The Percival Vega Gull was designed in the early 1935 by Edgar W. Percival and first flew in November 1935. The Vega Gull was used in air races and record breaking flights by many famous aviators including Alex Henshaw (the famous test pilot) and Amy Johnson. Although prior to WW2 most Percival Vega Gull's were in civilian hands the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm operated 13 aircraft. During WW2 many civilian owned gulls were requisitioned for military service, they were operated in mainly in communications roles by the RAF, FAA, RAAF and the RNZAF. It is interesting to note the similarity between the Percival Vega Gull and the German Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun, both aircraft similar performance, were four seat aircraft, and were used by world famous aviators to set and break numerous endurance and time records in the four years leading up to WW2 , both aircraft were used by their respective governments by their embassy staff in each others countries and were confiscated by the host country at the outbreak of WW2. Percival Vega Gull Specifications: Capacity: Pilot and 3 passengers Length: 25 ft 6 in (7.77 m) Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m) Empty weight: 1,740 lb (789 kg) Loaded weight: 3,250 lb (1,474 kg) Engine: Single 200-hp (149-kW) de Havilland Gipsy Six inline six-cylinder engine Maximum speed: 151 knots (174 mph, 280 km/h) Cruise speed: 130 knots (150 mph, 241 km/h) Range: 574 nm (660 mi, 1,062 km) Service ceiling: 17,000 ft (5,182 m)
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