Westland Limousine

Westland Aircraft

Industry	Aviation
Founded	1915 (1915)
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Aircraft

Template:Infobox aircraft The Westland Limousine was a British light transport aircraft from the 1920s, featuring a single engine and seating for four passengers, constructed by Westland Aircraft.

History

File:Westland Limousine (Rolls-Royce Falcon) L'Année Aéronautique 1919-1920.jpg

Limousine II

Following the conclusion of World War I, Westland Aircraft anticipated growth in the aviation sector and developed a light transport biplane designed to carry three passengers. This marked Westland's inaugural commercial aircraft, named the Westland Limousine I. The prototype, initially registered as K-126 and soon re-registered as G-EAFO, completed its maiden flight in July 1919. Powered by a single Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine, the design featured an enclosed cabin for passengers while the pilot occupied a raised seat at the rear left side, allowing his head to extend through an opening in the cabin roof. The second unit, bearing registration G-EAJL, was designated Limousine II and finished construction in October 1919.

Beginning in September 1920, both the initial and second aircraft were deployed for a two-month trial of an express air mail service operating between Croydon and Le Bourget. A third example was produced and initially tested with a new Cosmos Jupiter engine but was later refitted with the Falcon III powerplant. Subsequently, four additional units were built; among these, two served with Instone Air Line, flying routes connecting London with Paris and Brussels.

File:Westland Limousine III (Napier Lion) L'Année Aéronautique 1920-1921.jpg

Limousine III

To compete in the Air Ministry's 1920 Commercial Aircraft Competition, Westland redesigned the aircraft into the larger Limousine III, accommodating five passengers and powered by a 450 hp Napier Lion engine. This model secured the £7,500 prize awarded by the Air Ministry. Despite this success, only one additional Limousine III was built, which later operated under Instone Air Line.

The first Limousine III (registration G-EARV) played a pioneering role in air transport within the Dominion of Newfoundland through its use by the Aerial Survey Company (Newfoundland) Ltd., associated with Sidney Cotton. It was employed for seal and fishery reconnaissance missions, including operations on skis. Additionally, two earlier Limousine II aircraft were also transferred to Newfoundland. The company continued operations there until late 1923, providing mail delivery and passenger services to isolated locations.

Aircraft

Limousine I

The initial prototype of the Falcon III series, designated G-EAFO, was powered and met its end in 1925 following a ground collision with a Fairey Fawn at Netheravon.

Limousine II

This model featured seating for four passengers and saw a production run of five units.

Limousine III

A larger iteration accommodating five occupants, with only two examples constructed.

External links

• Initial contemporary coverage on the Limousine I including photographs.
• Technical overview of the Limousine I from the period, featuring images and schematics.