Short-Bristow Crusader

1927

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Short-Bristow Crusader

Public pressure resulted in the British government's return to funding Schneider trophy entries from the public purse, and the 1927 entries were sponsored around two different engine types. The Bristol Mercury engine design was placed under the guidance of Colonel W.A. Bristow, who subsequently subcontracted airframe detail design of this low-wing, wooden racing floatplane to Short. The Crusader was not as fast as its Supermarine S.5 counterparts that won the race in Italy, but it travelled to the event as a back-up aircraft. Unfortunately, it was written off in an accident. Although not a landmark aircraft, the Crusader was important in developing the Mercury engine, a key component of 1930s British flying boats.

Short-Bristow Crusader

Specification 
 CREW1
 PASSENGERS1
 ENGINE1 x 810hp Bristol Mercury 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight1227 kg2705 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan8.07 m27 ft 6 in
  Length7.62 m25 ft 0 in
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed435 km/h270 mph

Comments
RBoutros, 11.09.2010 02:24

Shorts published a history that has better information than this brief write-up. The airplane did indeed suffer control reversal on the ailerons due to cross-connected control cables and rolled on takeoff, crashing into the water. Even modern aircraft with cable controls are not immune to this problem, and use extensive measures to avoid cross connecting cables. The images also miss the most attractive picture of this airplane. A near plan view exists, showing the narrowed wing root (which reduces drag) and lends a butterfly-like appearance. Really neat airplane.

reply

Brian Schofield, e-mail, 31.08.2010 22:18

The pilot of the crusader at the time of the crash was my father H.M.Schofield. He did NOT make a bad landing but narrowly missed losing his life when he crashed because the aileron control wires had been crossed giving reverse control while taking off. Will the author of this report read the ACTUAL FACTS and corect his /her ridiculous statement.

reply

Margaret Swimby, e-mail, 17.09.2020 Brian Schofield

Hello Brian, at this late date I have no idea if this will reach you. We have information on the Crusader that you will be interested in. If you would like to get in touch, email us please.

reply

Leo Rudnicki, e-mail, 08.07.2009 01:10

The engine was not yet developed, the streamlining was a great source of drag, and the only example was flown into the water due to reversed aileron controls. How about a three line opinion?

reply

Haase, Hans-Peter, e-mail, 07.07.2009 13:50

Hallo,
can you send me a three page opiniom from tis aircraft?
Thank you for yor help.
Best reguards
Hans-Peter Haase

reply

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