Vickers Type 132 Vildebeest/Type 266 Vincent

Vickers Vildebeest был разработан для замены в британских ВВС дневного торпедоносца-бомбардировщика Hawker Horsley и конструктивно представлял собой типичный равнокрылый биплан с неубирающимся шасси с хвостовым колесом и одномоторной силовой установкой. Самолет Type 132 был облетан в апреле 1928 года и оснащался звездообразным двигателем Bristol Jupiter VIII мощностью 460 л.с. (343 кВт). На вариантах Type 192, Type 194 и Type 209 испытывали различные варианты силовой установки, пока конструкторам не удалось устранить проблему их перегрева, установив на Type 214 новый двигатель XFBM компании «Bristol», позже получивший обозначение Pegasus.
   Для британских ВВС построили четыре самолета. Первым серийным вариантом стал Type 244 Vildebeest Mk I, оснащенный двигателем Pegasus I. За ним последовал Type 258 Vildebeest Mk II с мотором Pegasus IIM3 мощностью 660 л. с., а затем Type 277 Vildebeest Mk III с переделанной задней кабиной, позволявшей размещаться экипажу из трех человек. Последним серийным вариантом стал Type 286 Vildebeest Mk IV с двигателем Bristol Perseus VIII мощностью 825 л.с. (18 самолетов), что позволило ему стать первым в мире самолетом с двигателем с гильзовым распределением газовой смеси. Самолет Vildebeest Mk I поступил на вооружение британских ВВС в 1933 году - на начало Второй мировой войны в эксплуатации оставалось около 100 самолетов, последние из которых приняли участие в боевых действиях против японских войск в Сингапуре в 1942 году. Всего «Vickers» были построены 183 самолета, из которых 39 были переданы новозеландским ВВС. Еще 26 Type 245, оснащенных 12-цилиндровыми V-образными двигателями Hispano, были собраны по лицензии в Испании.

   Министерство авиации в процессе замены устаревших Fairey IIIF и Westland Wapiti остановило свой выбор на модифицированном Vildebeest. Он был разработан на базе Vildebeest Mk III, обозначен Type 266 Vincent и отличался наличием дополнительного топливного бака вместо торпеды, специального оборудования и крюка для зацепки донесений при обеспечении взаимодействия с наземными войсками. Самолет поступил на вооружение в конце 1934 года, а также продавался в протекторат Аден, Египет, Индию, Ирак, Кению и Судан. Всего построили 197 самолетов; на начало Второй мировой войны в строю оставалось около половины. В Ираке Vincent оставались в эксплуатации до 1941 года.
  

ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Vickers Vildebeest Mk IV

   Тип: двухместный торпедоносец-бомбардировщик
   Силовая установка: один звездообразный ПД Bristol Perseus VIII мощностью 825 л. с. (615 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость на высоте 1525 м - 251 км/ч; практический потолок 5180 м; дальность полета с максимальной нагрузкой 1014 км
   Масса: пустого 2143 кг; максимальная взлетная 3856 кг
   Размеры: размах крыльев 14,94 м; длина 11,48 м; высота 4,47 м; площадь крыльев 67,63 м2
   Вооружение: один стреляющий вперед 7,7-мм пулемет Vickers и один 7,7-мм пулемет Lewis в задней кабине, плюс одна 457-мм торпеда или 454 кг бомб

