Miloch
July 20th 19, 02:22 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lat%C3%A9co%C3%A8re_521
The Latécoère 521, was a French six-engined flying boat designed and
manufactured by Pierre-Georges Latécoère. At the time of its completion, it held
the distinction of the largest aircraft to be built in France as well as being
one of the first large passenger aircraft to be capable of flying trans-Atlantic
routes.
First flown on 10 January 1935, the Laté 521 achieved several world records
relating to payload and endurance. It was introduced to passenger service by
national operator Air France, who was able to launch several
previously-unattainable long distance passenger routes. As a civilian aircraft,
the Laté 521 was outfitted as a luxurious airliner, providing a high level of
comfort for up to 72 passengers. Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World
War, the Laté 521 were taken over by the French Navy, who typically operated the
type as a long distance maritime patrol aircraft. None survived the conflict due
to intentional sabotage by the retreating German forces. The Laté 521 was the
basis of the single Laté 522 "Ville de Saint Pierre" civil airliner, and the
three Laté 523 navalized variants.
The Laté 520 featured a large double-decked hull that provided enough space to
accommodate 80 passengers. It featured an all-metal structure, being largely
composed of Duralumin. The hull uses a longitudinal construction approach,
dissipating stress from the skin across its transverse frames. As a measure to
mitigate against potential damage, the hull is divided into seven water-tight
compartments. The stub-wings, which are hinged to the bottom of the hull, each
carry a sponson to provide additional stability upon the water, as well as
housing large fuel tanks and featuring an airfoil section to assist during
takeoff runs. A large number of stiffeners are present throughout the stub-wings
to achieve a relatively stress-resistant construction, conveying and
distributing stresses across the frames and hull spars.
The wing of the Laté 520 comprised a center section and two fabric-covered outer
sections, these being braced to the stub wings. This wing uses a conventional
two-spar design, both the box spars and ribs being made of duralumin. The
structure of the wing is internally braced by a combination of duralumin tubular
tie rods and round high-tensile steel tubing. The rounded wing tips are
supported by lattice-form spars. The statically-balanced ailerons are divided
into three sections, the central ailerons using lattice-form spars while the
outer ailerons have spars composed of round tubing; externally, the ailerons had
fabric coverings. The wing is braced on either side by four inclined Vee-struts;
these bracing struts are faired by shaped duralumin sheeting, internally held by
compact flat plates and U-sections.
In its civilian service configuration, the Laté 521 would transport a maximum of
72 passengers in luxurious conditions. However, typical trans-Atlantic services
would normally only carry around 26 passengers, all of which would be upon the
lower deck. Larger passenger compliments could be carried on the shorter
trans-Mediterranean routes for which the design had originally been envisioned
to serve. On the lower level, there was a salon occupied by 20 armchairs and
tables, along with six deluxe double cabins, each with its own bathroom, and
seating for a further 22 passengers, a kitchen, a bar, a lavatory, and a baggage
hold. Separate compartments for the wireless operator and navigator are also
present on the lower deck. The more compact and narrower upper level of the hull
featured seating for 18 passengers, along with a storage compartment, a second
kitchen and bar, and another lavatory. The forward section of the upper deck is
also where the two flying officers and the commanding officer would be seated.
Directly behind the pilots is where the aircraft's flight engineers would be
stationed, these engineers could directly access all six engines in-flight via
compact walkways housed inside of the wings.
Originally, the Laté 521 was intended to be powered by an arrangement of four
1,200 hp (890 kW) Hispano-Suiza 18Sbr W-18 engines, derived from an existing
racing engine; however, these engines would ultimately never become available.
According, in their place, it was decided to adopt six Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs,
each capable of 890 hp (660 kW), for the first aircraft. This engine switch
involved considerable redesign work and delayed the project's completion.
Controlling these engines posed several difficulties; thus the throttle levels
of the six engines use an integral design involving declutchable tips and
stirrups, which not only eased control difficulties but enhancing the aircraft's
maneuverability on the water as well.
Role
Civil flying boat
Manufacturer
Groupe Latécoère
First flight
10 January 1935
Primary user
Air France
Number built
5 (1x 521, 1x 522, 3x 523)
On 10 January 1935, the first Laté 521 performed the type's inaugural flight.
Following a number of test flights, a highly-publicised demonstration flight was
conducted in December 1935, flying via Dakar, North Africa to Natal, Brazil,
before turning north towards the French West Indies. This long distance flight
was timed to deliberately coincide with the 300th year of French rule in the
Americas. However, tragedy struck when, shortly after having successfully
reached Pensacola, Florida, the aircraft was caught in a hurricane and wrecked.
Having remained intact, the aircraft was salvaged and returned to France by
ship, where it was rebuilt for regular service with national operator Air France
on the trans-Atlantic routes. Prior to Air France's adoption of the Laté 521,
the airline had only been able to carry air mail along some of its long distance
routes, and thus had enabled new passenger services to be launched for the first
time.
