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Complexity and Progress in Transport Aircraft*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

N. E. Rowe*
Affiliation:
(Blackburn and General Aircraft Ltd.)

Extract

During my five years from July 1929 at Weybridge the amount that was done was amazing, although the technical and design staffs were microscopic by present-day standards. The types included Vimy, Virginia, Victoria, B.19/27 Night Bomber—all of these were twin-engined—Type 163, 4-engined Night Bomber, a P.V. with tandem engines; Vespa, Vildebeeste Torpedo Bomber and other roles, C.O.W. Gun Fighter, G.4/31 Reconnaissance Bomber (2 versions)—all of these were single engined military machines; Viastra, passenger carrier, Vellore and Vellox Freighters—twin-engined civil aircraft, although Viastra first flew with three engines. All were biplanes with the exception of the C.O.W. Gun Fighter, the Viastra and the second prototype G.4/31 which were monoplanes. Incidentally, the G.4/31 was the first example of geodetic construction, the fuselage being so constructed. My recollection is that Mr. Wallis was responsible for the structural design of this aircraft which had an unusually large aspect ratio. It became the Wellesley, had a most honourable career in the R.A.F. and of course held the world's long distance record for many years.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1958

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