Gloster Gamecock
Варианты:
Gloster - Gamecock - 1925 - Великобритания
Страна: Великобритания
Год: 1925


Описание:
Gloster Gamecock
Flight, April 1926
THE GLOSTER "GAMECOCK”
Flight, June 1927
GLOSTER "GAMECOCKS" FOR FINLAND
Flight, July 1928
GLOSTER "GAMECOCK II”
Фотографии

Gloster Gamecock

Самолет Gamecock, построенный по техническому заданию 27/23 Министерства авиации на одноместный истребитель, был еще одним представителем удачного семейства машин Grouse/Grebe. От предшественников он отличался, прежде всего, двигателем Bristol Jupiter, заменившим Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar, надежность которого оставляла желать лучшего. Другие отличия включали усовершенствованные элероны, измененные обводы фюзеляжа и внутреннюю установку двух пулеметов. Впервые взлетевший в феврале 1925 года, Gamecock быстро прошел испытания, по результатам которых изменили конструкцию оперения.
   Доработанный таким образом первый из трех прототипов показал хорошие результаты, достаточные для получения контракта на 30 серийных истребителей Gamecock Mk I. Первый из них поступил на вооружение 23-й эскадрильи в мае 1926 года и нес службу до июля 1931 года. В общей сложности британские ВВС приобрели около 100 Gamecock, включая три Gamecock Mk II с новой центральной секцией верхнего крыла и рядом более мелких усовершенствований. Помимо британских ВВС "Gloster" поставила три Gamecock Mk II Финляндии, где еще 15 самолетов были построены по лицензии в 1929-1930 годах. Получившие название Kukko, эти самолеты несли службу в боевых частях финских ВВС с 1929 по 1935 годы, а затем использовались в качестве учебных. Последний из них был списан в 1941 году.


Вариант

   Gamecock Mk III: Gamecock Mk II, принадлежавший британским ВВС, прошедший доработки и использовавшийся для испытаний на штопор

  
ТАКТИКО-ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ

   Gloster Gamecock Mk I

   Тип: одноместный истребитель
   Силовая установка: один радиальный двигатель Bristol Jupiter VI мощностью 425 л. с. (317 кВт)
   Летные характеристики: максимальная скорость на высоте 1525 м - 249 км/ч; время набора высоты 3050м - 7 мин 35 с; потолок 6705 м; продолжительность полета 2 ч
   Масса: пустого 875 кг; максимальная взлетная 1299 кг
   Размеры: размах крыла 9,08 м; длина 5,99 м; высота 2,95 м; площадь крыла 24,53 м1
   Вооружение: два 7,7-мм пулемета Vickers Mk I по бортам носовой части фюзеляжа

