Armstrong Whitworth AW.16 (AW.XVI)

1930 GOLDEN AGE WORLD WAR 2

• 1 Armstrong Whitworth AW. 16 (AW. XVI) History
• 2 Armstrong Whitworth AW. 16 (AW. XVI) Specification
  • 2.1 Basics
  • 2.2 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.3 Performance
  • 2.4 Weapon

Armstrong Whitworth AW. 16 (AW. XVI) History

In the 1920s, the Royal Air Force sought modernization of its fighter fleet, leading to the development of the AW. 16 by Armstrong Whitworth. This aircraft, designed to meet the F9/16 specification, featured a traditional single-seat, single-engine biplane configuration with fixed landing gear and an open-air cockpit. Despite its conventional design, the AW. 16 incorporated some advancements, such as unequal span wings and a radial piston engine powering a two-bladed propeller. Armament consisted of two Vickers machine guns for combat capability.

Despite facing challenges during testing, including engine and handling issues, development of the AW. 16 continued. Armstrong Whitworth produced a second prototype with improvements, but struggled to market it to Western countries due to its obsolescence compared to contemporary designs. Only a few modified versions, known as the "Scimitar," were produced and operated in Norway. However, the AW. 16 found a niche in China, where it served in the Guangxi Air Force and later with the Chinese Kuomintang Air Force during World War II.

Although the AW. 16's service in Western markets was limited, its significance lies in its unexpected deployment in China. At least 16 examples of the AW. 16 were produced in 1931 and saw action during World War II, showcasing the aircraft's adaptability and longevity beyond its original design intentions. Despite its challenges and limited success in the West, the AW. 16 left a lasting legacy as a part of China's aviation history.

Armstrong Whitworth AW. 16 (AW. XVI) Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1930

Origins: UK

Status: Retirement

Crew: 1

Production: 18

Manufacturer: Armstrong Whitworth - UK

Operators: China (Taiwan); Guangxi Air Force (China)

Air-to-air combat, fighter: The general ability to actively attack other aircraft of similar form and function, usually using guns, missiles and/or airborne missiles.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 25.0 feet (7.62 m)

Width/span: 33. 0 feet (10.05 m)

Height: 11.5 feet (3.50 m)

Cured weight: 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg)

MTOW: 3,527 lbs (1,600 kg)

Wgt Difference: +728 lbs (+330 kg)

Performance

Installed: 1 x Armstrong Siddeley Panther IIA 525hp 14-cylinder radial piston air-cooled engine driving a propeller unit mounted forward of the two blades.

Maximum speed: 199 km/h (320 km/h | 173 kn)

Maximum: 26,247 feet (8,000 m | 5 km)

Area: 267 km (430 km | 796 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 1,665 ft/min (507 m/min)

Weapon

2 x .303 caliber (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns mounted on fixed forward firing mounts above the nose, firing synchronized via rotating propeller blades.