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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2018}}
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
| name=Westland Wizard
| name=Westland Wizard
| image=
| image=Westland Wizard.jpg
| caption={{puic|WestlandWizzard 1.jpg|log=2009 May 19}}
| caption=Original Falcon-engined form
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
| type=[[Fighter aircraft]]
| type=[[Fighter aircraft]]
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| manufacturer=[[Westland Aircraft]]
| manufacturer=[[Westland Aircraft]]
| designer=
| designer=
| first flight=November 1926
| first flight=November 1927
| introduced=1928
| introduced=1928
| retired=1928
| retired=1928
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The '''Westland Wizard''' was [[Westland Aircraft]]'s first attempt to produce a [[monoplane]] [[fighter aircraft|fighter]]. The project was privately funded and the [[prototype]] design was done in the spare time of the company's engineers.<ref name="Westland Wizard Mk.II">{{cite web|url=http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Braas/4086.htm|title=Westland Wizard Mk.II|accessdate=2009-01-17}}</ref> This all happened during 1926, with high-speed performance as the primary goal.
The '''Westland Wizard''' was [[Westland Aircraft]]'s first attempt to produce a [[monoplane]] [[fighter aircraft|fighter]]. The project was privately funded and the [[prototype]] design was done in the spare time of the company's engineers.<ref name="Westland Wizard Mk.II">{{cite web|url=http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Braas/4086.htm|title=Westland Wizard Mk.II|accessdate=2009-01-17}}</ref> This all happened during 1926, with high-speed performance as the primary goal.


==Design==
==Design and development==
The [[Umbrella|parasol]] [[monoplane]] design has not been in service with the [[Royal Air Force]] since the days of the [[World War I|First World War]], when a number of [[Morane-Saulnier]]'s were used. Since then the RAF has used single-seater, fighter class [[biplane]]s or at most [[Biplane|sesquiplane]]s.<ref name="FI8">{{cite book|title=Flight Internatational|date=1 November 1928|pages=948}}</ref> Usually the plane's lower wing was significantly smaller than the other wing, either in span, chord, or both. Sometimes the wing was only large enough to support the bracing struts for the upper wing. The [[Westland Widgeon (fixed wing)|Westland Widgeon]], also a monoplane, had influenced the designers in their choice of wing arrangement. There is quite a strong resemblance between the Wizard and the Widgeon. It seems fair that the monoplane wing arrangement got the nod mainly on account of the view, which must be particularly good in the absence of a bottom wing.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} One should remember that [[Westland Aircraft]] had their own [[wind tunnel]]. They most likely carried experiments out to determine the effect of the wing arrangement chosen.<ref name="FI8" />


Development of the aircraft later known as the Westland Wizard began in 1925, when some of the company's engineers drew up, in their spare time, the design for a single seat racing aircraft, the '''Westland Racer'''. This was a [[Parasol wing|parasol]] [[monoplane]], of mixed construction, with a [[Duralumin]] and steel-tube forward fuselage covered with metal and fabric skinning, a wood and fabric rear fuselage and a wooden wing. The [[Westland Widgeon (fixed wing)|Westland Widgeon]], also a monoplane, had influenced the designers in their choice of wing arrangement. After receiving permission from Westland's management, a prototype was constructed, powered by a surplus 275&nbsp;hp (205&nbsp;kW) [[Rolls-Royce Falcon|Rolls-Royce Falcon III]] engine salvaged from the prototype [[Westland Limousine]] transport after the Limousine was wrecked in a taxying accident.<ref name="James p126-7">James 1991, pp. 126–127.</ref>
The Wizard was an all-metal construction, except the wooden wings. Only the prototype's wing was of wood; metal was used in the succeeding aircraft.<ref name="FI8" /> The fuselage consisted of metal [[tubing (material)|tubing]], especially on the square section, although certain highly stressed members were of steel. Westland primarily used [[Duralumin]], because it is a strong [[aluminium]] [[alloy]]. The [[undercarriage]] was of normal type, with the axle running across it. The same [[Shock absorber|shock absorbing]] gear was used in the Wizard as well as all the other well-known Westland aeroplanes.<ref name="FI9">{{cite book|title=Flight Internatational|date=1 November 1928|pages=949}}</ref> It used a medium-pressure [[vacuum chamber]] and oil [[dashpot]] with a tapering [[needle valve]]. An unusual type of a [[tailplane]] [[Aircraft flight control systems|trimming]] gear was also fitted.


