Thomas Brothers T-2

T-2
Role
National origin United States of America
Manufacturer Thomas Brothers
Designer Benjamin D. Thomas
First flight 1914
Introduction 1915
Primary users Royal Naval Air Service
United States Navy
Number built 25 (T-2), 15 SH-4

The Thomas Brothers T-2 was an American-built biplane which served with the Royal Navy.

Built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft in Bath, New York, in 1914,[1] it was the creation of Benjamin D. Thomas (later the company's chief designer), based on his Curtiss JN-4 (which it resembles),[2] and used the 90 hp (67 kW) Austro-Daimler.[1]

Twenty-four aircraft, in two batches, were provided to the Royal Naval Air Service,[3] the Austro-Daimler being replaced by a similar-horsepower Curtiss OX-5[3]

An additional fifteen,[3] differing in being fitted with floats in place of wheels, a 100 hp (75 kW) Thomas[3] among other engines[2] in place of the OX-5, and three-bay wings spanning 44 ft (13.41 m),[2] were sold to the United States Navy as the SH-4.[3] at US$7,575 each.[2]

Operators

SH-4
 United Kingdom
 United States

Specifications (T-2)

Data from General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors [4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 26 ft 0 in (7.92 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
  • Wing area: 350 sq ft (33 m2)
  • Empty weight: 1,075 lb (488 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,972 lb (894 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled V8 engine, 90 hp (67 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 83 mph (134 km/h, 72 kn)
  • Time to altitude: 10 min to 3,800 ft (1,200 m)

See also

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b Aerofiles retrieved 9 April 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d Aerofiles:SH-4 retrieved 9 April 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Donald, p.875.
  4. ^ Wegg 1990, p.18.
Bibliography
  • Donald, David, ed. Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, p. 875, "Thomas Brothers and Thomas-Morse aircraft". Etobicoke, Ontario: Prospero Books, 1997.
  • Wegg, John. General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors. London:Putnam, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.