Southern Martlet
Варианты:
Southern - Martlet - 1929 - Великобритания
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1929


Описание:
Southern Martlet
Flight, August 1929
THE "MARTLET"
Flight, April 1930
AIRCRAFT FOR THE PRIVATE OWNER
Flight, May 1931
THE METAL "MARTLET"
Фотографии

Southern Martlet

Фредерик Г.Майлз после покупки двухместного Avro Baby вместе с рядом авиационных комплектующих на заводе бывшей "Avro" перегнал аэроплан в Шорехэм, Сассекс, Южная Англия. Перед перелетом Майлз установил на машине 60-сильный мотор Cirrus I, новые шасси и хвостовое оперение.
   Летные данные обновленного самолета произвели положительное впечатление на "Southern Aircraft", заказавшую разработку похожего спортивного самолета. Прототип такой машины был оснащен 4-цилиндровым мотором A.B.C. Hornet в 85 л. с. и выполнил первый полет в августе 1929 года. Позже на нем установили звездообразный Genet II в 80 л. с.
   За получившим наименование Southern Martlet последовали пять серийных самолетов, отличавшихся друг от друга деталями конструкции и моторами. На пяти самолетах использовалось пять разных моторов!
   На самолете G-AAYZ стоял мотор Havilland Gipsy II. Его максимальная взлетная масса составляла 501 кг, размах крыла - 7,62 м, максимальная скорость - 209 км/ч.
   Самолеты Martlet принимали участие в разнообразных воздушных гонках, но ни разу не добились заметного успеха. Зато Southern Martlet стал популярным демонстрационным и пилотажным самолетом.
   В 1931 году был построен один Metal Martlet с каркасом фюзеляжа из стальных труб и мотором A.D.C. Hermes I мощностью 105 л. с.. Недостроенный второй Metal Martlet утилизировали.

Flight, August 1929

THE "MARTLET"
A Highly Successful S.A.L. Conversion

   AN Avro "Baby" has recently been converted by Southern Aircraft, Ltd., of Shoreham-by-the-Sea, into a very modern light ‘plane single-seater, with a quite amazing performance. We had an opportunity, recently of inspecting and photographing this machine at Shoreham, just prior to its going away to Martlesham for type tests.
   The work of converting the "Baby" has been extremely well carried out, and Mr. F. G. Miles of Southern Aircraft, Ltd., is to be congratulated upon the work. The main alterations carried out were, directly and indirectly, a result of the decision to fit an A.B.C., “Hornet" engine. This engine, being a double flat twin, called for an engine mounting and cowling totally different from that which the machine had originally, when fitted with the Green four-cylinder in-line water-cooled power plant. The difference in weight between the Green and the “Hornet” also played a part, and Mr. Miles produced the "nose" shown in the photographs, particularly in the three-quarter front view. We think it will be agreed that the “Hornet” nose is a very workmanlike affair.
   To bring the machine into line with modern practice, it was decided to fit a top centre-section gravity petrol tank, and this has been done, the wings being for the rest left unchanged.
   A slight rearrangement of the cockpit was also effected, notably the installation of new controls. A new tail unit was designed and made, and it will be seen that this rather resembles in general shape the tail of the Avro "Avian," so that the "Martlet," as the converted machine has been christened, still retains a good deal of the Avro "touch."
   Rubber cord shock absorbers having gone out of fashion, Mr. Miles fitted a new undercarriage, in which the telescopic legs incorporate oleo gear and coil springs. This type of leg is the invention of, and has been patented by, Mr. Basil Henderson, of the Hendy Aircraft Co., also of Shoreham, but owing to certain patent considerations, we are not able at present to give a detailed description of it. That it works extremely well was demonstrated when Mr. Miles landed and taxied the machine about in very small curves at high speed.
   Mr. Miles was kind enough, on the day of our visit, to take the machine up and give a most amazing demonstration of its capabilities. The take-off is extremely short, and the climb is reminiscent of a single-seater fighter. The machine does all the usual aerobatics with great facility, and Mr. Miles showed, by flying around in small circles at very low speed, that the controllability is good, even near the stall. The high speed also appears impressive, and altogether, the "Martlet" promises to be a very fine little machine for the pilot-owner who desires something "snappy." The machine is, we understand, the property of Mr. Bellairs, a director in Southern Aircraft, Ltd. Finally, it should be stated that the A.B.C. "Hornet" appears to run very well indeed, and to give ample power. The machine lands very slowly, and is exceptionally manoeuvrable on the ground, with the result that it should be easy to "put down" in almost any field. Its short run to take off, and its excellent climb, should enable it to get out also of very small fields, so that the "Martlet" may be considered a very serviceable little single seater indeed.

