de Havilland DH.117

History

During the Cold War between East and West (1947-1991), British military might played an important role in defending Western Europe if the Soviet Union invaded. This means that its various services require a variety of modern technologies to deal with today's threats - namely, nuclear-capable Soviet bombers.

Many aircraft designs were developed during this period to meet various needs: naval air defenses, day and night fighters, high-speed/high-altitude interceptors, etc. By the mid-1950s, British authorities were seriously considering increasing interception capabilities, especially at high altitudes.

This led to design studies and formal requirements set in the latter half of the decades.

There is a need to develop a new, state-of-the-art interceptor carrying radar and pure air-to-air missile (AAM) weapons controlled by an integrated weapons system. Additionally, three key elements of Cold War-era interceptors come into play: rate of climb, speed, and altitude. Therefore, a twin-engine (reheatable) design is complemented by a limited-burn rocket booster unit. This will allow the aircraft to take off quickly and reach the desired trap height while reaching the target area at a speed of Mach 2. Once within radar range, the beam missile attack begins.

To balance the expected onboard workload (which now includes piloting, weapons management, and radar management), two crew members are necessary. This in turn requires a pressurized cockpit and ejection seat.

Authorities require final designs no later than January 1962, where practicality is paramount.

de Havilland engineers try to meet the requirements with their DH. 117 templates. It is quite optimistic that the aircraft will complete its maiden flight by the end of 1958 and achieve initial operational capability (IOC) within the time frame specified in 1962.

Up to four airworthy aircraft will be built for the prototype and flight test phases, followed by production quality units ready to enter active service.

While officially calling for a top speed closer to Mach 2, engineers have seen their stylish aircraft fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2.3 and are still selling a 60,000-foot service cap. Range will be increased by adding wingtip fuel tanks to increase the fuel storage already on board under full war load.

Due to the high speeds involved, titanium will be considered for use in the overall structure of the aircraft along with light and strong alloys.

Department of Health. As proposed, the 177 featured a tapered straight-wing main aircraft mounted low in the midship along the sides of the fuselage. The main aircraft, which was as slender as possible to limit drag, were given a pronounced underside angle (downward angle) and were covered by wingtip fuel tanks. Each member will also be equipped with an underwing hardpoint to carry the AAM (the focus at this point is the "Blue Jay" series). The cockpit will have two crew members sitting behind the slender nose cone that houses the radar unit.

The fuselage is equally slender, tapering below a single vertical stabilizer. Horizontal stabilizers are installed along the center span of the rudder.

The engines would be housed in a molded nacelle in the lower part of the fuselage, sucked in through a semicircular port near the cockpit wall and exhausted through a circular port in front of the empennage. For improved climb and straight-line performance, Spectre Spe. The 11,000-pound No. 5 launch vehicle will be embedded in the belly of the fuselage.

After the 12,000-pound turbojet, the engine of choice became de Havilland's own Gyron Junior. The estimated top speed at altitude is officially Mach 2.35.

When created, DH. The 117 has an overall length of 68.9 feet and a wingspan of 38 feet. Gross weight is 55,000 lbs.

Despite the British necessity and promising scope of the de Havilland proposal, DH. 117 should not. De Havilland completed one model, but few others for the project. As needs changed and technology advanced, he joined many other obsolete interceptors of the time.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes