There is litlle doubt that the German air raid carried out in broad daylight on 13 June 1917 made a strong impression on the British War Office, since London itself had been the target. Only eight days later the decision was made to increase the strength of the Royal Flying Corps to a total of ninety-two squadrons, the majority of these to be day-bomber units with which retaliatory attacks could be made against German targets.
In that same month a new machine, intended to replace the proven de Havilland 4 bomber, made its first flight at Hendon. North London. This new design was the D H.9. described as being faster, and capable of carrying a greater load over an increased range.
Except for a difference in the nose contours, the D.H.9 closely resembled the earlier DM.4 bomber, the alterations to the cowling having been brought about by the early adoption of the new and unproven 230 hp Siddcley engine, a lightened version of the B.H.P. (Beurdmore-llaltord-Pullinger) that powered the first production versions, the new engine, however, soon proved to be incapable of delivering the 300 hp expected of it.
De Havilland DH 9 in Action (Aircraft 164)
Автор: Peter G. Cooksley
Publisher: Squadron/Signal Publications Inc. 1996
Страниц: 52 Pages
ISBN: 0897473655
Язык: English
Формат: PDF
Размер: 15 MB