Brit Westland Wyvern S4 Fighter Aircraft

The wyvern was a mythical monster with the front legs of a dragon and the barbed tail of a snake and, of course, it was one mean creature! The Westland Wyvern was the last fixed-wing aircraft design from the Westland Aircraft Co. and was one of the last prop-driven fighters. It was a very large airplane that was about the same weight as a DC-3 but larger than and twice as powerful as a P-47 Thunderbolt. Its twin,contra-rotating props certainly gave it the same mean appearance as its fictional predecessor. Four converted and 87 new-built aircraft were delivered of the most important Wyvern version, the TF.4, later renamed S.4. The TF.4 had numerous small changes. The recognition characteristic was the cut-off engine inlet, the propeller spinner then protruding much further forward. Small rectangular fins were added to the tailplane, changes were made to the ailerons, Martin-Baker Mk. 2B ejection seats were installed, and the cockpit was reinforced. Later modifications included perforated dive brakes, a flat windscreen, and provisions for tip tanks. Wyvern units were 827, 813, 830 and 831.In November 1956 the 830 and 831 Squadron took part in the Suez campaign. Lenth: 12.8m Wing span/Fold span: 13.41m/6.1m Height/with win tips folded: 4.57m/5.11m Weight empty: 7105kg max: 11115kg Max speed, at sea level: 615km/h at 3050m: 708km/h Service ceiling: 8530m Range: 1465km

WN325 830Sqn,HMS Eagle 1956, Suez; & WL879 813Sqn,HMS Eagle 1958; & WN335 831Sqn,HMS Ark Royal 1957