achieved with Duralumin plating. The fuselage is, in fact, built exactly like the hull of a flying-boat. Four Rolls-Royce Kestrel engines are placed in tandem pairs between the wings, and this engine arrangement helps to retain the clean lines and small frontal area of the machine. As the Troop Carrier is still undergoing tests nothing may be said of its performance.

The S.S.19

   Another interesting Gloster type is the S.S.19, which is a single-seater fighter carrying a formidable armament in the form of six machine guns. Probably this was the first aircraft in the world to be so equipped. Two guns are placed in the fuselage in the ordinary position, and the other four are placed in the wings, just outside the airscrew disc. The fuselage guns are Vickers and the wing guns Lewis. The guns are so mounted in the machine as to converge their fire at a point 150 yd. ahead of the aircraft, and thus provide a "cone of fire," thereby greatly increasing the chances of a hit.
   The S.S.19 is a two-bay biplane, the two-bay arrangement having been chosen on account of the guns mounted in the wings in order to give greater wing rigidity. The engine is a Bristol Jupiter Series VII.F, giving 480 b.h.p. at 9,000 ft. (2 745 m.). The machine is of all-metal construction, with steel tubular fuselage and wings having spars formed from high-tensile steel strip. The covering is fabric.
   The S.S.19 carries, in addition to its six machine guns, an armament of four 20-lb. bombs.
   During tests at Martlesham Heath Experimental Establishment the S.S.19 was put through every conceivable manoeuvre and was repeatedly put into terminal velocity nose dives, when it attained speeds of 320 m.p.h. (515 km./h.).
   Following are the performance figures for the Gloster S.S.19 when fitted with the Bristol Jupiter VII.F engine:
   Speed at:
   Ground level 175 m.p.h. (282 km./h.)
   10,000 ft. (3 050 m.) 209 m.p.h. (337 km./h.)
   15,000 ft. (4 570 m.) 207 m.p.h. (333 km./h.)
   20,000 ft. (6 100 m.) 185 m.p.h. (238 km./h.)
   Climb to:
   5,000 ft. (1 525 m.) 3 min. 40 sec.
   15,000 ft. (4 570 m.) 10 min. 0 sec.
   20,000 ft. (6 100 m.) 13 min. 54 sec.
   Service Ceiling 30,000 ft. (9 150 m.)

Flight, December 1933

THE GLOSTER. "GAUNTLET"
A Day and Night Fighter with Bristol Mercury IV S. 2. Engine recently Ordered in Quantity for the R.A.F.

