FOLLAND FO.108 -
The Folland FO.108 was designed under the direc-tion of H P Folland to
the requirements of Specification 43/37 for a large flying test-bed in
which to develop high-powered aero-engines. Twelve were built (P1774-P1785)
during 1940, each accommodating pilot and two observers, and upr to 1945
they flew with a variety of engines including Sabre I, II, V and VII,
Hercules VIII and XI, Centaurus IV and various Griffons.
Performance varied
with engine, typical max speeds being 266 mph (428 km/h) at 15,600 ft
(4,755 m) with the Napier Sabre I and 292 mph (470 km/h) at 15,000 ft
(4,572 m) with Centaurus I. Typical gross weight was 15,000 Ib (6,810kg).
Span, 58 ft 0 in (17.68 m). Length, about 43 ft 6 in (13.26m).