Flight, April 1926

THE GLOSTER "GAMECOCK”
A Single-Seater Fighter With Many Novel Features

   FROM the very beginning of its existence, the Gloucestershire Aircraft Co., of Cheltenham, has concentrated on the production of high-performance aircraft, a type of which their chief designer and engineer, Mr. H. P. Folland, has had very extensive experience since - it seems ages ago now - he took a hand in the design of the S.E.5 at Farnborough during the war. When Mr. Folland joined the British Nieuport Co. a single-seater known as the "Nighthawk" was one of the first results, and although the type came too late to take an active part in the war 1914-18, a great number were built. When Mr. Folland joined the Gloucestershire Aircraft Co. he appears to have convinced Mr. D. Longden, managing director of the company, of the importance of this type, and the policy of that firm has always been one closely associated with the high-performance single-seater, although other types have been successfully produced. Some months ago we gave detailed descriptions, illustrated by sketches and photographs, as well as general arrangement drawings, of two "Gloster" machines which have proved highly successful - the "Grouse" school machine, and the "Grebe" single-seater fighter. The latter has been supplied in large numbers to the Royal Air Force, but is now about to be superseded by a more recent type, the "Gamecock." At the moment it is not possible to give a detailed description of this machine, which is not yet in quantity production, but on a recent visit to the Cheltenham works of the Gloucestershire Aircraft Co., and to their aerodrome at Brockworth, a few miles from Cheltenham, we obtained a series of flying pictures of the "Gamecock," and of a very slightly modified version of it which, being a "civilian" machine and carrying the usual registration letters, may be supplied to foreign governments. In point of fact, we believe that this latter machine is about to be sent on a tour abroad for the purpose of giving demonstration flights, presumably as a result of the Air Ministry decision to allow British aircraft constructors to demonstrate some of the latest machines abroad, and to supply them to foreign air services.
   A detailed description of the "Gamecock" may not yet be given, but the photographs show it to be, as regards outward appearance, a fairly normal single-bay biplane, fitted with Bristol "Jupiter" engine. As a matter of fact, the "Gamecock" is a good deal less orthodox than a casual inspection would indicate, partly aerodynamically, and also in the matter of constructional details. Concerning the former it may, without going into too great detail, be said that it follows the principle, first tried in the "Grouse" and later applied with great success to the "Grebe," of having a thick-section top wing and a medium-section bottom wing. Moreover, the top wing is set at a slightly greater angle of incidence than the lower, the decalage being so chosen that, in conjunction with the difference in characteristics of the two sections used, the combination provides certain very important features.
   For instance, at or near the stalling angle, the two wings contribute almost equally to the lift, and by the special arrangement of the wing tips and ailerons the lateral control is very effective, even at angles beyond the stall. The result naturally is that a low landing speed can be attained, since the lateral control does not become "sloppy" in the region of stalling speed. The wing combination is also such that at climbing speeds, or rather climbing angles, the L/D ratio is good, so that an improved climb is attained. At top speed, on the other hand the wing combination approaches in effect monoplane efficiency, since the lower plane, being set at a smaller angle of incidence than the top plane, contributes but little to the lift and has a very low drag being, of fairly small camber. A further advantage of the particular wing combination used is that travel of the centre of pressure is reduced, with consequent gain in stability, while if great controllability is desired a very short fuselage enables this to be achieved without introducing instability.
   Perhaps a few words concerning the manner in which reduced c.p. travel in obtained may be of interest. At low speeds the two wings, as already stated, contribute almost equally to the lift. In other words, the mean chord, or "equivalent plane," is roughly half-way between the upper and lower wing. At large angles the centre of pressure is, of course, fairly far forward. As the speed of the machine increases, i.e., as the angle of incidence diminishes, the upper wing contributes an increasing proportion of the lift, so that the "equivalent plane" gradually rises towards the upper wing. Meanwhile the centre of pressure moves back with decrease in incidence, but as the upper wing is staggered and the "equivalent plane" moves towards it, i.e., forwards as well as upwards, the c.p. of the whole machine does not move back as far as it otherwise would, and the overall travel is confined within fairly narrow limits.
   While on the subject of the movement of the centre of pressure in the "Gamecock," reference may be made to an impression which appears to have got about to the effect that the machine is somewhat inclined to be tail-heavy at large angles of incidence. It is considered that this is probably due wholly to extra load above specification being carried on the machine. It should be realised that on a small single-seater a variation in military load of from 400 lbs. (pilot and half fuel) to about 1,020 lbs. (pilot, full tanks and a lot of equipment) must necessarily involve a change in trim. We believe the Gloucestershire Aircraft Company has suggested to the Air Ministry that in future designs ballast would be necessary to trim a machine more satisfactorily with such a widely-varying load.
   It is not permissible at the moment to give performance figures for the Gloster "Gamecock," but by way of demonstrating some of the advantages of the particular biplane combination used in the Gloster machines it may be of interest to quote a few figures relating to two earlier types. These are the "Sparrowhawk," with 230 h.p. B.R.2 rotary engine, and the "Grouse," fitted with the same engine. The former had the normal thin-wing section in both planes (R.A.F.15) whereas the latter had thick-section H.L.B.1 in the top plane and medium section H.L.B.2 in the bottom plane. The empty weight of the "Sparrowhawk" was 1,419 lbs. and that of the "Grouse" 1,357 lbs., so that there was a saving in structure weight due to the use of thicker wings. The loaded weights for the two machines were 2,168 lbs. and 2,106 lbs., respectively, while the wing areas were 270 sq. ft. and 205 sq. ft., a not inconsiderable reduction in size. In spite of the heavier wing loading, the "Grouse" has a stalling speed of 47 m.p.h., as compared with 51 m.p.h. of the "Sparrowhawk." The figures for speed at ground level are 125 and 128, and this advantage in speed in favour of the "Grouse" is maintained at altitudes, the figures at 15,000 ft. being 111 m.p.h. and 114 m.p.h., respectively. In climb, also, the modern biplane combination scores, its time to 17,000 ft. being 37-51 minutes, as against 43 minutes. The ceiling is 400 ft. higher, i.e.,19,400 ft. instead of 19,000 ft. Both machines, it should be pointed out, carried the same military load, had the same fuel capacity, and used the same propeller.
   Returning to the Gloster "Gamecock," although little may be said at present concerning some of its more interesting features, it is possible to state that great attention has been paid to details, and that the full merits of the machine cannot be appreciated without taking these into consideration. It has already been intimated that as regards its aerodynamic features the "Gamecock" looks a normal machine, but that there is a great deal of thought and experience behind its aerodynamic design. So also with regard to construction and equipment. The machine is in a general way just a normal single-seater fighter, but the way in which details such as placing of the equipment have been thought out shows the amount of trouble that has been taken to study practical considerations. The "Gamecock" is not just a machine with high performance into which the required equipment has been crammed as best it might. Rather does it give the impression that the arrangement and placing of the equipment was the first consideration, and that around this the machine was designed.
   To give but one illustration of what is meant, it may be stated that much of the equipment carried is mounted on sliding panels which can be pulled out clear of the machine for inspection and adjustment. The machine guns are favourably placed and are accessible without the pilot having to put his hands over the side. Inspection doors are detachable in a few seconds, with nothing of the old-fashioned "meat skewers" about them. Seat and rudder bar are adjustable to suit pilots of various heights. And many other features of which no mention can be made.
   A feature of the "Grebe," and which has been retained in the "Gamecock," is the placing of the petrol tanks in the top plane, the cocks being within reach from the cockpit. The tanks themselves can be changed in a few minutes by undoing four bolts for each tank. One might go on enumerating good features incorporated in the "Gamecock," but sufficient has probably been said to show that the machine merits very close attention, and the specimen which is going abroad for demonstration purposes should help very materially in raising the prestige of British aircraft in foreign countries. A point about which nothing has been said so far is the performance of the machine at altitudes. In this respect also the particular biplane combination seems to score, as will, we think, be realised when it becomes possible to publish the certified performance figures.

