Gloster Gnatsnapper Aircraft

Production Details

Design Company:

Gloster Aircraft Company, Hucclecote

First Flight:

February 1928

Gnatsnapper I:

2 - Gloster Aircraft

Gnatsnapper II:

2 - Gloster Aircraft (converted from mark I)

Gnatsnapper III:

1 - Gloster Aircraft (converted from mark II)

Type Specification

Applies to:

Gloster Gnatsnapper I

Type:

Deck-landing fighter to specification N.21/26

Wing:

Single bay biplane with staggered, unswept, unequal span wings of metal structure with fabric covering. Ailerons on all four wings

Fuselage:

Round fuselage mounted on lower wing of metal structure with fabric covering

Tail Unit:

Wire braced tailplane at base of single fin with balanced rudder and elevators

Landing Gear:

Crossaxle type main gear attached to fuselage by oleo legs and radius rods. Tail skid

Power Plant:

One 450 hp Bristol Mercury IIA nine-cylinder air-cooled radial in the nose driving a two blade wooden propeller

Accommodation:

Pilot in open cockpit aft of wing

Armament:

Two Vickers guns in troughs on the fuselage sides

Span:

33 ft 6 in

Length:

24 ft 7 in

Height:

10 ft 11 in

Wing Area:

360 sq ft

Empty:

2,970 lb

Loaded:

3,625 lb

Max Speed:

165 mph at 10,000 ft

Climb:

12.2 min to 15,000 ft

Service Ceiling:

20,500 ft

Duration:

5 hr at 15,000 ft

Preserved in British Museums

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