During June 1937, the Laté 521 flew non-stop to Natal before returning to France
via the North Atlantic. On 30 December 1937, the type establish a new Fédération
Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) record having carrying a payload of 18040 kg
(39,770 lbs) at an altitude of 2000 meters (6,562 ft) while flying over
Biscarrosse, France. (The FAI Bulletin says it had six 650-hp (485-kW) engines
at the time.) In 1939, the XB-15 set a new landplane payload record of 14135 kg.
needed] Having been equipped with more powerful engines, the Laté 521 conducted
a further four return flights to New York between May and July 1939. During one
of these, pilot Henri Guillaumet flew 5,875 km (3,651 mi) from New York City to
Biscarrosse at an average of 206 km/h (127 mph), including 2,300 km (1,400 mi)
with one engine out.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, the Laté 521 was pressed into service
with the French Navy, all aircraft were attached to the E.6 flotilla, based in
Port-Lyautey, Morocco, where they were used to perform maritime patrol missions
in the North Atlantic. After the Armistice of 22 June 1940 between France and
Nazi Germany, the aircraft was flown to Berre, near Marseilles. The Laté 521
remained at Berre intact up until August 1944 when, following the launch of
Operation Dragoon by the Allies to liberate southern France, the aircraft was
deliberately destroyed by the retreating German occupying forces.
Specifications (Laté 521)
General characteristics
Crew: 5 + cabin crew
Capacity: 30–72
Length: 31.62 m (103 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 49.3 m (161 ft 9 in)
Height: 9.07 m (29 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 330 m2 (3,600 sq ft) + 53m² (570.5ft²) for the sponsons / lower wings
Empty weight: 18,882 kg (41,628 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 40,000 kg (88,185 lb)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 641.3 kW
(860.0 hp) each (final engine fit)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ybrs V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 570 kW
(760 hp) each (interim engine fit)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12N V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 484.7 kW
(650.0 hp) each (original engine fit)
Performance
Maximum speed: 261 km/h (162 mph; 141 kn) at 2,000m (6,562ft)
Cruise speed: 210 km/h (130 mph; 113 kn)
Minimum control speed: 100 km/h (62 mph; 54 kn)
Range: 4,100 km (2,548 mi; 2,214 nmi)
Service ceiling: 6,300 m (20,700 ft)
Rate of climb: 3.7 m/s (730 ft/min)
Time to altitude: 2,000m in 9min
*
The Latécoère 521, was a French six-engined flying boat designed and
manufactured by Pierre-Georges Latécoère. At the time of its completion, it held
the distinction of the largest aircraft to be built in France as well as being
one of the first large passenger aircraft to be capable of flying trans-Atlantic
routes.
First flown on 10 January 1935, the Laté 521 achieved several world records
relating to payload and endurance. It was introduced to passenger service by
national operator Air France, who was able to launch several
previously-unattainable long distance passenger routes. As a civilian aircraft,
the Laté 521 was outfitted as a luxurious airliner, providing a high level of
comfort for up to 72 passengers. Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World
War, the Laté 521 were taken over by the French Navy, who typically operated the
type as a long distance maritime patrol aircraft. None survived the conflict due
to intentional sabotage by the retreating German forces. The Laté 521 was the
basis of the single Laté 522 "Ville de Saint Pierre" civil airliner, and the
three Laté 523 navalized variants.
The Laté 520 featured a large double-decked hull that provided enough space to
accommodate 80 passengers. It featured an all-metal structure, being largely
composed of Duralumin. The hull uses a longitudinal construction approach,
dissipating stress from the skin across its transverse frames. As a measure to
mitigate against potential damage, the hull is divided into seven water-tight
compartments. The stub-wings, which are hinged to the bottom of the hull, each
carry a sponson to provide additional stability upon the water, as well as
housing large fuel tanks and featuring an airfoil section to assist during
takeoff runs. A large number of stiffeners are present throughout the stub-wings
to achieve a relatively stress-resistant construction, conveying and
distributing stresses across the frames and hull spars.
The wing of the Laté 520 comprised a center section and two fabric-covered outer
sections, these being braced to the stub wings. This wing uses a conventional
two-spar design, both the box spars and ribs being made of duralumin. The
structure of the wing is internally braced by a combination of duralumin tubular
tie rods and round high-tensile steel tubing. The rounded wing tips are
supported by lattice-form spars. The statically-balanced ailerons are divided
into three sections, the central ailerons using lattice-form spars while the
outer ailerons have spars composed of round tubing; externally, the ailerons had
fabric coverings. The wing is braced on either side by four inclined Vee-struts;
these bracing struts are faired by shaped duralumin sheeting, internally held by
compact flat plates and U-sections.