   TWO great air powers - America and France - have recently given orders for large numbers of single-seater fighter aircraft for re-equipment purposes. The machines, in both cases, are low-wing monoplanes. We in this country still prefer the biplane for military work, chiefly on the grounds of the manoeuvrability of the type. So deep rooted is our preference that not only have the Air Ministry adopted yet another biplane fighter, but the machine is a two-bay type. The last two-bay fighter used by the R.A.F. was of war-time design - the Sopwith "Snipe." It seems that the main reason for the adoption of monoplanes abroad is that, generally speaking, a monoplane will prove faster than a biplane. There is much loose talk about the speeds of fighters these days. A nation will say "We now possess the fastest single-seater fighter in the world," but it often shows reluctance in mentioning at what altitude that aircraft attains its top speed. It is our own policy to use fighters having high performance at great altitudes, and there can be little doubt that our machines in this class are matchless. Although new machines adopted by other powers may be fast "on the level" (we do not use this expression in the American sense), especially near the ground, our fighters would still be "top dogs" in an aerial combat owing to their retention of speed and powers of manoeuvre at the great heights at which future aerial battles will (or should we say "would") be fought.
   Speed is but one desirable feature in fighting aircraft; there are many others. Great emphasis may be laid on one particular quality in a fighter - speed, climb, manoeuvrability or fighting view - which may entail the sacrifice of other desirable properties, but a machine which possesses each of these qualities to a very high degree and maintains them all at altitudes, which can be safely used for night flying, which carries a large fuel load for long patrols, and which is fitted with wireless - such a machine we standardise in the R.A.F,, and the latest machine in this class, the Gloster "Gauntlet," has just been adopted by that Service.
   We congratulate the Gloster Aircraft Co. on their "come back." The last Gloster production type fighter was the "Gamecock," an aircraft well beloved of fighting pilots. There was a series of fighters all similar in general arrangement to the "Gamecock" - the "Grebe" (the forerunner of the "Gamecock"), the "Gorcock," the "Guan," and the "Goldfinch." Not long after the "Goldfinch" had been built, the company produced a new fighter design quite different from their squat single bay biplanes, with the type number of S S 18. This machine, a two-bay biplane with Bristol "Jupiter VII" or "Mercury" engine, was exhibited at the Aero Show, Olympia, in 1929. Later the type was modified, fitted with a "Jupiter VII F." engine and Townend ring, and used for experiments with outboard guns. Six guns were carried, two Vickers in the fuselage and four Lewis in the wings. This machine was known as the S.S.19 or "Multi-gun Fighter." Even with its formidable armament and very comprehensive military equipment it had a speed of roughly 190 m.p.h. at 15,000 ft., to which height it would climb in 9 min. 10 sec.
   When the time came for "Bulldog" replacement types to be tried out, the S.S.19 was stripped of its four Lewis guns, fitted with Bristol "Mercury IV S.2" geared and supercharged engine cowled by a Townend ring, had its wheels faired by spats, was modified in a few other minor details and given the type number S.S.19B. We would recall here that the Gloster development machine has appeared at the Aero Show and in the New and Experimental Types Park at two R.A.F. Displays, each time as a different type - the S.S.18, S.S.19 and the S.S.19B ("Gauntlet"), and each time bearing its original number, J.9125. Thus are our fighters developed.
   The Gloster Co. put "all they knew" into the design, construction and development of their machine, and many were those who expressed their delight when it was made known that several of the type had been ordered for the R.A.F. as day and night fighters. Soon after this announcement, the type was christened the "Gauntlet" despite the fact that the Air Ministry had previously issued an order that single-seater fighters were to be known by names beginning with F.
   Although the "Gauntlet" is the first machine powered by the "Mercury" to be adopted, we do not doubt that this new Bristol engine will give service equally as fine as its larger brother (or is it sister?) the "Pegasus." The "Mercury" engine, which drives a wooden airscrew, is designed specially for installation in high-performance fighting aircraft and develops 570 h.p. at 14,000 ft. The bare weight is 945 lb. It now seems likely that a "Mercury" of later type than the IV.S.2 will be fitted to the production "Gauntlets," which will use a new type of engine cowling.
   The "Gauntlet" is certainly one of the strongest fighters ever built. The two-bay wing cellule ensures rigidity for aerobatics and while diving at high speeds; terminal velocity dives have frequently been made. During these manoeuvres the deflection of the spars, which are of high-tensile steel strip, is very small indeed. It would seem that the Gloster Co. is finding the "two-bay" arrangement of great value in fighters - the "Gnatsnapper" Fleet fighter, originally a single-bay type, now employs a two-bay structure similar to that of the "Gauntlet." Frise ailerons on all four wings ensure excellent lateral control. The fuselage, a rectangular structure faired to an oval section, is built in three sections - the engine mounting, the centre portion (built up of square tubes with wire bracing almost eliminated) and the rear section, which is a braced structure of round tubes. The equipment specified for Day and Night fighters is all carefully stowed away. This includes two Vickers guns with their C.C. gear and 1,200 rounds of ammunition, wireless, oxygen and night-flying equipment. Tankage for 81 gallons of fuel and 6 gallons of oil is provided. Four 20-lb. bombs may be carried in a rack in the port bottom plane. Although a Hucks starter claw is fitted, an R.A.E. Mark IIA compressed-air starter will be generally used. The wing-tip navigation lights are carefully built into the leading edge, and even parts of the Holt flare brackets are faired.
   Small "doors" in the sides of the cockpit facilitate entry and exit, for the modern fighting pilot with his parachute and other accoutrements is no fairy.
   The machine is easy to maintain under adverse conditions, and the engine, guns, belt boxes, wireless, etc., are all easily accessible.
   It is desirable for a machine which is used for night flying to have no tricks when landing. The new "Gauntlet" lands slowly, and by the use of brakes the landing run is kept short. The S.S.19 ran about 170 yd. on landing; it is unlikely that the run of the "Gauntlet" will differ to any great extent. Although a two-bay biplane, the "Gauntlet" provides a fine fighting view for the pilot; fine, that is, as the fighting views of conventional tractor biplanes go. The centre section of the top plane is narrowed in both thickness and chord - a feature to be found in Gloster fighters for many years back.
   We think the R.A.F. will like the "Gauntlet."