The Racer made its maiden flight in the spring of 1926.<ref name="Mason fighter p180-1">Mason 1992, pp. 180–181.</ref> Later that year, however, it was badly damaged in an [[emergency landing]] at Westland's [[Yeovil]] factory. It was decided to rebuild the aircraft as a fighter, with a new, all-metal, fuselage. The Falcon was replaced by one of Rolls-Royce's new F.XI (later known as the [[Rolls-Royce Kestrel|Kestrel]] engines giving 490&nbsp;hp (366&nbsp;kW) in a more streamlined nose, while two [[Vickers machine gun]]s were mounted semi-externally in the fuselage sides. It retained the wooden parasol wing of the Racer, which was mounted close to the fuselage on tandem pylons on the fuselage centreline.<ref name="James p128-9">James 1991, pp. 128–129.</ref><ref name="FI8">''Flight'' 1 November 1928, p. 948.</ref> The [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] was of [[conventional landing gear|tailwheel]] type, while the thick section wing allowed the aircraft's fuel tanks to be buried in the wing, saving space in the fuselage while keeping [[Drag (physics)|wing drag]] low, also allowing a gravity feed to the engine and reducing fire risks. The [[cockpit]] was more or less in line with the trailing edge of the wing. The seat was of such a height that the pilot's eyes were in the neighbourhood of being level with the wing. This enabled him to look either over or under the wing. The height of the seat was adjustable on the ground, and the rudder bar could be set up for two positions to suit different pilots.<ref name="FI9">''Flight'' 1 November 1928, p. 949.</ref>
The monoplane wing had a reasonably thick section, which made it possible to bury the petrol tanks inside them, and the removal of these tanks was very simple. The bolts for the securing clamps were exposed on top and bottom of the wing, so one could remove them easily when necessary. Westland thereby saved fuselage space without adding very much to the [[Drag (physics)|wing drag]], while cherishing the advantages of [[Gravitation|gravity]] fuel feed and the reduction in fire risks.<ref name="FI9" />


The rebuilt aircraft, now known as the Wizard, flew in November 1927.<ref name="James p129">James 1991, p. 129.</ref>
The [[cockpit]] was more or less in line with the trailing edge of the wing. The seat was of such a height that the pilot's eyes were in the neighbourhood of being level with the wing. This enabled him to look either over or under the wing. The height of the seat was pliable on the ground, and the rudder bar could be set up for two positions to suit different pilots.<ref name="FI9" /> The two [[Vickers machine gun]]s, one on each side, were placed with their feed and locks inside the cockpit and within easy reach. In the event of jamming or other non-functioning of the guns, the pilot could see and reach the locks and operating mechanism of both guns without difficulty.


The Wizard was fast and had impressive climb performance, and was tested by the [[Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment]] (A&AEE) at [[RAF Martlesham Heath]] from the end of January 1928. While the A&AEEs test pilots praised the Wizard's performance, they criticised the pilot's forward view and considered the [[aileron]] control loads too heavy.<ref name="James p130">James 1991, p. 130.</ref> During the summer of 1928, the Wizard made its first public appearance at the [[Royal Air Force|Royal Air Force Display]] at [[Hendon]], among the other new single-seater fighters. The Wizard attracted a great deal of attention, mainly because of its clean lines and generally attractive appearance, as well as its unusual layout. (Parasol monoplane designs had not been in service with the [[Royal Air Force]] since the days of the [[World War I|First World War]], when a number of [[Morane-Saulnier]]'s were used. Since then the RAF had used [[biplane]]s or at most [[Biplane|sesquiplane]]s for its fighters).<ref name="FI8"/>
The engine mounting was specially designed so that after removing the [[cowling]], the engine could be lifted out without harassing the fuselage structure. The possibility of fitting a supercharged engine was also kept in mind, and the addition of a supercharger to the Rolls-Royce F.XI engine would require no structural alterations. A retractable [[radiator]] was used, and it extended throughout the floor of the fuselage just behind the rear undercarriage struts. It had been found that this ability of the radiator had the double advantage of offering a minimum [[drag (physics)|drag]] and at the same time keeping the pilot's cockpit well heated.


