Time Period: Pre-WW1
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Type: Monoplane, Trainer Aircraft
Manufacturer: Vickers
Vickers Boxkite Aircraft Overview
The Vickers Boxkite, also known as the Vickers R.E.P. Type Monoplane or Vickers Experimental No. 1, was a British biplane aircraft designed and built by Vickers Limited in 1910. It was an early example of a successful aircraft design and played an essential role in the early years of aviation.
The Boxkite was a two-seat biplane with a wooden frame and fabric covering. It was powered by a 50-horsepower Gnome rotary engine, which gave it a top speed of around 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) and a ceiling of around 2,000 feet (610 meters). The aircraft was constructed using a combination of steel tubing and wooden struts, with the wings braced by wires.
The Vickers Boxkite was notable for being the first aircraft to be produced in significant numbers, with over 100 examples being built. It was used for a variety of purposes, including training, experimental flights, and even some limited passenger services. The aircraft’s stability and ease of handling made it a popular choice for novice pilots.
The Boxkite was also used by the British military during World War I, primarily for reconnaissance and training purposes. A number of modified versions were produced, including the Vickers Gunbus, which was armed with a machine gun and used for ground attack.
Overall, the Vickers Boxkite was an important aircraft in the early history of aviation, and helped establish the importance of stable, reliable aircraft design in the years leading up to World War I.
Vickers Boxkite Specifications
- Powerplant: One 60 – 80 hp Wolseley eight-cylinder engine.
- Span: 40 ft 0 in.
- Maximum Weight: 2,660 lb.
- Capacity and Armament: Pilot and gunner; one Vickers machine gun fired from the front cockpit.
- Maximum Speed: 70 mph at sea level (estimated).
- Endurance: 4 hr 30 min (estimated).