Supermarine Type 553

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Supermarine Type 553
Supermarine Type 553.jpg
RoleSupersonic research aircraft
Manufacturer Supermarine
Statusabandoned
Number built0

The Supermarine Type 553 was a British Mach 2 research aircraft project from 1953 that never proceeded beyond the initial proposal.

Contents

Design and development

The difficulty of achieving Mach 2 flight was realised during the development of the 545, which led to Vickers-Supermarine proposing the 553 with a swept wing that would reduce aerodynamic drag. It was to have been built using aluminium alloy which limited the top speed, and the Air Ministry wanted a twin engine design in which alternative engines could readily be installed, and 553 development was abandoned. Lack of endurance was also cited as a problem. The Bristol 188 was developed instead.

Specifications (Supermarine Type 553)

Data from Buttler, 2000, p.77 & 79 [1]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament
None

See also

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References

Citations

  1. Buttler, 2000, pp.77 & 79

Bibliography