Flight, June 1927

GLOSTER "GAMECOCKS" FOR FINLAND

   "THE LAND OF A THOUSAND LAKES," or "Suomi" to give Finland its native name, has comparatively recently commenced seriously to interest itself in the establishment of an Air Force. Once it did decide upon the formation of such a force, however, there were no half-measures about it. It was laid down as a governing principle that in as far as finances would permit, the best obtainable flying material was to be obtained. Finland scores over most other countries, from an air force point of view, in having at the head of its air force men who are all comparatively young, men who are not, therefore, hidebound by ancient traditions in other services, and best of all, men who are practical flying people and who thus know what to aim at, what is good, and, last but not least, what is practical instead of what is mainly of theoretical value. Knowing a little of the history of the Finnish Air Force, one is not surprised to learn that an order has recently been placed by Finland for a batch of Gloster "Gamecock II" single-seater fighters, and thus very shortly the Finnish Air Force, or rather a part of it, will be mounted on really up-to-date machines worthy of the splendid personnel of which the force is composed.
   Before commencing a description of the "Gamecock II," it may be as well to point out that in the general design of this machine one may trace quite easily an ancestry dating back through the Gloster "Grebe," and the Nieuport "Nighthawk" to the S.E.5A, with the design of which latter Mr. H. P. Folland, now Chief Engineer and Designer of the Gloster company, was concerned at the Royal Aircraft Factory (as it then was) of Farnborough. Thus Mr. Folland has had very lengthy experience of designing single-seater fighters, first at Farnborough, then with the British Nieuport Company, and during the last six or seven years with the Gloster Aircraft Company. During that period Mr. Folland has designed, and the Gloster Company produced machines of various other types, it is true, but in the main one may say that the firm has specialised in single-seater fighters or in closely related types such as racing land and seaplanes. The "Gamecock II" therefore represents the accumulated experience of Mr. Folland, his chief assistant, Mr. Preston, and the rest of the technical staff of the Gloster company, and that the Finnish Air Force is not acquiring an experiment but a well-tried type will be realised when we point out that the "Gamecock I" has been in use in the British Royal Air Force for a long time, while the "Gamecock II" as delivered to the R.A.F. is still on the "secret list." In this connection it should be pointed out that the R.A.F. "Gamecock II" differs from the type delivered to Finland mainly in that it is fitted with a British Bristol "Jupiter" Mark VI, while the Finnish machines are equipped with the Gnome-Rhone "Jupiter," which is less powerful, and thus may be expected to give a rather lower performance. Also, the Finnish machines have painted on their sides the Swastika in place of the circles of the British "Gamecocks," but it is not thought that this greatly affects the performance! The machine was demonstrated by Capt. Saint, at the Finnish Air Pageant held at Helsingfors from March 20 to 27 this winter, when it "put up a very fine show" and was greatly admired.
   As the "Gamecock I" will be familiar to many of our readers, perhaps it may be of assistance to outline briefly the main differences between it and the “Gamecock II." To begin with, the fuselages are almost identical, as are also the wings with the exception that instead of the two top plane halves meeting on the centre-line of the machine, attached to a form of cabane, a centre-section has been interposed, supported on struts from the fuselage. This has had the double effect of throwing the two halves of the top plane outwards somewhat, and of very greatly improving the view from the cockpit. As a result of the outward displacement of the top planes, the inter-plane struts have been raked outward, while yet another slight change in the wing arrangement is found in the ailerons, which are of narrower chord in the Mark II machine, and the struts separating them have been moved outward and now occur in the centre of the ailerons.
   Structurally the wings have only been changed in so far as the aileron false spars have been supplanted by spars running the whole span of the wing, giving a more rigid support for the ailerons.
   The "Gamecock II" has been "cleaned up" by altering slightly the proportions of the petrol tanks carried in the top plane. In the Mark I machine these tanks were fairly narrow from side to side, but projected below the aerofoil section considerably. The new tanks of the Mark II are somewhat wider, but lie more nearly flush with the wing surface, so that the drag of them may be assumed to have been reduced a good deal. The wind screen of the "Gamecock II" is of a different type from that of the Mark I, and has been found to disturb the air flow over the tail to a much smaller degree. The result has been that the Mark II machine has better control under all conditions.
   Of the structural features of the "Gamecock II" there is little which need be said. The methods of construction followed throughout are those employed by the Gloster company for several years. The fuselage is the usual girder type, with ash longerons and spruce struts, braced by tierods, while the wings have spruce spars, struts and ribs, and internal tierod drag bracing, with external streamline wire lift bracing. The new centre-section is, however, made of steel in view of the heavy loads imposed upon it.
   The undercarriage is of the oleo-damped type, with rubber rings absorbing landing loads in compression.
   The engine installed in the Gloster "Gamecock II," as delivered to the Finnish Air Force is, as, already mentioned, a Gnome-Rhone "Jupiter," normally developing 420 h.p., and a maximum of 454 at 1,800 r.p.m.
   The two petrol tanks, carried in the top plane and giving direct gravity feed to the engine, have a capacity of 26 gallons each, while the oil tank, housed in the deck fairing aft of the engine, has a capacity of 5 1/2 gallons.
   The load factors to which the "Gamecock II" is designed are 5 1/2 on the rear-wing truss and 7 1/2 on front-wing truss, working to a stress of 5,500 lb./sq. in. for spruce members. The fuselage has a factor of 5 1/2 for front portion, and for rear portion with landing loads. The undercarriage and tail skid have factors of 5.
   Provision is made for fitting 2 Vickers guns lying in the sides of the fuselage and firing "through" the propeller by means of the usual synchronising gear. There is space for 1,200 rounds of ammunition, and if desired racks can be fitted to carry 4 bombs weighing 20 lbs. each.
   The main dimensions of the "Gamecock II" are shown on the accompanying general arrangement drawings. The following itemised weight data may be of interest :-
Power Unit
   lb. kg.
   Gnome-Rhone "Jupiter" 800 364
   Propeller 55 25
   Oil (5 1/2 gallons) 55 25
   Petrol (52 gallons) 595 291
   Piping and exhaust pipes 40 18-2
   Gas starter, magneto, &c. 25 11-35
   Total weight of power unit 1,570 lb. 734-55 kg.

