Norman Thompson N.T.2B
| Norman Thompson N.T.2B | |
|---|---|
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| |
| Role | Flying Boat Trainer |
| Manufacturer | Thompson |
| Designer | Norman Thompson |
| Primary user |  U.K. (RNAS)
|
| Number built | ~150 [1] |
| Wingspan | 14.7 m (48 ft 4 in)[2] |
| Engine | 160hp Beardmore or 150-200hp Hispano Suiza or 200hp Sunbeam Arab |
| Crew | 2 |
| Max Speed | 137 km/h (85 mph) [1][2] |
| Climb | 610 m (2,000 ft) in 4:00[2]-4:10[1] 2,000 m (6,500 ft) in 16:50[1] 3,000 m (10,000 ft) in 33:40[1]-34:00[2] |
| Service Ceiling | 3,400 m (11,300 ft)[2] - 3,500 m (11,400 ft) [1] |
The Norman Thompson N.T.2B combined lessons learned from the White and Thompson No.3 Flying Boat and F.B.A. flying boats, which had been built under contract. It was intended primarily as a trainer and had dual controls fitted. A variety of engines were mounted, starting with the 160hp Beardmore and proceeding to the 150hp Hispano-Suiza and ultimately the 200hp Hispano-Suiza. The Sunbeam Arab was tried but that engine proved troublesome.
Even at the end of the war there were seventy-nine on charge, with twenty three on active duty at coastal stations. [1]
Production of N.T.2b's never kept up with orders, and engine troubles also contributed to short deliveries. After the war, the firm was bought by Handley-Page, who had little success trying to open the market for light flying boats after the war.[3]
For more information, see Wikipedia:Norman Thompson N.T.2B.
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- J.M. Bruce. British Aeroplanes 1914-18. Great Britain: Funk & Wagnalls, 1957, 1969. ISBN 0370000382
- Heinz J. Nowarra, Bruce Robertson, and Peter G. Cooksley. Marine Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War. Letchworth, Herts, England: Harleyford Publications Limited, 1966. ISBN 0900435070