Author: Terry

Portsmouth Aerocar Major

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The prototype Portsmouth Aerocar Major G-AGTG was flown on June 18, 1947 when it was exhibited at the1947 SBAC Show held at Radlett, UK.

It was powered by two Blackburn Cirrus Major Series III engines of 155hp each. The retractable undrcarriage was pneumatically operated, and the manufacturer envisioned both ski and float versions as well. The pod and boom layout and its multi-role capability attracted much interest, despite the fact that the prototype was somewhat under powered or over weight. But after a promising start, financial backing for full development and production was not forthcoming, and by the latter part of 1948 the Aerocar project was abandoned following re-structuring of the Portsmouth Aviation Company. It was scrapped in 1950.

Gallery

Portsmouth Aviation Ltd / J. Samuel White & Co / Wight Aviation

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J. Samuel White & Co, boatbuilding company at Cowes, Isle of Wight, which in 1914 constructed to the design of Harris Booth, of the Air Department, the largest aeroplane then built in Britain, the AD 1000 three-engined torpedo-bomber. Also built Short 184s under subcontract and designed and built aircraft under name of Wight Aviation.

Founded in 1932 as Wight Aviation Ltd to operate an air services to the Isle of Wight. Repaired military aircraft during Second World War. Built prototype of Aerocar twin-boom high-wing six-seat aircraft, flown in 1947; not put into production.

Porterfield 35-70 Flyabout

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G-AEOK 20 August 1939

The Wyandotte High School, Kansas City KS, USA, built 2 or 3 Pup in 1932. The last one was sold to Porterfield Aircraft and introduced at the 1935 Detroit Air Show as the Porterfield Flyabout with a 70hp LeBlond.

The Porterfielf 35-70 was a tandem two seater powered by a 70 hp Le Blond radial engine.

The 35-70 was certificated in the USA in May 1935. Around 200 were built.

Engine: 5 cylinder 70hp radial
Seats: 2

Porterfield CP-50 Collegiate / FP-50 Collegiate / FP-60 Collegiate / CP-65 Collegiate / FP-65 Collegiate / Rankin Collegiate

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CP-50

The 1937 CP-50 Collegiate (ATC 690) prototype was NC21953. Fifty were built, priced at $1,495, or $1,695 for the deluxe version with dual mags, brakes, tail wheel.

Porterfield CP-50 NC25576

The Porterfield CP-65 of 1940 (ATC 720) sold for $1,665, or $1,895 for the deluxe version with dual mags, brakes, tail wheel.

Porterfield CP-65 NC27270

Rankin Aircraft was founded to market an improved version of the prewar Porterfield CP-65, as Collegiate two-seat lightplane for $15,000 in 1984.

CP-50 Collegiate
Engine: 50hp Continental A-50
Wingspan: 34’9″
Length: 22’6″
Useful load: 436 lb
Max speed: 102 mph
Cruise: 91 mph
Stall: 32 mph
Range: 270 mi
Seats: 2

CP-65 Collegiate
1940 (ATC 720)
Engine: 65hp Continental A-65
Wingspan: 34’9″
Length: 22’8″
Useful load: 500 lb
Max speed: 110 mph
Cruise: 100 mph
Stall: 32 mph
Range: 300 mi
Seats: 2

FP-50 Collegiate
1941 (ATC 690)
CP-50 with 50hp Franklin 4AC.

FP-60 Collegiate
1941 (ATC 720)
FP-50 with 60hp Franklin 4AC
$1,560.

FP-65 Collegiate
1940 (ATC 720)
CP-65 with 65hp Franklin 4AC
$1,590.