Structure Weight
   Wings, struts and wires 450 205
   Fuselage 172 78-2
   Gun mounts, &c. 25 11-35
   Fins, rudder, tail and elevator 42 19-1
   Controls 26 11-8
   Tail adjuster 6 2-73
   Undercarriage 115 52-3
   Tail skid 8 3-64
   Fairing, cockpit and seat 120 54-5
   Main petrol tanks 50 22-7
   Oil tank and cooler 18 8-2
   Miscellaneous parts 20 9-1
   Total structure weight 1,052 lb. 478-62 kg.

Military Load
   Pilot 180 82
   Electrical equipment 15 6-8
   Oxygen 21 9-55
   Instruments 26 11-8
   Guns, ammunition, sights and C.C. gear 190 86-4
   Total military load 432 lb. 196-55 kg.
   Total loaded weight of machine, 3,054 lb. (1,409 kg).
   Wing loading, 11-6 lb./sq. ft. (56-8 kg./sq. m.).
   Power loading (normal), 7-27 lb./h.p. (3-3 kg./h.p).
   The following performance figures are conservative, based upon the first machine, and have since been considerable improved upon :-
   Maximum speed at sea level 150 m.p.h. 233-7 km./h.
   10,000 ft. 140 „ 221 „
   15,000 ft. 135 „ 204-6 „
   Absolute ceiling, 22,000 ft. 6,770 m.
   Stalling speed at sea level, 50 m.p.h. 80-5 km./h.
   Climb to 10,000 ft. in 7 mins.; to 15,000 ft. in 12-23 mins.

