7/27/2019 Profile - The Schneider Trophy Winning Supermarine
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Two machines of this type represented Great Britain in the
Schneider Trophy Contest at Venice on Sept. 26, 1927. Thesetwo
machines, piloted by FIt. Lt. Webster, A.F.C., and FIt. Lt.
Worsley, R.A.F.; were first and second at average speedsover the
350 km. (217.35 miles) course of 231.65 m.p.h. (450.64 km/h.) and
273.07 m.p.h. (436.912 km/h.)respectively.
The shapes of all parts, such as body and floats, have been
arrived at as a result of lengthy wind-channel tests, and the
cross-sectional areas of these components have been reduced to a
minimum.
The Supermarine wing-surface radiators completely eliminate
radiator drag as their surface is entirely coincident with the
normal surface of the wings.
The main fuel supply is carried in a tank built into the centre
portion of the starboard float and fuel is pumped from thistank up
to a small gravity tank in the fairing of the starboard cylinder
block.
Two of these machines are being used by the High Speed Section
of the R.A.F ., and it was on one of these aircraft; fittedwith a
geared engine, that FIt. Lt. D. D' A. A. Grieg, D.F.C., A.F.C.,
obtained the highest speed ever recorded over a 3km. course of
319.57 m.p.h. (511.312 km.h.).
SPECIFICATION
WINGS - Low-wing, braced monoplane. Bi-convex wing-section, of
medium thickness. Wing structure of wood, consistingof two spars
and normal ribs. Wing covered with In. plywood, over which are
placed the wing radiators. Wings braced
with stream- line wires to top of fuselage and to floats.
FUSELAGE - Oval section. of metal monocoque construction. Built
up of a number of closely-spaced transverse formers,covered with
sheet duralumin, reinforced with longitudinal stringers. Front
portion of fuselage acts as an engine-bearer,the two main bearers,
of box-section, being secured direct to sides of fuselage and
supported by reinforced cradles.
TAIL UNIT - Monoplane type. Fin built integral with fuselage.
All controls internal.
FLOATS - Twin, long, single-step, streamline floats, of
duralumin construction. Built up of one central
longitudinalbulkhead, to which are attached transverse frames,
which are interconnected by light longitudinal members, the
wholebeing covered with duralumin sheet. The centre-section of the
starboard float is built in the form of a petrol tank of steel,
and to balance the machine laterally the whole chassis is
slightly offset, relative to the centre-1ine of the body.
Floatsattached to fuselage by four struts, each pair meeting at a
point under the centre-line of the fuselage.
POWER PLANT - One special Napier Lion racing engine completely
cowled in. Either geared or direct drive engines may befitted
without alteration. Wing radiators and header tank in centre
cylinder-block fairing. Main petrol tank in starboard
float, with auxiliary gravity tank in fairing of starboard
cylinder-block. Total fuel capacity 55 galls. (250 litres).
Oil-coolersset along sides of fuselage.
ACCOMMODATION - Pilot's cockpit situated over trailing-edge of
wing.
DIMENSIONS - Span 26 ft. 9 in. (8.15 m.), Wing area 115 sq. ft.
(10.68 sq. m.).
WEIGHTS - Weight (direct drive engine) 3,100 lbs. (1,407.4 kg.),
Weight (geared engine) 3,250 lbs. (1,475.5 kg.).
PERFORMANCE - Maximum speed 319.57 m.p.h. (511.3 km/h), Landing
speed 90 m.p.h. (144 km/h), Endurance 1.15hours.
![[Crowood Press] [Aviation Series] Supermarine Seafire](https://img.dokumen.tips/doc/110x75/55cf9d38550346d033acbbfc/crowood-press-aviation-series-supermarine-seafire.jpg)