Flight, November 1931

The Vickers "Vildebeest”
A Three-purpose Landplane or Seaplane

   MODERN tendency is towards a reduction in the number of aircraft types used by the air forces of any nation. By reducing the number of different types, production costs are lowered, the stock of spares needed is reduced, and the training of pilots and engineers is simplified. In order to make such a policy practicable it is necessary that any given type of aircraft shall be capable, with a few relatively simple modifications, of being used for several purposes.
   The Vickers "Vildebeest" is a good modern example of such a multi-purpose aircraft. In addition to three alternative main functions - torpedo dropping, day or night bombing, and reconnaissance - the usefulness of this machine is further increased by the fact that two types of undercarriage are available: a normal two-wheel land undercarriage and a twin-float seaplane undercarriage. The change from one type of undercarriage to the other can be made in a few hours. In addition, further variety is added by the fact that a number of different engines can be fitted.
   Among the special features of the "Vildebeest," mention may be made of the following: It carries a disposable load very nearly equal to its own weight, and combines with this large disposable load a very good performance. The pilot's view forward and downward is exceptionally good, which facilitates the judging of height above the surface for torpedo-dropping. Protection against the air stream is provided for the gunner, so that he can use his guns freely. A prone bombing position in the fuselage enables the bombing officer to sight in comfort. There is telephonic communication between him and the pilot, and, if desired, the bomber can operate the rudder bar. The "Vildebeest" can be used either as a two-seater or as a three-seater. In spite of the heavy load carried, the landing speed is low.
   The "Vildebeest" is identical in its landplane and floatplane forms, except for the undercarriage, and the following notes may, therefore, be taken to refer to both except where otherwise indicated.
   Structurally, the "Vildebeest" is mainly of duralumin construction, except for a few items of mild-steel tubes. The covering of fuselage and wings is fabric. Vickers (Aviation), Ltd., have evolved forms of duralumin construction, in which all rivet heads are visible and easily accessible, and the structure of both fuselage and wings is so designed that repairs can be readily made without disturbing the rest of the structure. For example, the wing structure has been so planned that in case of damage a single rib can be replaced without dismantling the wing. All duralumin surfaces and parts are, needless to say, treated against corrosion by the anodic process, and are further protected by being afterwards sprayed with a cellulose paint.
   In the seaplane version of the "Vildebeest" the duralumin floats have a buoyancy 83 per cent, in excess of the total all-up flying weight of the machine. Each float is divided by bulkheads into seven watertight compartments. The floats are lifted with water rudders, so that when the machine is being taxied on the water the pilot has full control even at speeds so low that the air rudder would be ineffective.
   The accommodation for crew is in open cockpits, with the pilot in front. An adjustable seat is provided. The machine is bonded for wireless, and also wired for navigation lights.
   In the particular machine shown in the photographs, the engine is a geared Hispano-Suiza type Lbr., which develops 595 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. at sea-level density. Other types of engine can be installed, and the machine has already been flown successfully with Bristol "Jupiters," types IX.F. and X.F.BM.
   The two main petrol tanks are housed in the top wing, and give direct gravity feed. Each has a capacity of 62 gallons, or a total of 124 gallons. If the machine is wanted for longer ranges, an extra tank of 60 gallons capacity can be installed, and used in conjunction with the Vickers petrol pump. A Vickers-Potts oil cooler is provided.
   Handley Page wing-tip slots are fitted, and the "Vildebeest" is reported to be very easy to fly, and to be controllable at the stall, while it can easily be sideslipped, and is stable in that manoeuvre.
   In the table of data the figures refer to the seaplane version. In the tare weight figures are included the following equipment: Instruments, air-pressure engine starter, Handley Page slots, and Stub exhaust pipes.
   The armament consists of pilot's and observer's guns, with 500 rounds of ammunition for each, and the bomb load may consist in two bombs of 200 kg. each and four of 12.5 kg., or four bombs of 100 kg. each and four of 12.5 kg., or eight bombs of 50 kg. each, plus four of 12.5 kg.
   When used as a torpedoplane the "Vildebeest" is, of course, equipped with the necessary carrier and release gear, Vickers-Armstrongs torpedo sight, and a 45-cm. Whitehead torpedo.