Flight, July 1928

GLOSTER "GAMECOCK II”
One Bristol "Jupiter" Engine

   THE "Gamecock" is a high performance single-seater fighter fitted with Mark VI "Jupiter" air-cooled radial engine of 420 h.p. It forms part of the standard equipment of the Royal Air Force and is one of the fastest and most manoeuvrable machines in the service.
   In the handicap race for the Sassoon Cup in 1927, "Gamecock" machines won first, second and third places, and in the 1928 race also the fastest speed was attained by a "Gamecock" machine.
   It has recently been adopted by the Finnish Air Service and is being manufactured under licence in that country.
   The machine is supplied either in wood or metal or composite structure as required.
   It is exceedingly clean and compact in design, giving exceptional manoeuvrability. The lay-out of the equipment is a striking feature. Accessibility to the engine and all essential parts, by easily removable inspection doors, makes it a machine economical to maintain in service.
   The wings consist of a high lift section upper wing and a medium lift section lower ring of reduced span and chord. The latest version differs from the prototype in that a centre section has been introduced between the upper wings and narrow chord ailerons substituted for the earlier type, giving a much more rigid construction.
   Fuel tanks are situated in the upper wings giving a fool-proof gravity feed.
   The undercarriage is of the oleo type damper action with rubber in compression.
   The armament consists of two Vickers' guns in grooved recesses in the sides of the body firing through the propeller with synchronising gear and 1,200 rounds of ammunition. Provision is also made for fitting racks to carry 4-20 lb. (9 kg.) bombs.
Gloster Gamecock I of No 23 Squadron (1929).
Gloster Gamecock Mk I из 32-й эскадрильи британских ВВС, базировавшейся в Кинли с сентября 1926 по апрель 1928 года. Благодаря превосходной маневренности Gamecock прекрасно подходил для занятий пилотажем.
Classic Flight photograph of Fg Off Howard Saint DSC, Gloster’s chief test pilot, demonstrating Gloster Gamecock II J7910 in February 1928.
FORE! Two views secured some little time ago of the "Gloster Gamecock II" with Bristol "Jupiter" engine at full speed. Our photographer is still with us.
The Gloster Gamecock II prototype, powered by one 425 h.p. Bristol Jupiter VII, being demonstrated for Flight’s photographer in 1927.
Howard Saint takes another swipe at Flight’s photographer while flying Gamecock II J7497 in February 1928.
Classic Flight photograph of Fg Off Howard Saint DSC, Gloster’s chief test pilot, demonstrating Gloster Gamecock II J7910 in February 1928.
Gloster Gamecock II
THE "GLOSTER GAMECOCK II," Bristol "Jupiter" engine, in various attitudes of flight. The pilot on this occasion, some little time ago, was Flying Officer Howard J. T. Saint, D.S.C., chief test pilot to the Gloster Aircraft Company. He is seen in the inset.
IN THE "FLY PAST" at the R.A.F. DISPLAY: The Gloucestershire "Gamecock" single-seater Fighter (400 h.p. Bristol "Jupiter").
The first prototype Gamecock, J7497, after installation of horn-balanced rudder.
Another view of the first Gamecock. It was powered by a Jupiter IV engine.
Gamecock prototype (J7497) had faired Jupiter IV and S.E.5a/Grebe-type fin and rudder.
J7757 was the third prototype Gamecock and was powered by a 425 h.p. Jupiter VI. It was last flown in December 1927.
The Gloster "Gamecock" (Bristol "Jupiter") Although not unlike the Gloster "Grebe" in general appearance, the "Gamecock" incorporates a number of special features, improvements, etc., to which, however, no reference may be made here. Apart from the fact that a Bristol "Jupiter" of the latest type, similar to that which flew 25,000 miles between Croydon and Bristol, is fitted, the "Gamecock" is remarkable for the convenient manner in which its various pieces of equipment are arranged so as to be easily accessible, a feature of the very greatest importance in service work. At present the only squadron equipped with "Gamecocks" is No. 23 (Fighter) squadron, Henlow.
Hooton Air Pageant: Three Gloucester ''Gamecocks" of No.23 (Fighter) Squadron flying past the enclosures in very close formation. They gave a thrilling show of air fighting and aerobatics.
A formation of three 23 Sqn Gamecocks led by J7903 with J7894 nearest the camera. J7903 was lost on November 7, 1929 when it collided with J8409 near Wallington, Surrey.
R.A.F. ITEM: Three R.A.F. Gloster "Gamecocks" flying low in formation. These machines played a prominent part in the Pageant.
Gamecocks J7908, J8090 and J8415 taking part in the Hampshire Air Pageant held at Hamble on May 31, 1928. J8415 collided with Gamecock J8094 over RAF Kenley on March 1 the following year.