The [[Air Ministry]] remained interested in the Wizard and gave Westland a contract to further develop the Wizard. It was fitted with a new, all-metal wing of increased span and reduced [[chord (aircraft)|chord]]. In order to improve the view for the pilot, the wing was fitted with a much thinner centre section and was mounted on more conventional cabane strutting. It had new inset ailerons. The engine was also replaced by a [[Supercharger|supercharged]] 500&nbsp;hp (373&nbsp;kW) Rolls-Royce F.XIS. In this form it was known as the '''Wizard II'''.<ref name="James p130"/>
==Development==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:WestlandWizzard 2.jpg|thumb|350px|right|A rear view of the Westland Wizard.{{puic|WestlandWizzard 2.jpg|log=2009 May 19}}]] -->
During the [[prototype]] stages this unarmed, umbrella-shaped monoplane was known as the Racer. The engineers used mingled construction methods to erect the prototype. The Racer was powered by a 275 HP [[Rolls-Royce Falcon|Rolls-Royce Falcon III]], and its [[Flight test|test flight]] took place in November 1926. During 1927 the Racer was forced to do an [[emergency landing]] and was badly damaged. The design was modified and the prototype reconstructed, forming the Wizard. In this newly designed form, the aeroplane consisted mainly of a metal structure, to which a 490 HP [[Supercharger|unsupercharged]] [[Rolls-Royce Kestrel]] [[Water cooling|water-cooled]] engine was fitted. The engine was fitted in a more [[Streamlines, streaklines, and pathlines|streamlined]] [[nose cone]], with a retractable [[radiator]] in the underside of the [[fuselage]]. During late 1927 the Wizard was airborne.


The Wizard II had lower performance than the earlier version, and did not impress the Air Ministry sufficiently for it to override its long standing preference for biplane fighters.<ref name="Westland Wizard Mk.II" />
The Wizard used a similar umbrella-shaped wing such as the Racer. This was mounted close to the fuselage on tandem pylons on the fuselage centreline. The armament consisted of two 7.7&nbsp;mm [[Vickers machine gun]]s which were mounted semi-externally in the fuselage sides. The Wizard's performance, especially its [[rate of climb]], attracted a fraction of the [[List of Air Ministry specifications|Air Ministry's]] concern. Westland got a contract to do flight testing at [[Martlesham Heath]]. At Martlesham Heath they lifted some points in which the Wizard should improve. One was the fact that the pilot's forward view was unacceptable. Westland then redesigned and fitted a new wing with a changed platform outboard. The new platform had a thinner centre section and had new [[Aileron|inset ailerons]]. It was also mounted on more conventional cabinet strutting. The engine was also replaced with its superior model, the [[Supercharger|supercharged]] 500 HP [[Rolls-Royce Kestrel|Kestrel II]].


==Specifications (Mk.II)==
During the summer of 1928, the Wizard made its first public appearance at the [[Royal Air Force|Royal Air Force Display]] at [[Hendon]], among the other new single-seater fighters.<ref name="FI8" /> The Wizard attracted a great deal of attention, mainly because of its clean lines and generally attractive appearance. The production of a modern service type for the R.A.F. is largely a utilities competition. One should also remember that many a designer has failed to get his machine accepted, not because its performance was inferior to that of other types in the same class, but because one of the utilities was not as good as the corresponding one on another machine.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}}
[[File:Westland_Wizard_3-View_L'Air_January_1,1929.png|thumb|Westland Wizard 3-View drawing from L'Air January 1,1929]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=The Westland "Wizard".<ref name="FI950">''Flight'' 1 November 1920, p. 950.</ref>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length ft=26
|length in=10
|length note=
|span ft=39
|span in=6
|span note=
|height ft=9
|height in=4
|height note=
|wing area sqft=238
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=RAF 34<ref name="James p127">James 1991, p. 127.</ref>
|empty weight lb=2467
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=3326
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|68|impgal|USgal l|0}} fuel ; {{cvt|5|impgal|USgal l|0}}
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce F.XI]]
|eng1 type=V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine
|eng1 hp=490
|eng1 note=


|prop blade number=2
The Wizard was sometimes known in its final form as the Wizard II. In this new form it featured a decrease in performance, and failed to gain enough of the confidence of the Air Ministry for the Ministry to change its policy towards monoplane fighters. The plane failed to meet the expectations, and only one prototype, with serial number J 9252, was built.<ref name="Westland Wizard Mk.II" />
|prop name=fixed-pitch propeller