Flight, April 1930

AIRCRAFT FOR THE PRIVATE OWNER

MARTLET

   RECENTLY produced by the Southern Aircraft Co., Ltd., of Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, this is a most fascinating little single-seater.
   The machine was originally designed from the Avro "Baby," and many modern features have been included. The top centre section has been redesigned to carry the fuel tank, and the tail units are entirely new. The undercarriage, which has proved very satisfactory, is a combination of oleo and coil-spring shock absorbing gear, which is the patent of Mr. Basil Henderson, of the Hendy Aircraft Co., also of Shoreham.
   The Martlet was demonstrated at many meetings last year, and very greatly impressed the onlookers with its manoeuvrability; its speed range seems very large, and though its top speed, for such a machine, is very impressive, its landing speed is quite low. Control throughout the whole range is very good, and for the pilot who likes something which he can throw about after the style of a single-seater fighter, the Martlet must have its appeal. The A.B.C. Hornet engine appears to suit this machine well and to run smoothly.
   It is now properly on the market, and is certainly a good type for those who want something a little different and do not mind a single-seater.

Flight, May 1931

THE METAL "MARTLET"
Southern Aircraft, Ltd. have just produced a metal version of the "Martlet." Although a light 'plane and fitted with a Hermes II engine of 105 h.p. only, the metal "Martlet" has an excellent performance and should be very useful for fighter training, advanced aerobatics, sporting flying, &c.

