Supermarine Nighthawk
The P.B.31E Nighthawk, the first project of the Pemberton-Billing operation after it became Supermarine Aviation Works Ltd., was a prototype anti-Zeppelin fighter with a crew of three to five and an intended endurance of 9–18 hours. It was first flown in February 1917 with Clifford Prodger at the controls.[1]
Design and development
The Nighthawk had six-bay swept quadraplane wings and a biplane tailplane with twin fins and rudders. The fuselage filled the gap between the second and third wings; the cockpit was enclosed and heated.
For armament, it had a trainable nose-mounted searchlight, a 1½-pounder (37 mm) Davis gun mounted above the top wing with 20 shells, and two .303 in (7.7 mm) Lewis guns. Power for the searchlight was provided by an independent petrol engine-driven generator set made by ABC Motors, possibly the first instance of a recognisable airborne auxiliary power unit.[2]
Operational history
Although touted as being able to reach 75 mph (121 km/h), the P.B.31E prototype only managed 60 mph (97 km/h) at 6,500 ft (1,981 m) and took an hour to climb to 10,000 ft (3,048 m), which was totally inadequate for intercepting Zeppelins.[3] Given the Anzani engine's reputation for unreliability and overheating, it is unlikely that the aircraft would have delivered the advertised endurance either.
Specifications (Prototype)
Data from The British Fighter since 1912[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Four (2 pilots, 2 gunners)
- Length: 37 ft (11.28 m)
- Wingspan: 60 ft (18.29 m)
- Height: 17 ft 8½ in (5.39 m)
- Wing area: 962 ft² (89.2 m²)
- Empty weight: 3,677 lb (1,671 kg)
- Loaded weight: 6,146 lb (2,794 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Anzani 9 cylinder radial engine with four blade propellers, 100 hp (75 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 121 km/h)
- Time to 10,000 ft (3,050 m): 60 min
- Endurance: 9 - 18 hours (theoretical, unproven)
- Guns: One 1½ pdr Davis gun and one Lewis gun above upper wing, and one Lewis gun in the nose
References
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- Notes
- Bibliography
- Andrews, C.F. and E.B. Morgan. Supermarine Aircraft since 1914. London: Putnam, 1987. ISBN 0-85177-800-3.
- Bruce, J.M. Warplanes of the First World War, Volume Three: Fighters. London: Macdonald, 1969. ISBN 356-01490-8.
- Mason, Francis K. The British Fighter since 1912. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1992. ISBN 1-55750-082-7.
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