Comper CLA 7 Swift G-ACTF .......0198

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Production Pobjoy Swift in 2 tone Red / Silver.

G-ACTF has 5 Cards, includes decals, metal, moulded wheels and fine detailed Pobjoy radial engine. Similar spec for AARX and ABWW. Comprehensive history of Nicholas Comper and the Swift.

COMPER CLA 7 SWIFT. G-ACTF Scarlet Angel.

Manufacturer's Number S 32/9

Our model is a 1 to 25 scale replica of one of the most famous Swift's produced at Hooton Park. It depicts 'Scarlet Angel', Indian aircraft registration VT-ADO, in its livery as now operating with the Shuttleworth Trust from Old Warden Aerodrome.

In 1932 the aircraft was ordered from the Comper Aeroplane Company Limited by Alban Ali, a tea planter in Assam. The aircraft was the ninth of a batch made in 1932, fitted with a Popjoy 'R' engine of 75 HP. After being shipped to India, Alban Ali flew the aircraft from Calcutta to England, on the way competing in the Viceroy's Cup air race in Dehli, making second fastest time for the 699 mile course at a speed of 124 mph. Continuing the flight to England, Ali was forced to land with engine failure in Egypt, from whence the aircraft was shipped on back to England where the aircraft was sold and re-registered as G-ACTF. In 1950 the aircraft was flown into fifth place in the Daily Express air race to establish an FAI class record of 141 mph, a remarkable performance for such a venerable aircraft.

Nick Comper (right) handing over VT-ADO to Alban Ali at Hooton Park in 1932

The aircraft, along with three other Swifts in the United Kingdom, is still in flying order. Until recently, it was privately owned by Alan Chalkley, who during his over ten years of happy custodianship had the aeroplane completely refurbished and went on to compile the first Operator's Manual for the aeroplane. Tango Foxtrot was sold to the Shuttleworth Trust in 1996 making a very important missing link in their collection of pre-war loght aircraft, and is now a most popular performer at Old Warden Aerodrome.

TECHNICAL DATA.

Manufacturer. Comper Aircraft Ltd, Hooton Park Aerodrome,Wirral, Cheshire

First Registered VT-ADO 27/08/32/. G-ACTF from 1934.

Power Plant. Popjoy 'R' 75 HP seven cylinder radial.

Dimensions.

Wingspan 7.315m

Length 5.397m

Height 1.600m

All up weight. 985 lbs 447 kilos

Maximum Speed. 140 mph 225 kph

Performance.

Cruising Speed 120 mph 190 kph

Ceiling 22,000 ft. 6,700m

Initial Climb 1400 ft/min. 70 m/sec

Range (Standard) 380 miles. 610 kilometers.

29 cms Wingspan ............................$40.00 (£19.95)