SPCA 40T
The SPCA 40T, also designated the SPCA VII,[1] was a mailplane built in France in the late 1920s. It was a high-wing monoplane of conventional layout with a thick-sectioned, cantilever wing.[1][3] The flight deck and cargo bay were fully enclosed, and the latter could be adapted to seat five passengers.[3][4] The fixed undercarriage consisted of divided main units with spatted wheels, plus a tailskid. Construction was of metal throughout.[1][2]
40T | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Role | Mailplane[1] |
National origin | France |
Manufacturer | SPCA |
First flight | 21 December 1929[1] |
Primary user | Services Aeriens de Madagascar[2] |
Number built | 3 |
The two 40Ts were followed by a single example designated 41T with more powerful Salmson 9Nc engines that first flew on 12 December 1931.[1] Services Aeriens de Madagascar operated the 41T between Tananarive and Broken Hill (where the route connected with Imperial Airways).[2][4]
Eventually, the 40Ts were fitted with this same engine, at which time they were redesignated SPCA 218.[1]
Variants
- 40T — initial production version with Salmson 9Ac engines (2 built)
- 41T — version with Salmson 9Nc engines (1 built)
- 218 — original 40Ts refitted with Salmson 9Nc engines (2 converted)
Operators
- Services Aeriens de Madagascar
Specifications (40T)
![](../I/m/SPCA_40_T_NACA_Aircraft_Circular_No.143.jpg)
Data from Aviafrance: SPCA 40T[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two pilots
- Length: 13.18 m (43 ft 3 in)
- Wingspan: 20.00 m (65 ft 7 in)
- Height: 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 55.0 m2 (590 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 2,161 kg (4,754 lb)
- Gross weight: 3,036 kg (6,679 lb)
- Powerplant: 3 × Salmson 9Ac , 90 kW (120 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 180 km/h (110 mph, 96 kn)
- Range: 600 km (380 mi, 330 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 5,950 m (19,500 ft)
Notes
- Parmentier 1998
- "French Service to Madagascar"
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, p.2860
- Taylor 1989, p.835
References
- "French Service to Madagascar". Flight: 456. 10 May 1934. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing.
- Parmentier, Bruno (1998). "S.P.C.A. 40T". Aviafrance. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.