Vultee V-1
The Vultee V-1 was a single-engine quick transport and business aircraft of the U.S. manufacturer's Airplane Development Corporation from the 1930s. The production version of V -1A could carry two pilots and up to eight passengers. From the laid-out as a low-wing all-metal aircraft, a prototype, two special models and 24 production models were produced.
History
1932 presented the aircraft designer Gerard Vultee the draft of a novel, made entirely of metal fast passenger aircraft. After he had reached with the airlines with great interest, he founded the Airplane Development Company. The production initially took place in Burbank, but was later to Glendale, also in California, relocated.
The prototype was used according to the procedures carried out on February 19, 1933 First flight for extensive flight tests that were completed after one year. The changes subsequently made included a broader and lengthened fuselage, a larger span, the installation of a second pilot seat and a number of smaller improvements. In July 1934, the revised model V -1A was admitted. In the same month the extradition of eight V- 1A and the prototype of American Airlines began.
With the advent of twin-engine and thus a higher security promising models Boeing 247 and Douglas DC -2, the airlines lost their interest in the V -1. It was sold in the aftermath of businessmen, who were impressed by their high speed. One of these aircraft set a new speed record in 1936, when, the flight from New York to the vicinity of London in less than 19 hours. A more motorized special version was produced for the publisher William Randolph Hearst as a V- 1AD. This aircraft remained as a single and is now in the Virginia Aviation Museum.
Sixteen aircraft were sold to the two parties of the Spanish Civil War and used after their conversion as bombers, transporters and reconnaissance. Another model called V- 1AS was created in 1936 by order of the Soviet Union and was designed as a seaplane with twin floats.
Construction
The outer skin of the aircraft consisted of individual strips riveted aluminum sheet, which could be easily replaced if damaged. The V-1 had a retractable spur wheel chassis. When driving a radial engine Wright Cyclone served with a three -blade propeller. The performance was enhanced by the availability of new engine variants from 560 kw at the first production models to 735 kw at the V- 1AD.
The prototype had only a pilot seat. At the request of airlines offering series models were given a two-man cockpit. The cabin had an oval cross section and was designed for eight people.