   WORKING quietly and saying little about it, Mr. Miles, of Southern Aircraft, Ltd., Shoreham, and Mr. Basil B. Henderson have been putting their heads together for some months, and have now produced a metal version of the well-known "Martlet" biplane which Mr. Miles first brought out some years ago. The original "Martlet" was something of an eye-opener in the way of performance, speed-range and manoeuvrability, and in the metal version these qualities have not only been retained, but have, in some cases, even been improved. The result is a machine which, although of low first cost and easy maintenance, gives a performance which is little short of marvellous. The metal "Martlet" has been designed for, and should be extremely useful as, a type for the training of pilots in air lighting, as the performance and manoeuvrability are such as to simulate very well the characteristics of a high-power single-seater fighter. The sturdy construction and great manoeuvrability should also make the machine very useful for training pilots at low cost in advanced aerobatics, while the sportsman who wants something "snappy" and fast, while at the same time docile when it comes to landing, should find much to appeal to him in the metal "Martlet."
   Designed jointly by Mr. Basil Henderson and Mr. Miles, and built at the Shoreham works of Southern Aircraft, Ltd., the metal "Martlet" is a single-seater biplane of mixed construction, the producers having used metal only where it could be readily and cheaply substituted for wood, while retaining wooden components which would be more difficult and expensive to produce in metal.
   For instance, the fuselage is a steel tube structure, the tubes being of square section, and struts and longerons being joined together by steel flitch plates riveted or bolted on. The structure has been designed to be rigid without the use of bracing wires, and there is no rigging or adjustment to be made by the user. Should a fuselage tube become damaged, it can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the structure. The main fuselage structure is enclosed in wooden fairings with doped linen covering.
   The biplane, wings are mainly of wood construction, with wooden spars and wing ribs, and braced by high-tensile steel wire and streamline steel tube struts. The wings are designed to fold, and as the machine is of small dimensions, the space occupied when the wings are folded is very small indeed.
   An undercarriage of the divided type is fitted, constructed of steel tubes throughout. The wheels are carried on steel forgings, and are mounted on roller bearings. Low-pressure tyres are fitted, and, as the telescopic legs of the undercarriage (of the oleo-steel spring buffer type) have a long stroke, the landing shocks are very effectively damped, while the tendency to bounce has been reduced to a minimum. The wheels are fitted with independently-operated brakes, so that not only can the machine be stopped in a very short distance, but manoeuvring on the ground is greatly assisted. A steel spring tail skid is fitted.
   Very particular attention has been paid to the controls, which are effective at all speeds within the speed range, and friction in bearings has been reduced by fitting ball bearings at all important points.
   Although the machine is of the vertical biplane type (to facilitate folding), the view from the cockpit is quite exceptionally good, a fact of considerable importance in a machine intended for fighter training and advanced aerobatics.
   It is not desired to give very detailed data concerning the metal "Martlet" at present, but it may be stated that the disposable load is 375 lb. The top speed is about 130 m.p.h., while the landing speed is only about 40 m.p.h. The machine cruises at 115-120 m.p.h., and the cruising range in still air is 400 miles. The rate of climb at ground level is spectacular, being of the order of 1,400 ft. /min. In a flat calm the machine takes off in 60 yards, and the landing run, also in no wind, is only 70 yards. The service ceiling is about 20,000 ft.
   The engine fitted is a 105-h.p. Hermes II, neatly cowled in.
Этот G-AAYX с мотором Armstrong-Siddeley Genet Major мощностью 100 л. с. в 1960 году купил в свою коллекцию фонд Шаттлуорта. После длительной и сложной реставрации аэроплан в 1988 году восстановили до летного состояния.
Another view of the prototype Martlet.
The prototype Martlet taking off from Shoreham in August 1929, powered by the 85 h.p. ABC Hornet engine.
G-AAVD, the first production aircraft, powered by an 80 h.p. Genet II.
The Martlet ("Genet"). This is the only aircraft built private owners who want to stunt. It originates from Aircraft factory at Shoreham.
Seen at the air display held at Elstree aerodrome on July 27, 1947 is Billy Butlin's Southern Martlet G-AAYX. During the afternoon it tipped up onto its nose but was not damaged. Today it is dismantled and in the care of the Shuttleworth Collection.
