Vickers 161

[Johnbr]

The Type 161 flew for the first time on 21 January 1931. Further flight trials produced some modifications, largely to improve yaw stability. The rudder was broadened and rounded at the top, and small fins were added above and below the tailplane at the boom mounting point. There were also alterations to the geometry and gearing of the elevator trim tabs: it has been suggested that the Type 161 may have been the first aircraft to have had in-flight adjustable elevator trims. In September 1931 it went to RAF Martlesham Heath for trials, where no serious problems emerged and pilot's reports were positive. The gun firing tests went well, with no detriment to airframe or performance. Despite that, neither the Type 161 or its competitor the Westland C.O.W. Gun Fighter were ordered and no more was heard of the aerial COW gun


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 23 ft 6 in (7.16 m)
• Wingspan: 32 ft 0 in (9.75 m)
• Height: 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
• Wing area: 270 ft2 (25.1 m2)
• Empty weight: 2,318 lb (1,051 kg)
• Gross weight: 3,350 lb (1,520 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Bristol Jupiter VIIF 9-cylinder radial, 530 hp (395 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: (at 10,000 ft, 3,048 m) 185 mph (298 km/h)
• Rate of climb: (to 10,000 ft, 3,048 m) ft/min (8.76 m/s)

Armament

• 1× 37 mm (1.46 in) COW automatic gun

 

[Schneiderman]

A COW gun was installed in the nose of the Blackburn Iris flying boat in the early 1930s and was considered for installation in the aircraft to spec. R.2/33 (Sunderland)