VICKERS "VILDEBEEST" SEAPLANE
Hispano-Suiza 12 Lbr. Engine

Dimensions
   ft. in. m.
Length (overall) 40 0 12,20
Wing Span 9 0 14,93
Height (overall) 16 3 4,96
Wing Area 728 sq. ft. (61,9 m2).
Aerofoil Section R.A.F. 15.
Weights
   Bomber Torpedoplane.
   lb. kg. lb. kg.
Tare 5,100 2,320 5,100 2,320
Disposable 2,652 1,205 4,000 1,820
Gross 7,752 3,525 9,100 4,140
   lb./sq.ft. kg./m2 lb./sq.ft. kg./m2
Wing Loading 10-6 57,8 12-5 6,97
   lb./h.p. kg./C.V. lb./h.p. kg./C.V.
Power Loading 13-0 5,92 15-3 6,97
Speed
   m.p.h. km./h. m.p.h. km./h.
Max. speed 134-5 217 132-5 213
At 1 000 m. 132 212 127-5 205
At 2 000 m. 128 206 120 193
At 3 000 m. 122 196 101 163
Cruising speed at
   2,000 m. 111 179 106 171
Landing speed 56 90 61-5 99
Time of Climb (Minutes)
To 3,280 ft. (1 000 m.) 4-5 6-5
To 6,560 ft. (2 000 m.) 10-7 17-0
To 9,840 ft. (3 000 m.) 20-0 43-0
   ft./min. m./sec. ft./min. m./sec.
Initial Climb 800 4,6 600 3,5
   ft. m. ft. m.
Absolute Ceiling 15,200 4,460 11,000 3,350
Endurance at Cruising
   Speed 5-3 hours 5-3 hours
   lb. kg. lb. kg.
Military Load 1,280 582 2,628 1,194

   The endurance shown is with normal fuel load of 124 gallons (565 litres). An auxiliary tank holds 60 gallons (272 litres). The military load shown is exclusive of the weight of crew and fuel.

Flight, April 1932

Vickers "Vildebeest" TORPEDOPLANE
This machine, which can be used for a variety of purposes, is dealt with below mainly in its torpedoplane form

   IN view of the fact that the Vickers "Vildebeest" was described and illustrated in FLIGHT of November 6, 1931, it is not thought necessary to describe in the following article the general structural peculiarities of the machine, but rather to devote the available space to those features which are characteristic of it in its capacity of a torpedoplane. It was pointed out in the previous description that the "Vildebeest" can be used for torpedo dropping, day or night bombing, and reconnaissance. Moreover, the machine is supplied as an ordinary landplane and as a twin-float seaplane, while a variety of engines can be fitted to suit purchasers' requirements.
   The main characteristics of the "Vildebeest" are given in the table on this page. From these it will be seen that the machine has a very good performance when fitted with the Hispano Suiza 12 Lbr. engine, which develops a normal maximum of 595 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. This engine is of the geared type, the gear ratio being 0.5 : 1, and the compression ratio is 6 to 1.
   It is a feature of most Vickers machines that the ratio of gross weight to tare weight is high; in other words that the structural efficiency is good. In the case of the Vickers "Vildebeest" seaplane this ratio is no less than 1.735, so that the machine carries as disposable load 73.5 per cent, of its own weight. This figure is based on a tare weight of 5,240 lb., which includes 140 lb. of fixed equipment of a character always fitted what ever functions the machine is desired to perform. Included in this fixed equipment are the following items: Pilot's instruments, safety belt, gunner's harness, belt feed gun mounting, ammunition boxes, drum-feed gun sight, Scarff ring, drum pegs, observer's instruments, fire extinguishers, electrical equipment, Very pistols and cartridges, bomb gear and torpedo release. Thus it will be seen that the tare weight upon which the gross to tare weight ratio is based is not by any means a “stripped” figure. If one subtracts this fixed equipment the bare stripped weight of the machine becomes 5,100 lb., and the ratio gross to bare weight becomes 1.78.
   Certain removable equipment amounts to another 240 lb., which gives a normally equipped weight of 5,480 lb. In addition to this the machine can carry, when used as a torpedoplane, a disposable load of 3,620 lb. (1 635 kg.), composed of the following items: Pilot and observer, 352 lb. (160 kg.); W.T. equipment, 100 lb. (45 kg.); intercommunication set, 7 lb. (5 kg.); torpedo suspension and release gear, 86 lb. (39 kg.); torpedo up to 2,020 lb. (909 kg.); petrol (124 gallons = 434 litres), 955 lb. (434 kg.); oil (8 gallons = 36 litres), 100 lb. (45 kg.). With this disposable load the total all-up weight is 9,100 lb. (4 140 kg.).
   The normal petrol capacity of 124 gallons is contained in two main tanks of 62 gallons (282 litres) each. If the machine is required for greater range, an auxiliary petrol tank of 60 gallons (273 litres) capacity can be fitted, a corresponding weight of military load being, of course sacrificed to keep the machine within its gross weight of 9,100 lb.
   With normal petrol tankage the duration is 4.6 hr. at a cruising speed of 106 m.p.h. at a height of 6,560 ft., or a still-air cruising range of 488 miles (785 km.). When the auxiliary petrol tank is fitted, the duration becomes 6.8 hr., and the corresponding still-air cruising range 720 miles (1 160 km.).
   The performance shown in the table is based upon British standard atmospheric conditions (temperature 15 deg. C. and barometer 760 mm. at zero height). At a total all-up weight of 9,100 lb. (4 140 kg.) the following performances are guaranteed: Maximum speed at sea-level, 130.5 m.p.h. (210 km./h.); climb to 2 000 m. (6,560 ft.) in 18 min.; landing speed at zero altitude, 59.5 m.p.h. (96 km./h.). These performances, it is pointed out, can only be guaranteed provided the engine develops not less than 595 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. at sea-level.
   From an aerodynamic point of view it is of interest to find that the Everling “high-speed figure" is as high as 19.4, which is well above the average for a twin-float seaplane, and points to a very low minimum drag coefficient.

