Wibault Wibault 360

Flight, February 1932

THE WIBAULT PENHOET 360 T.5. MONOPLANE

   FOLLOWING the successful introduction of his all-metal tri-motor, low wing transport monoplane, the 280 T, equipped with Gnome-Rhone 300 h.p., K.7, air-cooled motors, Mr. Michael Wibault has designed the 360 T. 5., a single engine tourist monoplane, which has just completed its series of tests at the Service Technique Aerodrome of Villacoublay, where it was presented by the constructors, the Chantiers Aeronautiques Wibault-Penhoet.
   This plane has been specially designed for tourist use and also for light passenger and postal work on the air line systems, where economical speedy operation is desired. Of a low, thick wing of the cantilever type, this machine is constructed entirely of metal, and has accomodation for 5 people, including the pilot. It is designed to be equipped with a 230 h.p. Salmson air-cooled motor, or a 300 h.p. Gnome-Rhone air-cooled engine can be mounted, a considerable increase of speed being attained, with the latter motor.
   The detachable wings consist of a centre section, which forms an integral part of the fuselage, and to which the main wings are joined on each side in cantilever fashion. These are of trapezoidal form and mounted at a marked dihedral angle. The two longerons used in the construction of each wing are made of duralumin, and all the internal bracing throughout is of that same metal, while the wings themselves are covered with duralumin sheet. The construction of the tail is similar to that of the wings.
   The fuselage is also of metal construction throughout, covered with duralumin sheet. The cabin, which is lighted by three large ports on each side, is furnished in the style of an automobile. There are two seats in front, placed side by side, the one on the left being occupied by the pilot, alongside of whom is a passenger. Three comfortable chairs are installed behind them. A good sized compartment, which has a capacity for 165 lb. (75 kg.) of baggage, has been constructed just aft of the cabin.
   The landing gear is of the split axle type, fitted with oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers and brakes. The wheels are covered with stream-lined "spats," and the tail skid consists of a small wheel equipped with a hard rubber tyre and mounted in a free turning socket.
   The following performance figures were obtained at the official trials at Villacoublay, with full load and 230 h.p. Salmson engine :-
Altitude Time of Climb Maximum Speed R.P.M. of motor
0 - 202,88 k.p.h. (126 m.p.h.) 1,715 r.p.m.
1,000 metres 5' 51" 199,50 k.p.h. (124 m.p.h.) -
2,000 12' 20" 196 k.p.h. (122 m.p.h.) 1,670 r.p.m.
3,000 21' 30" 191,5 k.p.h. (119 m.p.h.) -
4,000 34' 13" 184,5 k.p.h. (115 m.p.h.) 1,625 r.p.m.
5,000 55' 06" 174 k.p.h. (108 m.p.h.) 1,590 r.p.m.

   The characteristics of the Wibault-Penhoet 360 T, with 230 h.p. Salmson engine, are :-
   Span, 16,97 m. (56 ft. 8 in.); O.A. length, 11,18 m. (36 ft. 8 in.); height, 2,94 m. (9 ft. 7 in.); wing area, 31,8 sq. m. (342 sq. ft.).
   Weights. - Machine empty, 1,272 kg. (2,800 lb.); useful load, 628 kg. (1,382 lb.); total weight, 1,900 kg. (4,180 lb.). Item weights. - Engine, 360 kg. (792 lb.); fuel tanks, 21 kg. (46 lb.); miscellaneous fittings, 20 kg. (45 l b ); fuel, 102 kg. (224 lb.); general equipment, 11 kg. (24.2 lb.); pilot and passengers, 440 kg. (968 lb.); baggage, 75 kg. (165 lb.). Power loading, 7,61 kg./h.p. (16.8 lb./h.p.); wing loading, 60 kg./m.2 (12.3 lb. /sq. ft.).
   Ceiling, 5,000 m. (16,400 ft.). Flight radius, 450 km. (279 miles).
   As designed for postal and light service operations on air line systems, the 360 T, with slight modifications, will be equipped with a 300 h.p. Gnome-Rhone K.7 engine fitted with a N.A.C.A. cowling. Thus, a commercial load of 670 kg. (1,475 lb.) will be carried, together with 230 kg. (70 gal.) of petrol. This will provide a flight radius of about 600 km. (373 miles). The following performances, when equipped with this engine, have been obtained, unofficially. - Maximum speed, at ground level, 246 k.p.h. (153 m.p.h.); at 1,500 m., 239 k.p.h. (148 m.p.h.); at 2,000 m., 234 k.p.h. (145 m.p.h.). Speed at 1,700 r.p.m., at ground level, 216 k.p.h. (134 m.p.h.); at 1,500 m., 210 k.p.h. (130 m.p.h.). Ceiling, 7,000 m.