APPENDIX 6

Some particulars of British and Enemy Aircraft in use in the
Middle East and Mediterranean Theatre during the period of this volume.

The figures in these tables are no more than a general guide to the characteristics and capabilities of each type of aircraft. The performance is affected the climate, the skill of the pilot, the accuracy of navigation, and by the uncertainties of flying in the presence of the enemy. For these reasons a safety margin has to be imposed, so the operational range—not to be confused with the radius of action—is always much less than the still air range. Broadly speaking, after allowing for the running of the engines on the ground and for the climb to the height quoted, the still air range is the distance that can be flown in still air until the tanks are empty.

NOTES:

 (i)  The most economical cruising speed is the speed at which the greatest range is achieved.
   (ii) The height given in column IV is the optimum height for the maximum speed.

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

BRITISH

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at Most
Economical
Cruising Speed

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

Beaufighter
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 2

550

1,515

226 at 15,000 ft.

324 at 11,750 ft.

6 x .303
4 x 20 mm

 

Blenheim Mk. IVF
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 2

466

1,615

170 at 15,000 ft.

266 at 11,800 ft.

7 x .303

 

Fulmar
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

155

820

170 at 10,000 ft.

253 at 10,000 ft.

8 x .303

Fleet Air Arm.

--347--


FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

BRITISH

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at Most
Economical
Cruising Speed

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

Fury
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

50

440

127 at 15,000 ft.

205 at 15,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Gauntlet
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

79

626

118 at 15,000 ft.

225 at 15,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Gladiator
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

83

523

142 at 15,000 ft.

245 at 15,000 ft.

4 x .303


Sea Gladiators of the Fleet Air
Arm were a modified version.

Hurricane Mk. I
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

97

600

180 at 15,000 ft.

316 at 17,750 ft.

8 x .303

 

Hurricane Mk. II
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

  97
183(a)

480
970

200 at 15,000 ft.

342 at 22,000 ft.

12 x .303
or
4 x 20 mm

(a) with two extra tanks

Martlet III (Wildcat)
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

136

1,150

166 at 15,000 ft.

330 at 19,500 ft.

4 or 6 x 0.5

Fleet Air Arm

Tomahawk
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

132
175

695
825

185 at 15,000 ft.

340 at 16,000 ft.

2 x .50
4 x .303

American design and manufacture.

--348--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

BRITISH

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Albacore
Single engine biplane
Crew 2 or 3

521

1 Torpedo
or
1,500 lb

105 at 6,000 ft.

163 at 4,800 ft.

2 x .303

Fleet Air Arm. Figures relate to
use as torpedo-bomber.

Anson
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

660
560

200 lb
360 lb

158 at 6,000 ft.

188 at 7,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Audax
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

470

80 lb

138 at 3,000 ft.

168 at 5,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Battle
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

1,050

1,000 lb

148 at 15,000 ft.

241 at 13,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Blenheim Mk. I
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

920

1,000 lb

165 at 15,000 ft.

265 at 15,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Blenheim Mk. IV
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

1,460

1,000 lb

180 at 15,000 ft.

266 at 11,800 ft.

5/6 x .303

 

--349--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

BRITISH

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Bombay
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 4

1,500

330

(a)
(b)

120 at 10,000 ft.

159 at 10,000 ft.

2 x .303

Transport aircraft
(a) With 10 troops.
(b) With 24 troops.
Could carry up to 2,000 lb.
bombs.

Gordon
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

550

500 lb

115 at 5,000 ft.

137 at 5,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Hardy
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

477

500 lb

115 at 10,000 ft.

156 at 10,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Hartbeest
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

450

568 lb

110 at 11,000 ft.

145 at 11,000 ft.

3 x .303

 

Ju.86
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 6

700

1,160 lb

120 at 8,000 ft.

140 at 6,000 ft.

6 x .303

Figures given are for East African
conditions. Performance differs
from that of the German Ju.86
(military version)

Lysander
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

1,410

500 lb

123 at 10,000 ft.

212 at 4,500 ft.
197 at 15,000 ft.

4 x .303

 

--350--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

BRITISH

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Maryland
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

1,210
1,080

1,500 lb
2,000 lb

176 at 15,000 ft.

278 at 11,800 ft.

8 x .303

American design and manufac-
ture.

Oxford
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

500

160 lb

166 at 5,000 ft.

190 at 10,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Seafox
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

440

200 lb.

106 at 5,860 ft.

124 at 5,860 ft.

1 x .303

Fleet Air Arm.

Skua
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

980

500 lb

157 at 15,000 ft.

212 at 15,000 ft.

5 x .303

Fleet Air Arm fighter dive-
bomber.

Sunderland Flying-Boat Mk.I
Four engine monoplane
Crew 10

1,850
2,425

1,900 lb
Nil

142 at 5,000 ft.

188 at 6,500 ft.

7 x .303

 

Swordfish
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

528

1,500 lb
or
1 Torpedo

103 at 5,000 ft.

