Avro 642 Eighteen
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1910 in United Kingdom |
| Products | Aircraft |
Template:Infobox aircraft The Avro 642 Eighteen was a British monoplane airliner developed in the 1930s. Only two units were produced: one configured with twin engines and the other equipped with four engines.[1][2] Initially, the aircraft featured a circular, partially glazed nose section, which was later replaced by a more conventional design. The wing structure was derived from the Avro 618 Ten, itself a licensed version of the Fokker V.II.
The twin-engine model remained operational until it was lost early in World War II, around 1942. Meanwhile, the four-engine variant served in British India until its retirement in 1940.
Development
Following on from the Avro 618 Ten, the Avro 642 Eighteen was designed as a larger aircraft but incorporated a modified wing from the Avro Ten.[1] The wing was positioned at shoulder height with engines mounted directly on it, combined with a newly designed, larger fuselage.[1] Upon completion of the design in February 1933, it stood as Avro’s largest aircraft to date.[1] The fuselage consisted of a welded steel frame covered with fabric, accommodating sixteen passengers along with baggage space and a lavatory.[1] Its wooden nose section originally included a semi-circular glazed front which was subsequently replaced by a traditional windscreen.[1] The wooden wing was engineered to support any engine from the Armstrong-Siddeley range; the initial aircraft was fitted with two Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar VID engines driving four-blade propellers.[1]
With an order placed by Midland and Scottish Air Ferries, the first aircraft neared completion by December 1933.[1] Registered as G-ACFV, it underwent official performance testing at Martlesham Heath before returning to Woodford Aerodrome for nose modifications.[1] On 6 April 1934, G-ACFV was delivered to its customer and subsequently flown to Castle Bromwich to transport Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and Secretary of State for Air Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, 7th Marquess of Londonderry.[1] With these dignitaries aboard, G-ACFV flew to Speke Aerodrome near Liverpool where they inaugurated a new air route connecting Glasgow, London, and Belfast. During this event, Lord Londonderry christened the aircraft The Marchioness of Londonderry. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and his party were flown to Heston Aerodrome in London.[1]
The second unit was commissioned by the Viceroy of India, Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon, and completed in November 1934. It featured four Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IVC engines and elongated rectangular windows along each fuselage side.[1]
Operational history
Beginning on 6 April 1934, the Eighteen entered service alongside other aircraft on the Glasgow-London-Belfast route after acquisition by Midland and Scottish Air Ferries.[1] In May 1935, G-ACFV changed ownership to Brian Allen Aviation and was utilized by several affiliated companies, including Commercial Air Hire based in Croydon, which employed the aircraft for continental newspaper delivery operations during 1935–1936, as well as Air Dispatch Ltd.[1] Commercial Air Hire primarily conducted pleasure flights and excursions, whereas Air Dispatch operated a daily newspaper route between London and Paris, supplemented by weekend passenger services. To accommodate increased freight demands, the aircraft was modified with an enlarged loading door.[1] The last flight under Commercial Air Hire occurred in June 1936—a sightseeing journey around the RMS Queen Mary. Subsequently, the aircraft was sold twice under the registration VH-UXD to W. R. Carpenter & Co. Ltd. in Australia and later to Mandated Airlines of New Guinea; both operators used the plane for mail transport. The aircraft was ultimately destroyed in New Guinea on 21 January 1942 during Japanese military actions.[1]
The four-engine model, registered as VT-AFM, was delivered in India on 12 December 1934 and bore the name Star of India.[1] Under an agreement with the Indian Government, Indian National Airways managed its operation and maintenance when the Viceroy did not require it.[1] In 1937, the Royal Air Force assumed control of the aircraft, designating it L9166, for use by AHQ India; it was dismantled in Delhi in 1940.[3] Reports indicate that the performance of this four-engine variant was suboptimal and potentially hazardous due to diminished wing area caused by the additional "power-eggs".[4]
Variants
- 642/2m
- Equipped with two Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar VID engines rated at 450 hp (336 kW) each, mounted on the wings; one unit produced.[1][2]
- 642/4m
- Fitted with four Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engines delivering 215 hp (160 kW) each; a single aircraft built.[1][2]
Operators
Specifications (641/2m)
See also
References
Bibliography
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