|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
==Specifications (Mk.II)==
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:WestlandWizzard Diagram.jpg|350px|right|{{puic|WestlandWizzard Diagram.jpg|log=2009 May 19}}]] -->
|prop dia note=
{{aircraft specifications
<!--
|plane or copter?=plane
Performance
|jet or prop?=prop
-->
|ref=Flight International.<ref name="FI950">{{cite book|title=Flight International|date=1 November 1928|pages=950}}</ref>
|max speed mph=188
|crew=
|max speed note=at {{cvt|10000|ft|0}}
|capacity=
|cruise speed mph=
|payload main=
|cruise speed note=
|payload alt=
|stall speed mph=
|payload more=
|stall speed note=
|length main=8.2 m
|never exceed speed mph=
|length alt=26 ft 10 in
|never exceed speed note=
|span main=12.05 m
|range miles=
|span alt=39 ft 6 in
|range note=
|height main=2.83 m
|combat range miles=
|height alt=9 ft 4 in
|combat range note=
|area main=22.1 m2
|ferry range miles=
|area alt=238 ft2
|ferry range note=
|airfoil=
|endurance=30 minutes at ground level ; plus 2 hours at {{cvt|15000|ft|0|}}
|empty weight main=1120 kg
|ceiling ft=17500
|empty weight alt=2467 lb
|ceiling note=<ref name="James p132">James 1991, p. 132.</ref>
|loaded weight main=1510 kg
|climb rate ftmin=1945
|loaded weight alt=3326 lb
|climb rate note=at {{cvt|10000|ft|0}}
|useful load main=
|time to altitude=
|useful load alt=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|max takeoff weight main=
|wing loading note=
|max takeoff weight alt=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|max takeoff weight more=
|power/mass=
|more general='''Duration''': 30 minutes at ground level, plus 2 hours at 15,000 ft (4570m)
|more performance=
|engine (jet)=
<!--
|type of jet=
Armament
|number of jets=
-->
|thrust main=
|guns= 2 × [[Vickers machine gun]]s
|thrust alt=
|bombs=4 × 20 pound [[Explosive material|high explosive]] bombs.
|thrust original=
|afterburning thrust main=
|afterburning thrust alt=
|thrust more=
|engine (prop)=[[Supercharger|Supercharged]] [[Rolls-Royce Kestrel|Rolls-Royce Kestrel II]]
|type of prop=
|number of props=1
|power main=500 HP
|power alt=373 kW
|power original=
|power more=
|propeller or rotor?=<!-- options: propeller/rotor -->
|propellers=
|number of propellers per engine=
|propeller diameter main=
|propeller diameter alt=
|max speed main=303 km/h
|max speed alt=188 mph
|max speed more=
|cruise speed main=
|cruise speed alt=
|cruise speed more
|stall speed main=
|stall speed alt=
|stall speed more=
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|never exceed speed alt=
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|range alt=
|ferry range main=
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|ceiling main=
|ceiling alt=
|climb rate main=1945 ft/min
|climb rate alt=9.88m per second
|loading main=
|loading alt=
|thrust/weight=
|power/mass main=
|power/mass alt=
|more performance=*[[Fuel tank|'''Fuel capacity''']]: 68 gallons (310 litres)<br />
*'''Oil capacity''': 5 gallons (22.7 litres)
|armament=
* '''Guns:''' 2× [[Vickers machine gun]]s, with [[Signal lamp|Aldis sight]].
* '''Bombs:''' 4× 20 pound [[Explosive material|high explosive]] bombs.
|avionics=
}}
}}


Line 140: Line 130:


==References==
==References==
{{commons category|Westland Wizard}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* James, Derek N. ''Westland Aircraft since 1915''. London:Putnam, 1991. ISBN 0 85177 847 X.
* James, Derek N. ''Westland Aircraft since 1915''. London:Putnam, 1991. {{ISBN|0-85177-847-X}}.
* Mason, Francis K. ''The British Fighter since 1912''. Annapolis, Maryland, USA:Naval Institute Press, 1992. {{ISBN|1-55750-082-7}}.
*"[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1928/1928%20-%201026.html The Westland "Wizard":Rolls-Royce F.XI Engine]". ''[[Flight International|Flight]]'', 1 November 1928, pp. 948–950.
*"[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1928/1928%20-%201026.html The Westland "Wizard":Rolls-Royce F.XI Engine]". ''[[Flight International|Flight]]'', 1 November 1928, pp.&nbsp;948–950.
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


{{Aviation lists}}
{{Westland aircraft}}
{{Westland aircraft}}


[[Category:Westland aircraft]]
[[Category:Westland aircraft|Wizard]]
[[Category:Single engine aircraft]]
[[Category:1920s British fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Propeller aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:British fighter aircraft 1920-1929]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1927]]
[[Category:Parasol-wing aircraft]]

Latest revision as of 18:17, 7 October 2022

Westland Wizard
Original Falcon-engined form
Role Fighter aircraft
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Westland Aircraft
First flight November 1927
Introduction 1928
Retired 1928
Status Retired
Number built 1

The Westland Wizard was Westland Aircraft's first attempt to produce a monoplane fighter. The project was privately funded and the prototype design was done in the spare time of the company's engineers.[1] This all happened during 1926, with high-speed performance as the primary goal.