Flight, June 1934

THE GLOSTER "GAUNTLET"
Performance of the Latest Version

   WE are now able to publish "maker's" performance figures of the latest version of the Gloster "Gauntlet" single-seater fighter, fitted with the Bristol "Mercury VI.S" engine, which has been adopted as the standard Day and Night Fighter of the R.A.F. Both in top speed and rate of climb this aircraft is superior to the specialised interceptor fighters put into service only three or four years ago, and it carries night-flying gear, wireless reception and transmission equipment with which these machines were not hampered.
   Much of the credit for the excellent performance of this machine must go to the Bristol "Mercury VI.S" engine, which uses the new fuel of 87 octane value and delivers a maximum of 605 h.p. at 2,400 r.p.m. This engine is similar in general arrangement to the "Pegasus," but is fully supercharged, runs at a higher speed and has a higher compression ratio and shorter stroke. It is fitted with a combined Townend ring and exhaust collecter.

GLOSTER "GAUNTLET"
Bristol Mercury VIS Engine

Performance
   Speed at 15,800 ft. (4 816 m) 228 m.p.h. (367 km/h)
   Stalling speed 59 m.p.h. (95 km/h)
   Climb to 15,000 ft. (4 572 m) 6-25 min.
   Climb to 20,000 ft. (6 096 m) 9 min.
   Service ceiling 35,500 ft. (10 820 m)
   All-up weight 3,950 lb. (1 790 kg)
   Petrol capacity 80 gall. (364 litres)
   Oil capacity 5 gall. (22,7 litres)
Один самолет (J-9125) послужил основой для разработки опытных вариантов на базе самолетов S.S.18 и S.S.19. Он оснащался различными силовыми установками и вариантами вооружения. На снимке представлен S.S.18A с 480-сильным (358 кВт) ПД Jupiter VIIF.
GLOSTER S.S. FIGHTER (Bristol "Mercury IIa").
GLOSTER S.S.19. SINGLE-SEATER FIGHTER IN METAL.
The Gloster SS.18A, J9125, photographed in 1929 with the Jupiter VIIF engine installed.
GLOSTER "GAUNTLET" (s.s. 19b)
Январь 1929г.: впервые взлетел самолет Gloster SS.18 (код J9125), пилотируемый Говардом Сзйнтом. После доработки этот самолет получил наименование SS.19В Gauntlet.
THE GLOSTER S.S.19. OR MULTI-GUN MACHINE IS ARMED WITH NO LESS THAN 6 MACHINE GUNS
J9125 as the SS.19, fitted with six 0-303in machineguns. Two Vickers guns were carried in the fuselage and two Lewis guns were located under the top and bottom wings.
J9125 as the SS.19B.
MODERNITY: Showing the exceptionally clean nose and undercarriage. It is likely that the nose of the production "Gauntlet" will differ from that shown, as a newer type of "Mercury" and cowling may be used.
GLOSTER "GAUNTLET" - THE LATEST TYPE OF SINGLE SEATER FIGHTER FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE
Gloster Gauntlet (605 h.p. Mercury VI S)
A Danish-built Gloster "Gauntlet" Single-seat Fighter Biplane (Bristol "Mercury" engine).
J9125 as the SS.19B being demonstrated for Charles Sims’ camera, probably at Brockworth.
Тот же самолет, что и на предыдущей фотографии, после переделки в вариант S.S.19B с обтекателями на всех трех стойках шасси и без четырех пулеметов под крылом, как у S.S.19. На серийных Gauntlet обтекатели колес не устанавливались.
Seen here fitted with a Mercury VIS.2 in a narrow-chord cowling with leading-edge exhaust collector ring, Gloster SS.19B J9125 was much tested with various Bristol powerplants and became the prototype for the Gauntlet, which itself would be developed into the Mercury-powered Gladiator.
TRYING IT OUT: The Gloster "Gauntlet" shown in these photographs is fitted with the Bristol "Mercury VI" engine and a special Townend ring. THe pilot was Capt. Saint.
The same aircraft, now designated SS.19B and fitted with a Mercury VIS2 engine, being test flown as the Gauntlet prototype from Brockworth in April 1934.
No.19 Squadron re-equipped with Gloster Gauntlets a few weeks before the Review
Gloster Gauntlet Is from Henlow, June 1935
