Aero A.42

The Aero A.42 was a Czechoslovakian bomber aircraft of 1929 that was only ever produced in prototype form. For its day, it was an advanced design, with a sleek monoplane configuration. However, the Czechoslovak Air Force was not satisfied with it for a number of reasons. In particular, the aircraft's take-off and landing runs were felt to be excessively long, and crew complained about the cramped cabin. The air force suggested a set of modifications to Aero, including replacing the wooden wing with a metal one, but Aero discontinued development.

Aero A.42
Role Bomber
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 1929
Introduction 1930
Retired 1940
Status Prototype
Primary user Czechoslovak Air Force
Number built 2

On September 20, 1930, one of the two prototypes set international speed records of 253.428 km/h over a 1,000 km (620 mi) closed circuit, carrying payloads of 500 kg (1,100 lb) and 1000 kg (2,200 lb).[1]

One prototype was used by the Czechoslovak Air Force until 1938, then by the Slovak Air Force. Probably it was scrapped in 1940.[2]

The A.42 was a single-engined high-wing cantilever monoplane with fixed landing gear.

Specifications (A.42)
Aero A.42 3-view drawing from l'Aerophile April 1931

General characteristics

  • Crew: three, pilot, observer/bombardier, radio operator/gunner
  • Length: 13.8 m (45 ft 3 in)
  • Wingspan: 20.8 m (68 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 54 m2 (580 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 2,940 kg (6,482 lb)
  • Gross weight: 4,740 kg (10,450 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Isotta-Fraschini Asso 750 W-18 water-cooled piston engine, 597 kW (801 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 270 km/h (170 mph, 150 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 1.67 m/s (329 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 88 kg/m2 (18 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 0.080 kW/kg (0.08 hp/lb)

Armament

  • Guns:
    • 1 × 7.9 mm machine gun in ventral position
    • 1 × 7.9 mm machine gun in dorsal turret
  • Bombs: 400 kg (882 lb) of small bombs

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References
  1. Flight OCTOBER 10, 1930
  2. Aero A.42 at Ugolok Neba site
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