Vickers No 7 Monoplane

The Vickers No.7 Monoplane returned to the same configuration as the No.5 Monoplane. It accomodated the two occupants, seated in tandem and featured two-skids and a four-wheel undercarriage as used on the earlier machines. Power was provided by a 100 hp Rolls-Royce Gnome rotary engine driving a three-blade propeller.

 

The tail surfaces were again modified, with a fixed fin ahead of a re-shaped, unbalanced rudder. The Gnome engine was supported by a front mounting, with the upper part of the engine being cowled, presumably to prevent hot oil being thrown into the face of the front seat occupant.

 

The Vickers No.7 Monoplane was flown for the first time by Robert Barnwell at Brooklands on 1st January 1913. However, this aircraft was later reported to have been turned over by a student pilot on 4th October 1913, after which nothing more is heard of it. It is assumed that the company decided not to repair it for further use.