Vickers Type 207 M1 30

The Vickers Aviation Type 207 (sometimes referred to as the Vickers M.1/30) was designed against Specification M.1/30, which sought a carrier-based torpedo bomber to replace the Blackburn T5 Ripon.  It was a single-engine biplane, powered by an 825 hp Rolls-Royce H10 engine (later named the Buzzard IIIMS) which was a twelve-cylinder (V12), liquid cooled engine.

 

The Vickers Type 207 comprised a single bay design, all-metal biplane with folding wings to ease stowage onboard carriers. The wide track of the undercarriage allowed a torpedo to be carried on the fuselage centre-line and this location could also be used to carry a 1,000 lb or 2,000 lb bomb. Alternatively, four 500 lb bombs could be carried beneath the outer wings. A comprehensive equipment list was specified which included an arrestor hook and lifting-gear provisions.

 

The wing spar booms were constructed from a pair of tubular booms made from Duralumin and braced by a series of ‘W’ shaped diagonal web elements. This was similar to the approach used to produce the structural members of rigid airships such as Vickers’ own R-100.

 

The sole prototype Vickers Type 207 M.1/30 (S1641) was flown for the first time at Brooklands on 11th January 1933 with Joseph 'Mutt' Summers at the controls. Around 24 test flights were subsequently made resulting in minor changes. For example, repositioning of the control mass-balances and more significantly, introducing two degrees of dihedral on the upper wing.

 

On 23rd November 1933, the aircraft was due to conduct full-load trials, including a dummy torpedo, in preparation for the planned official trials at Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Martlesham Heath. The aircraft was lost when it suffered structural failure of the starboard wings. The aircraft rolled inverted and broke up, with the fuselage separating from the rest of the structure.

 

Both crew members managed to parachute to safety whilst the dummy torpedo landed in a local church yard.