Westland Limousine

Westland Limousine

A light transport aircraft of the 1920s

 

The Westland Limousine was a 1920s single-engined four-seat light transport aircraft built by Westland Aircraft. At the end of World War I, the prospect of an expanding aviation market led Westland Aircraft to design a light transport aircraft for three passengers. It was Westland's first commercial aeroplane and designated the Westland Limousine I. The first aircraft (initially registered K-126, but quickly re-registered G-EAFO) flew in July 1919. A biplane, it was powered by one Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine. The passengers were in an enclosed cabin and the pilot sat in the port rear of the four seats. His seat was higher to enable his head to be raised through the cabin roof. The second aircraft (G-EAJL) was designated the Limousine II and was completed in October 1919.

Both the first and second aircraft were used from September 1920 for two months on an experimental express air mail service between Croydon and Le Bourget. A third aircraft was built and was at first test-flown with a new Cosmos Jupiter engine, but later was fitted with the Falcon III. Another four aircraft were built, two of which were used by Instone Air Line to fly from London to Paris and Brussels.

To enter the Air Ministry's 1920 Commercial Aircraft Competition, the aircraft was re-designed as the larger Limousine III for five passengers. It used the 450 hp Napier Lion engine. The aircraft won the £7,500 Air Ministry prize but only one more aircraft was constructed, which was later operated by Instone Air Line.

The first Limousine III (registered G-EARV) pioneered air transport in Newfoundland when it was operated by the Aerial Survey Company (Newfoundland) Ltd. It was used for seal and fishery spotting including being used on skis. Two of the earlier Limousine IIs were also to end up in Newfoundland. The company operated in Newfoundland until the end of 1923, carrying mail and passengers to remote outposts.





The various Marks of Limousine - all built by Westland, Yeovil

Limousine I - Prototype Falcon III powered aircraft G-EAFO, destroyed in 1925 in a ground collision with a Fairey Fawn at Netheravon.

Limousine II - Four-seat production aircraft (five built).

Limousine III - Larger six-seat version (two built).

 


 

General characteristics
Crew:  One
Length:  33 ft 6 in (10.21 m)
Wingspan:  54 ft 0 in (16.46 m)
Height:  12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
Wing area:  726 ft² (67.5 m²)
Empty weight:  3,823 lb (1,738 kg)
Max takeoff weight:  5,850 lb (2,660 kg)
Powerplant:  1 × Napier Lion 12-cylinder, water cooled, 450 hp (336 kW)
   
Performance
Maximum speed:  118 mph (103 knots, 190 km/h)
Cruise speed: 90 mph (78 knots, 145 km/h)
Range: 520 mi (452 NM, 837 km)
Service ceiling:  12,300 ft (3,750 m)
Rate of climb:   600 ft/min (3.0 m/s)
   
Production  
Number built: Eight.
First flight: July 1919

 

All the above text based on / 'borrowed' from Wikipedia.

 

gallery

 

The Westland Limousine I, K-126, seen at Yeovil in July 1919. It was destroyed in 1925 in a ground collision with a Fairey Fawn at Netheravon.

 

.... and a three-quarter front view of the Westland Limousine.

 

A report in the Western Chronicle's edition of 28 May 1920 extolling the virtues of Yeovil's Limousine and its international travel.

 

The Western Chronicle's edition of 20 August 1920 reporting on the success of the Westland Limousine's speed test.

 


The second aircraft (G-EAJL) was designated the Limousine II and was completed in October 1919.

 

The larger, 6-seat Limousine III.