Thomas-Morse S-4
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The Thomas Brothers S-4 was an American biplane advanced trainer, operated by the Army and Navy.
Built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft in Bath, New York in 1917, it was a compact single-seat open-cockpit biplane of equal span and a 100 hp (75 kW) Gnome rotary.[1]
Designed by Benjamin D. Thomas (the company’s head designer, no relation to the owners),[2] the S-4 made her maiden flight in June 1917 in the hands of Paul D. Wilson. [2] Twelve went to the Navy. [2]
The S-4B, with a 110 hp Gnome, span of 27’ (8.22 m), and length 20’3” (6.17 m)[2] proved more successful, with three prototypes followed by an order of 97 for the Army and ten for the Navy,[2][3] while six more were completed with two main and one tail floats as the Navy S-5. [1][4]
It was supplemented in 1918[2] by the S-4C, at a cost of US$5400 each.[2] Six prototypes were built,[2] and the 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome B-9 [2] was replaced by the "more reliable"[1] 80 hp (60 kW) Le Rhône C-9.[2] with the fifty-second aircraft.[1] Four S-4Cs with floats went to the Navy, and 461 for the Army.[2]
A single aircraft was fitted with new tail and 110 hp (82 kW) Le Rhône, becoming the S-4E aerobatic trainer.[1] It was not adopted, and (fitted with a 135 hp {101 kW} Aeromarine V8]) became Basil Rowe‘s racer Space-Eater.[2]
About sixty surplus aircraft survive in civil service, most fitted with the Curtiss OX-5s.[2]
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[edit] Specifications (S-4C, late production)
Data from Aerofiles, United States Navy Aircraft since 1911 [2][3] ,
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 19 ft 10 in (6.05 m m)
- Wingspan: 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
- Gross weight: 1,330 lb (605 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Le Rhône aircooled rotary, 80 hp (60 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 97 mph (156 km/h)
- Service ceiling: 15,000’ ft (4500 m)
Related lists
[edit] References
[edit] Notes
[edit] Bibliography
- Donald, David, ed. Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, p.875, "Thomas Brothers and Thomas-Morse aircraft". Etobicoke, Ontario: Prospero Books, 1997.
- Swanborough, Gordon and Bowers, Peter. United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. London:Putnam, Second edition, 1976. ISBN 0 370 10054 9.
[edit] External links
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