Southern Martlet. Genet Major engine.
One of only six built, Southern Martlet G-AAYX (c/n 202) made its first flight in 1930, and was acquired by Billy Butlin in October 1946. While in service with Butlin’s it was painted in a colour scheme of Cambridge blue overall with cream trim including a zig-zag on the cowling. It was based at Pwllheli and used for aerobatic displays.
L. E. Bellairs' Martlet G-AAYX survives with the Shuttleworth Collection.
Reader E. L. Wood has photographed the Southern Martlet, G-AAYX, at Shoreham, mentioned by Mr. J. Arnold in Letters.
Martlet G-AAYZ, built for the Rt Hon F. E. Guest and originally powered by a 120 h.p. DH Gipsy II.
G-AAYZ during participation in the 1934 King's Cup.
A SINGLE-SEATER light 'plane with very fine performance. Of mixed construction. Engines fitted: A.B.C. "Hornet," Armstrong-Siddeley "Genet" and "Gipsy II."
Southern Martlet G-ABBN, seen at Woodford, toured with National Aviation Day Displays Ltd for the 1932 season, giving aerobatic displays.
Martlet G-ABBN was built for the Marquess of Douglas and Clydesdale, but was best known for its displays with the National Aviation Day air shows. The aircraft was scrapped in 1935.
Southern Martlet G-ABBN flew with National Aviation Day Displays for the 1932 season and is seen here in company with Avro 504K G-ABHI and Tiger Moth G-ABUL. G-ABBN was scrapped in 1935.
AERODROME RACING: Realising the fascination of watching aeroplanes racing around a course on the aerodrome, Sir Alan Cobham has included this item in his programme. Here are seen a Southern "Martlet" and a Comper "Swift" fighting for first place.
Ex-Imperial Airways Handley Page W.10 G-EBMR flew with Cobham s National Aviation Day Displays during 1933-34. It is seen here near Maidenhead in company with Southern Martlet G-ABBN, circa 1933.
The circus comes to yet another town. In this formation, led by H.P. W.10 G-ABMR, are two Gipsy Moths, Comper Swift, Desoutter, Tiger Moth, Airspeed Ferry and a Southern Martlet.
This classic National Aviation Day display formation was probably taken in 1933, the year that Cobham purchased Handley Page W.10 G-EBMR, seen here leading Tiger Moth G-ABUL, Southern Martlet G-ABBN, D.H.60G Gipsy Moth G-ABJC and an anonymous Avro 504K. Cobham's two Handley Page W.10s were joined by Handley Page Clive G-ABYX Astra in April 1933. In two years YX carried 120,000 passengers; it was scrapped in 1935.
STRAINING AT THE LEASH: The line-up for the first heat of the day, at 8 a.m.
Martlet
THE LIMIT MAN: Mr. T. C. Sanders getting away first in the King's Cup Race. His "Martlet" ("Genet") is a well-known sporting single seater.
SCENES AT THE START: 2 - Mr. Bramson and F./O. Leech running up the engines of their Martlets.
The Martlet owned and flown by F. G. Miles' wife before their marriage. Note the untapered ailerons.
SCENES AT THE START: 1 - Nos. 23 (Avian IV Cirrus III), 22 (Avian IV Cirrus III), 21 (Widgeon III Genet II), 28 (Martlet Genet II), 27 (Widgeon III Hermes II) lined up for the start.
SIDE VIEW OF THE METAL "MARTLET": In spite of the fact that the machine is a vertical biplane, the view is very good.
The sole Metal Martlet bearing two different civil registrations, both incorrect. The wings were from Martlet prototype G-AAII, and the fuselage was marked G-AAJW. The correct lettering was G-ABJW!
The machine doing a "zoom."
"FORMARTING": Three of the S.A.C. "Martlets" put up some excellent formation flying at Shoreham on Saturday last, as shown on the picture. The leading machine is the metal job, with Mr. Miles up, and on the left of the picture is the "Genet-Major" model, piloted by F/O. Leech, and on the right the "Genet II" model, piloted by F/O. Thorn.
AT SHOREHAM: On the left we show old and new Shoreham, in Mr. C. L. Pashley (right) - who was associated with this aerodrome in the very early days of flying and must now be not very far short of the 10,000-hours flying mark - and Mr. F. G. Miles, Managing Director of Southern Aircraft, a more recent "settler" at Shoreham. On the right we show the Mayor and Mayoress of Worthing standing beside the Metal "Martlet."
Sir, With regard to your feature on the Southern Martlet, I enclose two prints of Martlet ’AYX at Woodford in May 1969, when it was to be restored by someone in the Merseyside/Wirral area - I gather nothing came of it. Perhaps someone can advise of its present whereabouts and status. <...> 1 Hollythorn Avenue, G. A. JENKS
The Shuttleworth Collection's Southern Martlet, G-AAYX, seen propped together, awaits a sponsor for its restoration.
Mr. L. E. R. Bellairs, of the Southern Aero Club and Southern Aircraft Co., in the new single-seater biplane, the "Martlet," built by the company and fitted with an A.B.C. "Hornet" engine. It has remarkable manoeuvrability, lands in an extremely short distance, and shows exceptional steadiness on the ground.
Southern Martlet; Metal Martlet