139 at 5,000 ft.

2 x .303

Fleet Air Arm torpedo-bomber.

--351--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

BRITISH

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Valentia
Twin engine biplane
Crew 2

367

(a)

104 at 6,500 ft.

111 at 6,500 ft.

None

Transport aircraft.
(a)  with 22 troops.

Vincent
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

726

500 lb

95 at 10,000 ft.

141 at 10,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Walrus
Single engine amphibian biplane
Crew 3

600

500 lb
or
2 depth
charges

95 at 3,500 ft.

135 at 4,750 ft.

1 x .303

Fleet Air Arm.

Wellesley
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

2,250

1,060 lb

133 at 15,000 ft.

206 at 15,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Wellington Mk.I
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 6

2,550
1,200

1,000 lb
4,500 lb

165 at 10,000 ft.

225 at 4,700 ft.
235 at 15,500 ft.

6 x .303

 

Wellington Mk.II
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 6

2,450
1,750
1,400

1,250 lb
3,500 lb
4,500 lb

175 at 15,000 ft.

245 at 7,000 ft.
247 at 17,000 ft.

6 x .303

 

--352--


FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

ITALIAN

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at Most
Economical
Cruising Speed

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

C.R.32
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

80

790

130 at 10,000 ft.

233 at 10,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

C.R.42
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

77

535

150 at 13,100 ft.

270 at 13,100 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

G.50
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

69

530

170 at 14,500 ft.

300 at 14,500 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

M.C.200
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

70

570

170 at 15,000 ft.

310 at 15,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

M.C.202
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

96

445

190 at 18,000 ft.

345 at 18,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

Re.2000
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

146

1,125

175 at 15,000 ft.

320 at 15,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm

 

Re.2001
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

146

900

190 at 18,000 ft.

345 at 18,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm
2 x 7.7 mm

 

--353--


FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

GERMAN

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at Most
Economical
Cruising Speed

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

Ar.196
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

132

600

120 at 6,000 ft.

195 at sea level

3 x 7.9 mm
2 x 20 mm

Used mainly for naval reconnais-
sance. Could carry 220 lb of bombs

Me.109 E
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

88

655

200 at 16,500 ft.

355 at 18,000 ft.

2 x 7.9 mm
2 x 20 mm

 

Me.109 F
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

88

650

200 at 17,000 ft.

395 at 22,000 ft.

2 x 7.9 mm
3 x 20 mm

 

Me.110
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 2

280

930

200 at 18,000 ft.

360 at 20,000 ft.

6 x 7.9 mm
2 x 20 mm

 

--354--


FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

VICHY FRENCH (in Syria)

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at
Cruising Speed

Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed
in Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

Dewoitine 520
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

140

625

310 at 13,000 ft.

330 at 13,000 ft.

1 x 20 mm
4 x 7.5 mm

 

Morane 406
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1

88

500

275 at 13,000 ft.

303 at 13,000 ft.

1 x 20 mm
2 or 4 x
7.5 mm

 

Potez 63
Twin-engine monoplane
Crew 3

175

625

250 at 13,000 ft.

280 at 13,000 ft.

2 x 20 mm
6 x 7.5 mm

Night fighter.

NOTE: The cruising speed given for the French aircraft is normal, not most economical.

 

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

IRAQI

Aircraft

Fuel and Still
Air Range at Most
Economical
Cruising Speed

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Galls.

Miles

 

 

 

 

Gladiator
Single engine biplane
Crew 1

83

523

142 at 15,000 ft.

245 at 15,000 ft.

4 x .303

 

--355--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

ITALIAN

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

B.R. 20
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 4

1,350

2,200 lb

175 at 13,000 ft.

255 at 13,500 ft.

1 x 12.7 mm
2 x 7.7 mm

 

Ca. 311
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3 to 4

1,315

880 lb

120 at 13,000 ft.

260 at 13,000 ft.

4 x 7.7 mm

 

Cant. Z. 501
Single engine flying-boat
Crew 4 to 5

2,450

1,100 lb

85 at sea level

152 at sea level

4 x 7.7 mm

 

Cant. Z. 506
Three engine seaplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,130

1,750 lb

140 at 13,000 ft.

230 at 13,000 ft.

1 x 12.7 mm
3 x 7.7 mm

 

Cant. Z. 1007b
Three engine monoplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,650

1,100 lb

160 at 15,000 ft.

280 at 15,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm
2 x 7.7 mm

 

Ghibli
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3 to 4

  530
1,210

740 lb
  Nil

100 at 3,000 ft.

158 at sea level

3 x 7.7 mm

Reconnaissance and light bomb-
ing.

--356--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

ITALIAN

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Ju.87
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

360

1,100 lb

160 at 15,000 ft.

245 at 15,000 ft.

3 x 7.9 mm

Dive-bomber.