Maurice Piercey demonstrating Gamecock J7908 at Brockworth in March 1926. This aircraft was later delivered to 43 Sqn, based at RAF Tangmere from April 1926 until June 1928.
AT BROCKWORTH AERODROME: These three photographs of the "Gloster Gamecock" with Bristol "Jupiter" engine show the machine during a test flight, piloted by Maurice Piercey.
43 Sqn Gamecock I J7908. Based at RAF Tangmere, this Gamecock remained with the squadron from April 1926 until June 1928.
Gamecock J7910 was used for dive and anti-flutter trials by the A&AEE during 1927 and was later converted to Mk II standard. It was powered by a 425 h.p. Jupiter VI radial.
The “WT” markings on this Gloster Gamecock showed that the AID had verified the electrical bonding of metal parts - this took the form of wire connections to prevent the build-up or sudden discharge of static electricity and the consequent risks of radio interference or fire.
Two 23 Sqn Gamecock Is possibly photographed at RAF Kenley. Nearer the camera is J7914, destroyed when it stalled off a steep turn after taking off from Sutton Bank, Lincs on August 14,1929. Behind is J8406.
The No 43 Sqn Gloster Gamecock I J7919, resplendent in black and white check squadron markings, seen at Stag Lane in September 1926, the same year that the type entered RAF service. Apart from No 43 Sqn, based then at Tangmere, the RAF equipped four other squadrons with Gamecocks and took delivery of a total of 82 of these pretty fighters. Mk I and II Gamecocks were powered by the 425 h.p. Bristol Jupiter VII nine-cylinder engine.
43 Sqn Gamecock I J8037. Pennants were often carried by aircraft flown by squadron commanders.
Bill Tomkins' Gamecock before civil conversion. It is being flown by Capt Howard Saint at Hucclecote in August 1928, and has enlarged fin and rudder, lengthened fuselage, additional centre section strutting and parallel chord ailerons. The armament has been retained, and is visible in the fuselage side troughs.
Gamecock I J8073 of 32 Sqn, RAF Kenley, flown by Fg Off A. H. Montgomery in the Sir Philip Sassoon Cup at RAF Northolt on May 26, 1927.
A delightful photograph of 23 Sqn Gamecock Is. J8082 has just been started with the help of a Hucks starter, which is about to attend to the second aircraft.
THE AIR DEFENCE EXERCISES: With No. 23 (Fighter) Squadron, Kenley. The top picture shows a few of the squadron's "Gamecocks" off duty for a few hours, while below is seen a scene immediately after an alarm was received. The Hucks starter got busy without delay.
The full complement of 12 Gloster Gamecocks (Jupiter engines) of No. 23 (Fighter) Squadron at Kenley.
Первым местом службы Бадера стала 23-я истребительная эскадрилья в Кенли, вооруженная бипланами Gloster Gamecock. Бадер проявил исключительное летное мастерство и был выбран для участия в демонстрационных полетах на авиационной выставке в Хендоне в 1931 году. На глазах у 170 000 зрителей Бадер продемонстрировал головокружительный высший пилотаж.
A line-up of four 23 Sqn Gamecock Is. Nearest the camera are J8408, J8041 and J8083. The squadron’s eagle badge (an eagle preying on a falcon) may be seen on the fin of J8408.
"SISKIN" v. "GAMECOCK": The two types represented in the Sassoon Cup: The Gloster "Gamecock" (Bristol "Jupiter") piloted by Sergt. Freeman (Kenley)
Classic Flight photograph of Gamecock I J8409, showing well the 23 Sqn fuselage markings. Sgt Freeman from RAF Kenley takes off from RAF Northolt on May 28, 1929 at the start of the Sassoon Cup race. He came fourth.
Although heavily retouched, this view of Gamecock I J8421 shows well the wing markings of 43 Sqn. After less than a month with this unit, J8421 passed to 23 Sqn.
A standard Gamecock I was given the civil registration G-EBNT, registered to the Gloucestershire Aircraft Company and used as a demonstrator during 1926.
WELL AWAY: This photograph of the civilian version of the "Gloster Gamecock" gives an excellent idea of the general lines. The engine is a Bristol "Jupiter."
Manoeuvrability is a feature of the "Gloster Gamecock" as well as its civilian version, the latter being shown in above photographs. The view of the machine in a steeply-banked turn gives a plan view, while in the inset the machine is seen in front elevation, which admirably illustrates the clean design.
Bill Tomkins taxies G-ADIN prior to its first flight after rebuilding. Note that a spinner has been fitted.
G-ADIN at Sywell, showing the uncowled crankcase and cylinders of the Jupiter engine.
Bill Tomkins, watched by a farm dog, straps on a parachute in preparation for flight.
R.A.F. Gamecock I of No.23 Squadron is shown with standard tail and extra centre-section and wing-tip bracing struts.
