| DH.77 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Interceptor fighter |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | de Havilland |
| Designer | |
| Status | Prototype |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 11 July 1929 |
Thede Havilland DH.77 was a prototypeBritishfighter aircraft of the late 1920s. Intended as a fast climbinginterceptor for Britain'sRoyal Air Force, the DH.77 was a lightweight low-wingmonoplane powered by a relatively low power engine. Despite excellent performance, only one aircraft was built, theHawker Furybiplane being preferred.
In 1927, the BritishAir Ministry, faced with the need to deal with increased bomber performance, issuedSpecification F.20/27 for a single-seat interceptor.[1] Unlike previous fighter Specifications, the resulting aircraft were intended to be short-range (not intended to mount standing patrols), fast climbing high altitude aircraft, carrying a minimum of equipment.[2] To meet this requirement, de Havilland developed as a private venture[3] the DH.77, designed byW.G. Carter, ofGloster Aircraft Company,[note 1] in close collaboration with engine designerFrank Halford.[4] De Havilland chose to concentrate on civilian aircraft in 1930 and the DH.77 (along with the incomplete DH.72 bomber) were turned over to Gloster.[5]
The DH.77 was a small low-winged lightweightmonoplane, of mixed metal-and-wood construction, powered by a 300 hp (224 kW)Napier Rapier air-cooledH-engine, which offered very low frontal area to minimise drag. The wing was braced with distinctive streamlined bracing struts above the wing, while the aircraft had a wide-track fixed tailwheel undercarriage. It was fitted with large spanailerons and astabilator to give good control characteristics and spin recovery. Armament was the normal pair ofsynchronisedVickers machine guns, mounted on each side of the cockpit.[4][6][7]
The single prototype first flew on 11 July 1929 piloted byH.S. Broad.[6] Despite the low power of the Rapier (which gave only 60% of the power of theRolls-Royce Kestrel which powered the competingHawker Hornet), the DH.77 demonstrated excellent performance, reaching 204 mph (328 km/h) (although performance carrying a full military load was less, reaching 185 mph (298 km/h)). It was delivered toMartlesham Heath for evaluation by theAeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment on 12 December 1929. Although the prototype was purchased by the Air Ministry, no production followed, the orders going to the heavier and more powerfulHawker Fury, the production version of the Hornet.[6][8] The DH.77 continued in use at Martlesham until 1934.[9]
Data fromDe Havilland Aircraft since 1909.[9]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
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