Flight, November 1932

British Aircraft

Vickers (Aviation) Limited
Weybridge, Surrey

   ALTHOUGH the machines for which Vickers (Aviation), Ltd., are generally known throughout the world are probably mostly their heavy long-distance night bombers, of which the firm has supplied large numbers to the R.A.F., the firm has produced a great many other types, several of which have gained fame abroad. Of the many types produced we have space here to deal with but a very few. It might be recalled, however, that a Vickers "Vespa" (Bristol Pegasus engine) holds the world's altitude record (pilot. C. F. Uwins, of the Bristol Company) of 13,404 m. (43,976 ft.).

The "Vildebeest"

   Fitted for a range of duties such as reconnaissance, general purposes, bombing and torpedo carrying, the scope of the "Vildebeest" does not end there, but includes also the fitting of floats, when a variety of seaplane functions can be performed by the machine. As a torpedoplane the "Vildebeest" has now been adopted as the standard machine of the R.A.F., and squadrons are in process of being re-equipped with it. As used in the R.A.F. the machine will be powered by the Bristol Pegasus engine.
   Another version of the "Vildebeest" is fitted with the Hispano-Suiza 12-Lbr engine of 600 h.p. The armament consists of two Vickers machine guns, one synchronised to fire through the propeller and the other on a Scarff ring in the rear cockpit, and of either a torpedo weighing 2,200 lb. (1 000 kg.) or the equivalent load of bombs.
   The main data of the ''Vildebeest ' are :-
   Length o.a. 38 ft. 6 in. (11,75 m.)
   Wing span 49 ft. 0 in. (14,94 m.)
   Wing area 728 sq. ft. (67,75 m2.)
   Tare weight 4,459 lb. (2 020 kg.)
   Fuel and military load 3,500 lb. (1 590 kg.)
   Gross weight 8,346 lb. (3 786 kg.)
   Max. permissible weight 8,500 lb. (3 854 kg.)
   Maximum speed 136 m.p.h. (220 km./h.)
   Speed at 3 000 m. 120 m.p.h. (193 km./h.)
   Range 746 miles (1 200 km.)
   Absolute ceiling 14,250 ft. (4 350 m.)
   When the machine is fitted 'with the Pegasus engine the performance is slightly increased, with the exception of the range, which is slightly decreased.