Armstrong Whitworth A.W.35
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Whitley , United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Armstrong Whitworth A.W.35 Scimitar was a British-designed single-engine biplane fighter developed and manufactured by Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft. A total of four units were produced for the Norwegian Army Air Service, with deliveries completed in 1936.
Design and development
The A.W.35 Scimitar evolved from the earlier Armstrong Whitworth A.W.16 fighter model, featuring an Armstrong Siddeley Panther powerplant. Key modifications included a lowered nose profile along with a larger fin and rudder. The initial prototype (registration G-ACCD) was created by modifying the second A.W.16 airframe and took to the skies for the first time on 29 April 1935.[1] A subsequent prototype (G-ADBL) was developed through conversion of another existing A.W.16.[2]
Operational history
An order for four Scimitars was placed by the Norwegian Army Air Service, accompanied by a licence agreement for local assembly at the Norwegian Army Aircraft Factory located in Kjeller. Following evaluation by the A & AEE at Martlesham Heath towards the end of 1935, these aircraft were delivered to Norway in 1936.[1][2] However, later that year the licence production contract was terminated after it became clear that the aircraft required additional design adjustments to operate effectively on skis. At the onset of the Second World War, the Scimitars continued to serve in a training capacity.[2] When Germany launched its invasion in 1940 during the Norwegian Campaign, all Scimitars were undergoing maintenance and thus were unavailable for combat deployment.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
The second prototype Scimitar remained in Armstrong Whitworth's possession at its Whitley manufacturing facility until it was dismantled in 1958.[3][4]
Operators
Specifications (A.W.35)
See also
References
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- Jackson, A.J. (1974). British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-10006-9.
- Mason, Francis K. (1992). The British Fighter since 1912. Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-082-7.
- Tapper, Oliver (1988). Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft since 1913. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-826-7.