Supermarine Seagull (1948)
| Supermarine Seagull | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Flying boat |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
July 14, 1948 |
| Number of pieces: |
2 (and an unfinished copy) |
The Supermarine Seagull was a successor to the Supermarine Walrus and the Sea Otter . As early as 1922, Supermarine gave a variant of the Seal the name Seagull for the first time .
development
In October 1940 the British Air Ministry issued the specification p. 12/40 to Supermarine and Fairey for an amphibious reconnaissance and observation aircraft that could be stowed on ships and should replace the successful Walrus and Sea Otter flying boats. In 1943, Supermarine was finally awarded the contract to build three prototypes .
In 1944 the specification in p. 14/44 was changed and a sea air rescue and reconnaissance aircraft was required (this led, among other things, to the omission of the weapon tower). By giving up the condition of keeping the machine below deck, the dimensions could be increased and the more powerful Griffon engine could be used. The official military designation was now Seagull ASR Mk. I
The first prototype flew on July 14, 1948, the second on September 2, 1949. The aircraft carrier tests took place in the same year on the Ark Royal and the Illustrious , with the restraint devices being tested in particular on carrier landings. In the 1950s, however, helicopters took over the sea air rescue; In 1952, all Seagulls were scrapped.
construction
Originally, the model was to be built as both a monoplane and a biplane . In the end one decided to commit to the monoplane. In order to still achieve the desired properties (very low demolition speed, carrier suitability), the aircraft was equipped with a special wing with a variable angle of attack (similar to the later Vought F-8 Crusader from 1955), slats and large wing flaps. This technique was previously tested with the Supermarine Type 322 Dumbo and gave the Seagull a stall speed of less than 100 km / h. At higher speeds, an optimal wing angle also increased the range.
The all-metal flying boat ( riveted Alclad sheet metal) was designed as a high-decker ; The radiator and the air intake of the engine (originally Rolls-Royce Merlin 30) were housed in the clad strut.
Technical data (Type 381 Seagull ASR.I)
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 3 |
| length | 13.45 m |
| span | 16.00 m |
| Height (with the tail lowered) | 4.77 m |
| Wing area | 39.95 m² |
| Empty mass | 4767 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 6577 kg |
| Rate of climb | 436 m / min in 2133 m * |
| Top speed | 418 km / h at 3596 m *
377 km / h at sea level * |
| Service ceiling | 7223 m * |
| Range | 1409 km * |
| Maximum flight time | 6.5 h * |
| Engine | a Rolls-Royce Griffon 29 with 1840 hp |
* estimated performance data
See also
literature
- CF Andrews, EB Morgan: Supermarine Aircraft since 1914 , Putnam & Company, 1981, ISBN 0-370-10018-2
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Flugzeug Classic, July 2013, p. 68