Ro.37
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

1,100
1,295

400 lb
   Nil

120 at 14,000 ft.

200 at 14,000 ft.

2 x 12.7 mm
1 x 7.7 mm

 

S.79
Three engine monoplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,190

2,750 lb

155 at 13,000 ft.

255 at 13,000 ft.

3 x 12.7 mm
2 x 7.7 mm

Used, when modified, as a torpedo
bomber.

S.81
Three engine monoplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,030

2,200 lb

130 at 15,000 ft.

210 at 15,000 ft.

6 x 7.7 mm

 

S.84
Three engine monoplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,360
1,230

1,760 lb
4,400 lb

170 at 15,000 ft.

280 at 15,000 ft.

4 x 12.7 mm

 

--357--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

GERMAN

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

F.W.200
Four engine monoplane
Crew 5 to 7

2,150

3,600 lb

165 at 16,000 ft.

240 at 13,000 ft.

3 x 13 mm
3 x 15/20 mm

Long range reconnaisance air-
craft.

He.111
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 5 to 6

1,510

2,200 lb

180 at 17,000 ft.

240 at 14,000 ft.

7 x 7.9 mm
2 x 20 mm

 

Ju.52
Three engine monoplane
Crew 3 to 4

530-790

Nil

 132 at sea level

 165 at sea level

5 x 7.9 mm

Transport aircraft
Freight: 4,000-5,060 lb.

Ju.87
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

360

1,100 lb

160 at 15,000 ft.

245 at 15,000 ft.

3 x 7.9 mm

Dive-bomber (Stuka)

Ju.88
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 4

1,310

2,200 lb

194 at 16,400 ft.

295 at 14,000 ft.

7 x 7.9 mm
1 x 20 mm

 

--358--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

VICHY FRENCH (in Syria)

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Bloch 200
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 4

1,055

4,400 lb

155 at 13,000 ft.

165 at 13,000 ft.

5 x 7.5 mm

 

Dewoitine 338
Three engine monoplane
Crew 3

965

1,430 lb

175
(height not recorded)

195
(height not recorded)

Nil

Transport aircraft. Could carry 22
troops instead of bombs.

Farman 222
Four engine monoplane
Crew 7

1,120

8,800 lb

175 at 13,000 ft.

190 at 13,000 ft.

3 x 7.5 mm

 

Leo 45
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 4

1,370

3,080 lb

260 at 13,000 ft.

310 at 13,000 ft.

1 x 20 mm
6 x 7.5 mm

 

Loire 130
Single engine flying-boat
Crew 3

500

330 lb

100 at 13,000 ft.

155 at 13,000 ft.

2 x 7.5 mm

 

Maryland
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

1,210
1,080

1,500 lb
2,000 lb

176 at 15,000 ft.

278 at 11,800 ft.

8 x .303

American design and manufac-
ture.

Potez 65
Twin engine monoplane
Crew 3

870

(a)

155 at 13,000 ft.

180 at 13,000 ft.

Nil

Transport aircraft
(a) with 12 troops.

NOTE: The cruising speed given for the French aircraft, except the Maryland, is normal, not most economical.

--359--


BOMBER AIRCRAFT
(including bomber transport and bomber reconnaissance)

IRAQI

Aircraft

Still Air Range
with Associated
Bombload

Most Economical
Cruising Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Maximum Speed in
Miles Per Hour

Armament

Remarks

 

Miles

Bombload

 

 

 

 

Audax
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

470

80 lb

138 at 3,000 ft.

168 at 5,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

Ba.65
Single engine monoplane
Crew 1 to 2

590

880 lb

160 at 13,500 ft.

255 at 16,400 ft.

2 x 12.7
3 x 7.7

Italian ground attack aircraft.

Dragon
Twin engine biplane
Crew 1

500

110 at 1,000 ft.

128 at sea level

Designed in U.K. for transport.
Bombload and armament used by
Iraqi Air Force unknown.

Dragonfly
Twin engine biplane
Crew 1

600

125 at 1,000 ft.

147 at sea level

Designed in U.K. for transport.
Bombload and armament used by
Iraqi Air Force unknown.

Moth
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

300

100 lb

94 at 1,000 ft.

110 at sea level

Designed in U.K. as a trainer.
Armament used by Iraqi Air
Force unknown.

Northrop 8A
Single engine monoplane
Crew 2

910

1,800 lb

200 at 10,000 ft.

255 at 9,000 ft.

5 x .30

Fighter bomber. American manu-
facture.

S.79
Three engine monoplane
Crew 4 to 5

1,190

2,750 lb

155 at 13,000 ft.

255 at 13,000 ft.

3 x 12.7
2 x 7.7

Italian.

Vincent
Single engine biplane
Crew 2

726

500 lb

95 at 10,000 ft.

141 at 10,000 ft.

2 x .303

 

--360--


Contents

Appendix V * Appendix VII


Transcribed and formatted for HTML by David Shepherd for the HyperWar Foundation