Issue of Specification F.7/30 in 1930 for a single-seat fighter led Supermarine to build its first aircraft intended for this role. Designed under the direction of Reginald J Mitchell as Type (or Drawing) 224, Supermarine's proposal was one of three to gain Air Ministry backing for prototype construction (along with Westland and Blackburn), an order for one aircraft being placed in 1932. Based on experience gained with the Supermarine float seaplanes designed for participation in the Schneider Trophy contests, the Type 224 was of all-metal construction with fabric covering of the wing aft of the mainspar and of the tail surfaces. Its 600hp Rolls-Royce Goshawk II engine had an evaporative cooling system, which was to prove to be a major reason for the eventual failure of the Type 224 to gain acceptance. Armament comprised two 7.7mm guns in the fuselage and one in each mainwheel fairing. First flown on 19 February 1934, the Type 224 failed to achieve its performance estimates, and, after a prolonged sojourn at the RAE Farnborough, went to the A&AEE and eventually ended its days as a gunnery target.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1667 x 1193)