Design and development[edit]

Development of the aircraft later known as the Westland Wizard began in 1925, when some of the company's engineers drew up, in their spare time, the design for a single seat racing aircraft, the Westland Racer. This was a parasol monoplane, of mixed construction, with a Duralumin and steel-tube forward fuselage covered with metal and fabric skinning, a wood and fabric rear fuselage and a wooden wing. The Westland Widgeon, also a monoplane, had influenced the designers in their choice of wing arrangement. After receiving permission from Westland's management, a prototype was constructed, powered by a surplus 275 hp (205 kW) Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine salvaged from the prototype Westland Limousine transport after the Limousine was wrecked in a taxying accident.[2]

The Racer made its maiden flight in the spring of 1926.[3] Later that year, however, it was badly damaged in an emergency landing at Westland's Yeovil factory. It was decided to rebuild the aircraft as a fighter, with a new, all-metal, fuselage. The Falcon was replaced by one of Rolls-Royce's new F.XI (later known as the Kestrel engines giving 490 hp (366 kW) in a more streamlined nose, while two Vickers machine guns were mounted semi-externally in the fuselage sides. It retained the wooden parasol wing of the Racer, which was mounted close to the fuselage on tandem pylons on the fuselage centreline.[4][5] The undercarriage was of tailwheel type, while the thick section wing allowed the aircraft's fuel tanks to be buried in the wing, saving space in the fuselage while keeping wing drag low, also allowing a gravity feed to the engine and reducing fire risks. The cockpit was more or less in line with the trailing edge of the wing. The seat was of such a height that the pilot's eyes were in the neighbourhood of being level with the wing. This enabled him to look either over or under the wing. The height of the seat was adjustable on the ground, and the rudder bar could be set up for two positions to suit different pilots.[6]

The rebuilt aircraft, now known as the Wizard, flew in November 1927.[7]

The Wizard was fast and had impressive climb performance, and was tested by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at RAF Martlesham Heath from the end of January 1928. While the A&AEEs test pilots praised the Wizard's performance, they criticised the pilot's forward view and considered the aileron control loads too heavy.[8] During the summer of 1928, the Wizard made its first public appearance at the Royal Air Force Display at Hendon, among the other new single-seater fighters. The Wizard attracted a great deal of attention, mainly because of its clean lines and generally attractive appearance, as well as its unusual layout. (Parasol monoplane designs had not been in service with the Royal Air Force since the days of the First World War, when a number of Morane-Saulnier's were used. Since then the RAF had used biplanes or at most sesquiplanes for its fighters).[5]

The Air Ministry remained interested in the Wizard and gave Westland a contract to further develop the Wizard. It was fitted with a new, all-metal wing of increased span and reduced chord. In order to improve the view for the pilot, the wing was fitted with a much thinner centre section and was mounted on more conventional cabane strutting. It had new inset ailerons. The engine was also replaced by a supercharged 500 hp (373 kW) Rolls-Royce F.XIS. In this form it was known as the Wizard II.[8]

The Wizard II had lower performance than the earlier version, and did not impress the Air Ministry sufficiently for it to override its long standing preference for biplane fighters.[1]

Specifications (Mk.II)[edit]

Westland Wizard 3-View drawing from L'Air January 1,1929

Data from The Westland "Wizard".[9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 26 ft 10 in (8.18 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m)
  • Wing area: 238 sq ft (22.1 m2)
  • Airfoil: RAF 34[10]
  • Empty weight: 2,467 lb (1,119 kg)
  • Gross weight: 3,326 lb (1,509 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 68 imp gal (82 US gal; 309 L) fuel ; 5 imp gal (6 US gal; 23 L)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce F.XI V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 490 hp (370 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed fixed-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 188 mph (303 km/h, 163 kn) at 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
  • Endurance: 30 minutes at ground level ; plus 2 hours at 15,000 ft (4,572 m)
  • Service ceiling: 17,500 ft (5,300 m) [11]
  • Rate of climb: 1,945 ft/min (9.88 m/s) at 10,000 ft (3,048 m)

Armament

See also[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Westland Wizard.
  1. ^ a b "Westland Wizard Mk.II". Retrieved 17 January 2009.
  2. ^ James 1991, pp. 126–127.
  3. ^ Mason 1992, pp. 180–181.
  4. ^ James 1991, pp. 128–129.
  5. ^ a b Flight 1 November 1928, p. 948.
  6. ^ Flight 1 November 1928, p. 949.
  7. ^ James 1991, p. 129.
  8. ^ a b James 1991, p. 130.
  9. ^ Flight 1 November 1920, p. 950.
  10. ^ James 1991, p. 127.
  11. ^ James 1991, p. 132.
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