Bristol Fighter terminal velocity dive

Greedy · 10 May 2011, 07:07 PM

Im trying to recall where I read about a terminal velocity dive being done in a Bristol Fighter. The text explained that the airspeed indicator went around the dial twice. It may have been in combat or testing I can't recall. Does anyone know about this incident? Apparently the speed was estimated at 200 plus mph.
More info would be appreciated.
Greedy

totalspoon · 10 May 2011, 07:32 PM

I don't know if this will help,

From "Pi in the Sky" by Capt William Harvey, a Flight Commander of 22 Squadron

"From the observed behaviour of the ASI which circled two and one third times before breaking, the speed of a Bristol dived with full engine was calculated by the wise men at Filton at between 234 and 245 mph, possibly a world speed record for an aircraft which returned. This machine survived a sharp pullout. The rigging was somewhat deranged and the steel main member of the tail distorted."

Tim

TeamStewart · 10 May 2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totalspoon

the speed of a Bristol dived with full engine was calculated by the wise men at Filton at between 234 and 245 mph,

I'd love to know what the observer thought of that trip.

Greedy · 10 May 2011, 09:13 PM

Thanks,
That is the reference I recall reading. It wasn't in "Pi in the Sky" but must have been quoted in another book. I must look out for a copy.
Greedy

totalspoon · 10 May 2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

I'd love to know what the observer thought of that trip.

When in comes to long-suffering observers paired to dare devil pilots, the ultimate example has to be Lt. Kelsore from 49 squadron...

REMINISCENCES OF THE D.H. BIPLANES OF 1917 18
BY VICTOR A WEBB

"While working from the outskirts of Dunkirk it had been found necessary to lock the throttle of our 4's so that only three quarter throttle could be used. The Norwich sergeant pilot, already mentioned (ed - for looping his DH4), objected to this, so before taking the air he always adjusted his carburettor control so as to get full range.

Once, when returning from a raid, a Hun got on to his tail, and he could not shake him off. He put his 4 into a dive, but after a short burst of speed the Fiat motor left the fuselage. He flattened out and told his observer to climb over the front and hang on to the engine bears, to improve the trim. This he did, and in this manner, with alternate dives and stalls the 4 was brought down. When still up at a fair height, however, the observer jumped, or fell off and broke a leg, but the pilot made a pancake landing and suffered only a broken nose, which was not so bad after losing an engine at 20,000 ft."

Three words
BALLS OF STEEL...

Tim