Gloster Gauntlets were the main equipment of 14 Fighter Command squadrons in 1937. By 1939 the type had been replaced by the Gladiator and Hurricane though on the outbreak of war some RAF Auxiliary squadrons had a number still in service. In 1936 the Gauntlet was the fastest RAF fighter in service.
На пике своей карьеры Gauntlet состоял на вооружении 14 эскадрилий британских ВВС, большинство из которых были оснащены вариантом Mk II. Gauntlet Mk I на снимке принадлежали 19-й (истребительной) эскадрилье, базировавшейся в Даксфорде на юге Англии.
GLOSTER GAUNTLET II: Fighter (Mercury VIS engine - 645 h.p. at 15,500ft.); span, 32ft. 9 1/2in.; gross weight, 3,970 lb.; max. speed, 230 m.p.h. at 15,500ft.
The "Gauntlet" employ the 605 h.p. "Mercury VIS" air-cooled radial.
Folland’s reputation as a designer of exceptional biplane fighters was cemented with the robust and agile Gauntlet, which entered RAF service in May 1935. The first unit to receive the type was No 19 Sqn, three Gauntlet Is of which are seen here up from the squadron’s base at Dux ford in the early summer of 1935.
The Gloster Gauntlet is single-seater, being in the day-and-night fighting category. The Gauntlet has the 605 h.p. Bristol Mercury VIS.
The Mercury-engined Gloster Gauntlet is well established in the R.A.F.
POETRY OF ACTION: This graphic picture of the new "Mercury"-engined "Gauntlets" of No. 19 (Fighter) Squadron in a concerted dive was secured by a Flight photographer from a two-seater "Bulldog" flying as one of the formation. The air drill by this unit - in all probability the best equipped of its kind in the world - will form a high-light in a brilliant programme at Hendon next Saturday.
No. 19 (Fighter) Squadron flying its "Gauntlet Is." The latest type of "Gauntlet" differs in certain ways from this mark, but the variations, which are of a structural nature, are not externally obvious.
The three Gauntlets of No. 111 (F) Sq. are concluding one of their two shows.
The old and the new: Gloster Gauntlets over two equally famous fighters from another epoch - the Bristol Fighter and the S.E.5s.
CLOVER IN THE CLOUDS: The trefoil pattern made by the three Gloster Gauntlets of No. 19 (F.) Squadron as they make their almost literally breath-taking manoeuvres in unison at the R.A.F. Display on June 27 will be watched by thousands. In this Flight photograph - the first aerial picture of this remarkable performance by the Gauntlets - we are shown the linked trio at close quarters.
Three 19 Squadron Gauntlet Is performing at RAF Henlow in June 1936.
From the ground, spectators see the "flight aerobatics" event, to be given at the R.A.F. Display by Gauntlets of No. 19 (F.) Squadron as an example of perfect team work, entailing seemingly superhuman co-ordination of speed and manoeuvring. From the air, flying near at hand as did Flight's chief photographer when he secured this fine impression of the machines starting a loop, a new angle of appreciation is obtainable.
Formation aerobatics by a trio of the tractable Gloster Gauntlets now in service.
В мае 1936 года 56-я и 111-я эскадрильи стали первыми подразделениями, получившими на вооружение усовершенствованный вариант Gauntlet Mk II. На снимке: самолеты из знаменитой 111-й ("Treble One") эскадрильи.
ALERT: A fine study of Gauntlets of No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron at Biggin Hill being prepared to intercept a raid during last week's Air Exercises.
A formation of 56 Sqn Gauntlets flying from RAF North Weald in October 1936. The squadron received the type in May 1936 to replace its Bristol Bulldogs.
No. 56 Squadron to-day: At the alarm the pilots run to their machines and clamber into their seats.
The red and white diced pattern is the distinguishing mark of No. 56 (Fighter) Squadron, still as efficient a body as it was in the days of Ball and McCudden.
