Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer
The Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer was a military and civilian multi-purpose transport aircraft of the Scottish manufacturer Scottish Aviation. It was the successor of the single engine Pioneer.
History
The Twin Pioneer was a STOL -capable high-wing monoplane with a three-part vertical tail and fixed landing gear, powered by two Alvis Leonides 531 radial engines. The prototype made its maiden flight on 25 June 1955. At the Farnborough Air Show in 1955, the aircraft was unveiled to the public. First, three pre-production models were produced and used as a test aircraft as well as for advertising purposes. In April 1956, then flew the first production machine. After two crashes in 1957, the buttresses had to be revised.
The 33 copy served in 1958 as a prototype of the Series 2 and was equipped at the request of Philippine Airlines and Pratt & Whitney Wasp R -1340 radial engines. A Series 3 aircraft received an improved Leonides Alvis -531 radial engine.
By 1967, 87 units were built. End of 2009, three airworthy machines and 13 as exhibits in museums around the world exist.
Use
The military version that could also carry bombs, served as the first aircraft of the newly created Malaysian Air Force. The Royal Air Force bought 39 machines that were delivered 1958-1959, and put them first in Aden and the Far East.
In addition, some aircraft were to civilian customers. So they served, inter alia, Austria and Switzerland as a survey aircraft.
Versions
- Twin Pioneer Prototype with Alvis Leonides -503 - radial engines
- Twin Pioneer Series 1: production model with Alvis Leonides -514 - radial engines Twin Pioneer CC.Mk 1: Military version of the Series 1 for the Royal Air Force, 32 machines
- Twin Pioneer CC.Mk 2: Military version of the Series 1 for the Royal Air Force, 7 machines