Gloster’s successor for the Grebe, evolved to an official specification in the mid-twenties, was the Gamecock, illustrated here in the markings of No 56 Squadron (No 43 Sqdn. ???). Only seven squadrons were equipped with Gamecocks.
A VERY NEAT ENGINE INSTALLATION: In the civilian version of the "Gloster Gamecock" no exhaust pipes are fitted, as the machine is not intended for night flying, and a cowl of very pleasing appearance is fitted. The "spinner" is in the form of a swelling of the propeller boss, and is built integral with it, only the small pointed nose-cap being a separate metal fitment. The undercarriage is of special oleo-damped type.
TWO BROTHERS: On the left the "Gloster Gamecock," with Bristol "Jupiter" engine, as supplied to the British Royal Air Force. On the right the civilian version, which will be used for demonstration purposes abroad. The absence of "whiskers," in the form of exhaust pipes, on the civilian "brother" results in a much cleaner appearance.
THE SERVICE SHARE OF THE MIDLAND PAGEANT: The Gloster "Gamecocks" (Bristol "Jupiter") from No. 43 (Fighter) Squadron, Tangmere, played a prominent part in the Pageant Programme. Our picture shows the machines parked.
THE HAMPSHIRE AIR PAGEANT: A few of the many machines that took part in the programme.
THE SASSOON CUP. The line-up of Siskins and Gamecocks representing 12 Fighter Squadrons.
On the left, Air Marshal Sir John M. Salmond, Air Officer Commanding-n-Chief, Air Defences of Great Britain, and Sir Philip Sassoon, Under-Secretary of State for Air, congratulating Pilot-Officer Montgomery on his victory in the race for the Sassoon Cup. On the right, P/O Montgomery and his fitter and rigger, Leading Aircraftsmen Jenkins and Price. Inset, the machines lined up for the start.
WINNING PILOTS AND MACHINES OF R.A.F. FIGHTER COMPETITION: (Right to Left) F/O C. H. Jones and F/O H. A. Purvis of No. 23 (Fighter) Squadron who won on the Gloster "Gamecocks" (Jupiters) seen in flight and stationary.
Douglas Bader took part in the 1931 RAF Pageant at Hendon where, as a Pilot Officer with No 23 Sqn, he flew synchronised aerobatics in a Gloster Gamecock with Flt Lt H. M. Day. The pair are seen taxiing in, or out, at Hendon in July during their performance. Flight commented: "Altogether the demonstration was very pretty, and the two pilots showed great skill and judgement of speed and distance."
THE SIR PHILIP SASSOON CUP RACE AT NORTHOLT: Three Gloster "Gamecocks" are here shown starting for the race.
THE HAMPSHIRE AIR PAGEANT: Event 3, Flying boat v. Land 'plane. Three Supermarine "Southampton" flew over the aerodrome, at which a formation of 5 Gloster "Gamecocks" ascended and chased them away.
THE MORNING'S PROGRAMME: 4, Start of the altitude race between "Gamecocks" and "Siskins."
MORE BRITISH AIRCRAFT FOR FINLAND: A Gloster "Gamecock" with "Jupiter" engine, one of a batch being built for the Finnish Air Force, being tested by Mr. Saint at the Gloster aerodrome at Brockworth.
STUNTING AT HENDON: The Gloster "Gamecock" resisting gravity over the aerodrome with the help of Flight-Lieut. Horniman.
Bill Tomkins flying over a ploughing team on his farm at Apethorpe in January 1936.
"- TO PLOUGH AND SOW, TO LOOP AND ROLL -." Mr. J. W. Tomkins, a farmer of Apethorpe, Peterborough, Northants, is an aerobatics enthusiast and has bought himself an old Gloster Gamecock fighter and, from the R.A.F., a radial - which looks like an early Mercury or late Jupiter - for ?7. The whole outfit cost him ?25. Sword into ploughshare indeed!
The Gamecock matches its horsepower against that of the ploughing team.
SEEN AT THE HAMPSHIRE AIR PAGEANT: One of Service Events; Flight-Lieut. H. C. Calvey gives a demonstration of Eccentric flying;
WINNER OF THE SIR PHILIP SASSOON CUP: The photo shows Pilot-Officer A. H. Montgomery, of 32 Squadron, Kenley, crossing the finishing line in a Gloster "Gamecock" with Bristol "Jupiter" engine as winner of the race.
A Flight of No. 23 Fighter Squadron catches the Sidestrands of No. 101 B.S. at Andover.
REALISTIC BOMBING AT BIRMINGHAM: One of the R.A.F. Gloster "Gamecocks" bombing the hostile "tank" - a direct hit; Insert, an indirect hit - but not on the tank. This is a hole made by the nose cap of one of the bombs in the fuselage of the Imperial Airways Handley Page, which was busy taking up "joy-riders" during the Pageant.
Individual Aerobatics: Two Gamecocks from No. 23 (Fighter) Squadron gave a fine display.
THE MORNING'S PROGRAMME: 2, Duel between two Gloster "Gamecocks" from No. 23 (Fighter) squadron. The machines were piloted by F/O. F. F. Wilkinson and F O. H. C. G. Dauncey respectively.
THE MARCHIONESS OF TOWNSHEND'S AERIAL FETE: The mimic battle between the Gloucester "Gamecock" and the Vickers "Venture."