Not exactly the velvet gloves, for one can see the Gloster Gauntlets though one cannot see the Bristol Mercury engines inside the cowlings. All pilots love the Gauntlet, and will be sorry when the day comes for reequipment.
Истребитель "Гонтлит" I британских ВВС
The Gloster Gauntlet single-seater day-and-night fighter
A fine study of 56 Sqn Gauntlet K5296 up from RAF North Weald in October 1936. This aircraft later flew with 17 Sqn.
"IN THE BOX": The initiated know that this expression means flying behind the leader of a V formation with the arms of the V on either side. It is a good position for observing the quick reactions necessary to keep each machine in perfect formation. Our chief photographer assures us that half an hour in the box with the Gloster Gauntlets of No. 56 (F) Squadron is quite an interesting experience.
The air raid alarm is sounding as pilots run to their Gloster Gauntlets, already being started by the ground crew.
Камуфлированные Mk II из 111-й эскадрильи на аэродроме Нортхолт под Лондоном, 1936 год. Самолет на переднем плане в 1940 году нес службу в Египте, а вторую машину в том же году передали Финляндии.
The Gloster Gauntlet was one of nine types of fighter biplane ordered into production for the RAF between 1918 and 1938, each representing only a small advance in performance over its predecessor. Illustrated are the Gauntlets of No 46 Squadron; another 21 squadrons flew the type.
A close line-abreast by Gloster Gauntlet single-seater fighters. The Gauntlet has two guns, does 230 m.p.h., and is very manoeuvrable.
THE GRASP OF STEEL: A Gloster Gauntlet of No. 111 (Fighter) Squadron about to take oft from Biggin Hill to intercept air-exercise raiders.
Gauntlets of 111 Squadron during Air Exercises at RAF Biggin Hill in 1936.
Gauntlet single-seater fighters being put to bed in Bessoneau hangars at No. 3 Armament Training Station, Sutton Bridge. The transportable Bessoneau hangar, which was of great service during the war, still has its uses in the R.A.F. to-day.
Gloster Gauntlets in 1938.
The stop-butts scene is also at Kenley; the machine that is firing is a Gloster Gauntlet.
The crowd in the official enclosure with a background of Gauntlets. The rest of the ten thousand are out of the picture to the right. Some idea of the conditions will be gathered from the fact that the clouds were sometimes touching the low hills seen in the distance.
The Gladiator's immediate forerunner, the Gauntlet.
The three Gloster Gauntlets of No. 19 Squadron, which put up a magnificent tied-together display.
A pair of Gloster Gauntlet single-seaters over the ranges at No. 3 Armament Training Station, Sutton Bridge.
A little fancy flying: No. 56 F.S. shows that it can fly in line astern
In battle formation: Six Gauntlets up on patrol, searching the skies for the raiding bombers.
The comparative silence of the Gloster "Gauntlets" of No. 19 (F.) Squadron was generally commented upon when they carried out squadron air drill.
Gloster Gauntlet fighters in squadron formation.
Dive bombing: From echelon on the right, the leader cartwheels down for an attack on a ground target.
An ever-popular item - smoke evolutions. They were performed by five Gauntlets of No. 66 (F.) Squadron.
Gloster "Gauntlets" of No. 19 (Fighter) Squadron - the latest and fastest type of fighter in service in the world. Its top speed at 15,800 feet is 230 m.p.h. These remarkable Flight photographs were taken from a two-seater "Bulldog" which flew as a member of the single-seater formation.
SKY PARADE: Gauntlets, Ansons and Harrows in a "skeleton flight" rehearsal for the massed fly-past which will feature in the RA.F. Display to be held at Hendon on June 26. It is to be hoped that the squadrons will fly at closer intervals and at a lower altitude than did those in the so-called fly-past of two years ago.
