British Aircraft Cupid
The British Aircraft Cupid, also known as B. A. 3 denotes Cupid, was a light aircraft of the British manufacturer British Aircraft Manufacturing and the third built by the company aircraft. In principle, there is a reduced, two-seat version of the British Aircraft Eagle.
History
Klemm had 25 a light sports aircraft developed in 1927 brought out Klemm Kl, which sold well in foreign markets. Since the aircraft and the United Kingdom found numerous customers, responsible for the UK dealer Major EF Stephen decided to build a company to license production of this type. The British terminal Aeroplane Company evolved from the Klemm Kl 25, the British clamping Swallow. First self-construction of the company was developed by G. Handasyde British clamping Eagle. That the Klemm Kl 32 similar, but equipped with a retractable landing gear aircraft had its first flight in early 1934. The aircraft was primarily aimed at the market of sports and record aircraft. As the Eagle sold quite well, now renamed British Aircraft Manufacturing Company decided to develop a lighter version for the travel and training aircraft market. The Cupid should also replace the Swallow, which was based on a design from the early 1920s. As was the Eagle, the Cupid was designed by George H. Handasyde.
Construction
The Cupid was like all built by British Aircraft Manufacturing Aircraft a wooden structure. The aircraft was designed as a cantilever low-wing monoplane. The wing could be folded back in order to save space during transport and stopping the aircraft easily. In addition, the maneuvering was facilitated on the ground. As a de Havilland Gipsy Major engine came with a power of 130 hp ( about 97 kW) used an in-line engine with hanging cylinders. In contrast to the Eagle Cupid had a fixed undercarriage. Characterized the maximum speed was lower than that of Eagle with the same engine 13 miles per hour. The chassis was disguised. The aircraft was certified for aerobatics. The seats were arranged side by side. A similar configuration Friedrich Fecher elected in 1938 in the Siebel Si 202 Hummel.
Use
The first flight took place in 1935. The Cupid got from all the pilots that they were allowed to fly, good reviews, but was ultimately only one machine built. The originally approved as G- ADLR aircraft was bought by Charles Best and flown by John Armour at the King 's Cup Jubilee Cup Race 1935. The machine then the Prince of Wales, Edward Windsor was offered, but they rejected. Finally, the machine was sold the following year to South Africa, but there never admitted.