In its civilian service configuration, the Laté 521 would transport a maximum of
72 passengers in luxurious conditions. However, typical trans-Atlantic services
would normally only carry around 26 passengers, all of which would be upon the
lower deck. Larger passenger compliments could be carried on the shorter
trans-Mediterranean routes for which the design had originally been envisioned
to serve. On the lower level, there was a salon occupied by 20 armchairs and
tables, along with six deluxe double cabins, each with its own bathroom, and
seating for a further 22 passengers, a kitchen, a bar, a lavatory, and a baggage
hold. Separate compartments for the wireless operator and navigator are also
present on the lower deck. The more compact and narrower upper level of the hull
featured seating for 18 passengers, along with a storage compartment, a second
kitchen and bar, and another lavatory. The forward section of the upper deck is
also where the two flying officers and the commanding officer would be seated.
Directly behind the pilots is where the aircraft's flight engineers would be
stationed, these engineers could directly access all six engines in-flight via
compact walkways housed inside of the wings.
Originally, the Laté 521 was intended to be powered by an arrangement of four
1,200 hp (890 kW) Hispano-Suiza 18Sbr W-18 engines, derived from an existing
racing engine; however, these engines would ultimately never become available.
According, in their place, it was decided to adopt six Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs,
each capable of 890 hp (660 kW), for the first aircraft. This engine switch
involved considerable redesign work and delayed the project's completion.
Controlling these engines posed several difficulties; thus the throttle levels
of the six engines use an integral design involving declutchable tips and
stirrups, which not only eased control difficulties but enhancing the aircraft's
maneuverability on the water as well.
Role
Civil flying boat
Manufacturer
Groupe Latécoère
First flight
10 January 1935
Primary user
Air France
Number built
5 (1x 521, 1x 522, 3x 523)
On 10 January 1935, the first Laté 521 performed the type's inaugural flight.
Following a number of test flights, a highly-publicised demonstration flight was
conducted in December 1935, flying via Dakar, North Africa to Natal, Brazil,
before turning north towards the French West Indies. This long distance flight
was timed to deliberately coincide with the 300th year of French rule in the
Americas. However, tragedy struck when, shortly after having successfully
reached Pensacola, Florida, the aircraft was caught in a hurricane and wrecked.
Having remained intact, the aircraft was salvaged and returned to France by
ship, where it was rebuilt for regular service with national operator Air France
on the trans-Atlantic routes. Prior to Air France's adoption of the Laté 521,
the airline had only been able to carry air mail along some of its long distance
routes, and thus had enabled new passenger services to be launched for the first
time.
During June 1937, the Laté 521 flew non-stop to Natal before returning to France
via the North Atlantic. On 30 December 1937, the type establish a new Fédération
Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) record having carrying a payload of 18040 kg
(39,770 lbs) at an altitude of 2000 meters (6,562 ft) while flying over
Biscarrosse, France. (The FAI Bulletin says it had six 650-hp (485-kW) engines
at the time.) In 1939, the XB-15 set a new landplane payload record of 14135 kg.
needed] Having been equipped with more powerful engines, the Laté 521 conducted
a further four return flights to New York between May and July 1939. During one
of these, pilot Henri Guillaumet flew 5,875 km (3,651 mi) from New York City to
Biscarrosse at an average of 206 km/h (127 mph), including 2,300 km (1,400 mi)
with one engine out.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, the Laté 521 was pressed into service
with the French Navy, all aircraft were attached to the E.6 flotilla, based in
Port-Lyautey, Morocco, where they were used to perform maritime patrol missions
in the North Atlantic. After the Armistice of 22 June 1940 between France and
Nazi Germany, the aircraft was flown to Berre, near Marseilles. The Laté 521
remained at Berre intact up until August 1944 when, following the launch of
Operation Dragoon by the Allies to liberate southern France, the aircraft was
deliberately destroyed by the retreating German occupying forces.
Specifications (Laté 521)
General characteristics
Crew: 5 + cabin crew
Capacity: 30–72
Length: 31.62 m (103 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 49.3 m (161 ft 9 in)
Height: 9.07 m (29 ft 9 in)
Wing area: 330 m2 (3,600 sq ft) + 53m² (570.5ft²) for the sponsons / lower wings
Empty weight: 18,882 kg (41,628 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 40,000 kg (88,185 lb)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ydrs V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 641.3 kW
(860.0 hp) each (final engine fit)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ybrs V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 570 kW
(760 hp) each (interim engine fit)
Powerplant: 6 × Hispano-Suiza 12N V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 484.7 kW
(650.0 hp) each (original engine fit)
Performance
Maximum speed: 261 km/h (162 mph; 141 kn) at 2,000m (6,562ft)
Cruise speed: 210 km/h (130 mph; 113 kn)
Minimum control speed: 100 km/h (62 mph; 54 kn)
Range: 4,100 km (2,548 mi; 2,214 nmi)
Service ceiling: 6,300 m (20,700 ft)
Rate of climb: 3.7 m/s (730 ft/min)
Time to altitude: 2,000m in 9min
*