The photograph illustrate the attack of a flight of "Gauntlets" on a flight of "Harts." In the picture one fighter is seen on the left, coming up behind and below the starboard bomber, while two "Gauntlets," one behind the other, are stalking the port bomber which appears on the right of the picture.
Another view of the attack by the "Gauntlets," which shows still more clearly one fighter tackling the starboard bomber while two approach the port bomber. If their attacks are successful the leading "Hart" will be left alone to deal with all three fighters.
The photograph illustrate the attack of a flight of "Gauntlets" on a flight of "Harts." In the picture is shown the view of the gunner in the port "Hart" as the two fighters approach him. He dare not fire at them for fear of hitting his own fin, but must trust to cross fire from the "Hart" on his starboard side.
Another view from the gunner's cockpit in the port "Hart." Note how the fighter pilots are shielded by their "Mercury" engines.
This remarkable photograph shows the attack from the fighter's point of view. The head of the fighter pilot is naturally out of focus. He has now got into position in the blind spot below the "Hart" and is about to riddle it with bullets from his two Vickers guns.
The trusty old Virginias' only (and probably last) Hendon Display item - parachute escapes by the "crews" of bombers attacked and set on fire by Gauntlets of No. 111 (F) Squadron; note the war-time S.E.5a on the ground.
The two leading machines, the Klemm in the foreground and the V.E.F. on the left. Two of the four Gauntlets at the meeting may be distinguished in the background.
Британские истребители Глостер «Гонтлет» на одном из аэродромов Сингапура. Фото 1936 г.
Finland
Eight Gauntlets in a line-up at the Tampere depot in October 1941, many going for a thorough overhaul at the aircraft factory. The machines are: GT-408 (code ‘3’), 414, 411, 418, 396, 402, 416 (‘2’) and 398.
Когда в ноябре 1939 года началась война между СССР и Финляндией, правительство Южной Африки передало последние 24 истребителя Gauntlet, поставленные в 1940 году, Финляндии. Самолеты были предназначены для борьбы с советскими войсками.
Gauntlet GT-408 of ‘Lentolaivue’ 30 based at Pori during winter 1940-41. In typical British colours of early 1940, having black and white undersurfaces and dark green over dark earth upper surfaces.
GT-399 was the first Gauntlet to he painted in the Finnish war camouflage of olive green and black over light blue-grey. It is being serviced at Utti in late July 1942 attached to T-LLv 35.
GT-414 logged record 521 hours in Finland, seen here at Kauhava on March 3, 1943, issued to the ‘Lentosotakoulu ’, wearing the standard late war camouflage with full yellow Eastern Front markings.
GT-396 was one of the 24, out of the promised 28, Gauntlet IIs donated by the Federation of South Africa. Upon arrival, this machine was assigned to an advanced training squadron, Lentolaivue 29, based at Tyrvanto.
This Finnish Air Force Gloster Gauntlet II GT-400, ex-RAF K5271, is currently under restoration at the Air Force Technical School at Halli, Finland. An Alvis Leonides engine has been installed in the absence of a Bristol Mercury and the aircraft is due to fly this summer.
The Finnish Gloster Gauntlet, GT-400/OH-XGT, in the air in September 1983.
"Гонтлит" I, использовавшийся в Финляндии как учебный самолет, 1943 г.
GT-405 issued to T-LLv 35, an advanced training squadron, at Vesivehmaa during winter 1941-42. The ski design is a 1925 vintage and was used by many types of aircraft up until the 1960s.
A pair of wheels from a Polikarpov I-16 replaced the original Gauntlet undercarriage.
Detail of the cockpit area of GT-400, photographed in June 1978.
 
A pilot is shown wearing his R/T and oxygen apparatus.
KIT, or the White Man's Burden: A story without words from N<...> regalia shown, including parachute, is said to weigh 58 3/4 lb.