EVENT 2. INDIVIDUAL AEROBATICS: This was given by F./O's. C. H. Jones and H. A. Purvis (No. 23 Fighter Sq.) on Gloster-Jupiter Gamecocks. After diving towards each other (as shown below), they zoomed upwards and simultaneously executed the same evolution (as shown above).
THE "SET PIECE" AT THE R.A.F. DISPLAY: An attack by fighters and day bomber on a hostile aerodrome. The views show No. 43 Squadron (Gamecocks) attacking, at low altitude, with machine gun fire and light bombs.
SEEN AT THE HAMPSHIRE AIR PAGEANT: One of Service Events; Flight-Lieut. C. R. Smythe. F. O. C. W. Byas, and Sergt.-Pilot E. H. Wells, give some fine Stunting in Formation on Gloster "Gamecocks."
THE SERVICE SHARE OF THE MIDLAND PAGEANT: The Gloster "Gamecocks" (Bristol "Jupiter") from No. 43 (Fighter) Squadron, Tangmere, played a prominent part in the Pageant Programme. Our picture shows three "Gamecocks" giving a demonstration of close formation flying
HAMPSHIRE AIR PAGEANT: The four R.A.F. Gloster "Gamecocks" flying in formation during their exhibition of drill at the Pageant, flown by Sqdr.-Ldr. C. N. Lowe, Flt.-Lieut. A. C. Collier, and Flying Officers N. A. P. Pritchett and H. C. O. Hayter.
THE SERVICE SIDE: Three Gloster "Gamecocks" of No. 23 Squadron gave a fine display of Aerobatics.
THE GLOSTER "GAMECOCK": For many years this type has been in use by R.A.F. Fighter Squadrons. It is still very popular for demonstrations and practising "Aerobatics." The engine is a "Jupiter."
Many years after the first historical flying meeting at Bournemouth in 1910, this popular resort again held a meeting, two events from which are shown here. On the left, seven machines are seen flying in a race, and on the right three R.A.F. "Gamecocks" give a display.
FORMATION-FLYING EXTRAORDINARY: During the Bournemouth Whitsun Meeting a flight of Gloster "Gamecocks" with Bristol "Jupiter" engines gave some wonderful exhibitions of stunting in formation. They are here seen taking off and carrying out various evolutions.
A FORMATION OF AIRCRAFT TYPES USED FOR INSTRUCTION AT THE CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL: From left to right, Gamecock, Atlas, Moth, III.F, Avro-Lynx, Siskin and Bulldog.
A MIXED GRILL: A formation of seven different types over Wittering, viz., "Gamecock," "Atlas," "Moth," "Fairey III F," "Avro-Lynx," "Siskin," and "Bulldog."
VICKERS "VIRGINIA": Night Bomber, with two Napier "Lion" Engines.
A "Virginia " stunting, while under it and in the background may be seen a "Gloster Gamecock."
THE R.A.F. AT THE BIRMINGHAM PAGEANT: Pilots of No. 43 (Fighter) Squadron added considerably to the brightness of the meeting with their Gloster "Gamecocks" (Bristol "Jupiter"). From left to right are :- P./O. Leech; F./O. H. C. O. Hayter; Flight-Lieut. A. C. Collier; Wing Commander Tyssen, M.C.; Sqdn.-Ldr. C. N. Lowe, M.C., D.F.C.; and F./O. N. A. P. Pritchett.
The fuselage of Gamecock J8047 as it arrived at Manor Farm in May 1934, with Bill Tomkins, centre, and two friends who helped in the reconstruction work,
A happy partnership, Bill Tomkins and friend.
AT THE SIGN OF THE SWASTIKA: Three views of a Gloster "Gamecock II" with Gnome-Rhone "Jupiter" engine recently acquired by the Finnish Air Force.
A Gamecock II in Finnish service.
One of the Gloster Gamecock IIs flown by the Finnish Air Force.
The sample Gamecock GA-38 fitted with locally-designed skis, at the aircraft factory in Suomenlinna on March 9, 1928. Note the short fuselage of Mk I and later Mk II wings.
BRITISH MACHINES IN FINLAND: Finland's Gloster "Gamecock II," on skis.
GA-46 of ‘Lentosotakoulu ’ (Air Fighting School) at Kauhava in early 1943. This machine performed the last Gamecock flight in Finland on July 22, 1944, when it ended up on its back after a landing accident.
GA-43 of ‘Lentolaivue’ 24 under light camouflage netting at Utti during the November 1934 exercises held at ‘Lentoasema’ 1. The aircraft had an experimental splinter camouflage.
In late 1938 the Air Fighting School began to receive the Gamecocks. GA-58 at the Kauhava base on November 21, 1938. The aircraft is wearing standard colours and markings for the late 1930s.
The Gamecock on its back after the undercarriage had collapsed, making it a complete write-off.
KEITH WOODCOCK’S painting depicts Gamecock J8090 of 43 Sqn.
Gloster Gamecock No 32 Squadron RAF
Gloster Gamecock squadron colours. Key to sketches: A Gamecock J8407 of 3 Sqn. B J8408 of 17 Sqn. C J8409 of 23 Sqn. D J8081 of 32 Sqn. E J7908 of 43 Sqn.
Gloster Gamecock Mk I
Gloster Gamecock.
The Gamecock I was essentially an improved Grebe and 90 production examples were supplied to the RAF.
Gloster "Gamecock II" 420 hp Gnome-Rhone "Jupiter" Engine