Westland Wizard: Difference between revisions
→Design and development: Wizard I |
→Design and development: more rewrite, removed duplication and reduce possible copyvio |
||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
==Design and development== |
==Design and development== |
||
Development of the aircraft later known as the Westland Wizard began in 1925, when some of the companies 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 steel-tube forward fuselage covered with metal and fabric skinning, a wood and fabric rear fuselage and a wooden wing. After receiving permission from Westland's management, a prototype was constructed, powered by a surplus 275 hp (205 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> |
Development of the aircraft later known as the Westland Wizard began in 1925, when some of the companies 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 hp (205 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 Racer made its maiden flight in Spring 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 hp (366 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 |
The Racer made its maiden flight in Spring 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 hp (366 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 [[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 fusealge 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 rebuilt aircraft, now known as the Wizard, flew in November 1927.<ref name="James p129"> James 1991, p. 129.</ref> |
|||
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]]. |
|||
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 Wizrd'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 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 had used [[biplane]]s or at most [[Biplane|sesquiplane]]s for its fighters).<ref name="FI8"/> |
|||
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"/> 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" /> |
|||
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 [[Supercharger|supercharged]] 500 hp (373 kW) Rolls-Royce F.XIS. In this form it was known as the '''Wizard II'''.<ref name="James p130"/> |
|||
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 Wizard II had lower performance than the ealier version, and did not impress the Air Ministry sufficiently for it to over-ride its long standing preferance for monoplane fighters. <ref name="Westland Wizard Mk.II" /> |
|||
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 [[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 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. |
|||
<!-- 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 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}} |
|||
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" /> |
|||
==Specifications (Mk.II)== |
==Specifications (Mk.II)== |
||
Revision as of 21:11, 15 April 2010
| Westland Wizard | |
|---|---|
| Role | Fighter aircraft |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Westland Aircraft |
| First flight | November 1926 |
| 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
Development of the aircraft later known as the Westland Wizard began in 1925, when some of the companies 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 Spring 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 fusealge 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 Wizrd'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 has 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 ealier version, and did not impress the Air Ministry sufficiently for it to over-ride its long standing preferance for monoplane fighters. [1]
Specifications (Mk.II)
Data from The Westland "Wizard".[9]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Airfoil: RAF 34[10]Fuel capacity: 68 gallons (310 litres)
- Oil capacity: 5 gallons (22.7 litres)
Performance
- Endurance: 30 minutes at ground level, plus 2 hours at 15,000 ft (4570m)
Armament
- Guns: 2× Vickers machine guns
- Bombs: 4× 20 pound high explosive bombs.
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- ^ a b "Westland Wizard Mk.II". Retrieved 2009-01-17.
- ^ James 1991, pp. 126–127.
- ^ Mason 1992, pp. 180–181.
- ^ James 1991, pp. 128–129.
- ^ a b Flight 1 November 1928, p. 948.
- ^ Flight 1 November 1928, p.949.
- ^ James 1991, p. 129.
- ^ a b James 1991, p.130.
- ^ Flight 1 November 1920, p. 950.
- ^ James 1991, p.127.
- ^ James 1991, p.132.
- 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.
- "The Westland "Wizard":Rolls-Royce F.XI Engine". Flight, 1 November 1928, pp. 948–950.