VICKERS F.7/41 - High-altitude
single-seat fighter, initially in compliance with Specification F.22/39
to meet OR.76, but successively revised and redesigned to Specifications
F.I6/40 and F.7/41 (OR. 108). Two prototypes ordered, but only one, DZ217
(Vickers Type 432) completed and flown, starting on December 24, 1942,
at Farnborough. Powered by two 1,060 hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engines,
the Type 432 was to be armed with six 20-mm cannon in a ventral pack,
and have a pressure cabin for the pilot, but the latter feature was never
completed and development was abandoned at the end of 1943. Fewer than
30 flights made by single prototype.
Max speed (design estimate), 440 mph (708 kmlh) at 28,000 ft (8,534 m).
Gross weight, 20,168 Ib (9,148 kg). Span, 56 ft 10'i'2 in (17.34 m). Length,
40 ft 7'12 in (12.38m).
