SUPERMARINE S.24/37
- Carrier-borne
torpedo dive bomber/reconnaissance aircraft designed in response to Specification
S.24/37 to meet OR.53. Two prototypes of Supermarine Type 322 design ordered
in May 1939 for competitive evaluation with Fairey design (Barracuda).
Powered by a 1,300 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 30 (in R1810) or 1,645 hp Merlin
32 (in R1815), the Type 322 - nicknamed Dumbo - featured a high-mounted
wing with variable incidence and full-span leading-edge slats, large slotted
flaps and (later) slotted ailerons. With a crew of three, it was to have
an armament of two 0.303-in (7.7-mm) machine-guns, one in the wing and
one in the rear cockpit, and to carry a Mk XII torpedo or up to 1,500
Ib (680 kg) of bombs. The first prototype flew on February 6, 1943, and
the second soon after, but no production took place, as the Barracuda
was by then already in service. Max speed, 279 mph (446 kmlh) at 4,000
ft (1,219 m). Gross weight, 12,000 Ib (5,454 kg). Span, 50 ft 0 in (15.2
m). Length, 40 ft 0 in (12.1 m).
