Specification M.1/30 asked industry for an aircraft fast enough to reach 130 knots at 4,000 feet yet slow enough to land aboard at no more than 55 knots. That low landing speed improved the odds of recovering aircraft and crews but strongly favored a lift-rich biplane. The aircraft also needed fuel for half an hour at full throttle and seven hours cruising at 100 knots while carrying a 2,874-pound military load. Stable handling, quick control response, and a folded width of 23 feet added further constraints. Permitted loads included a 1,800-pound torpedo or several arrangements of bombs. The service wanted torpedo and reconnaissance capability with forgiving fighter-like handling.
Chapter · 19:59-23:06
Specification M.1/30 forced difficult carrier-aircraft compromises
Examine the speed, landing, endurance, payload, handling, and folded-size demands behind a new torpedo-spotter-reconnaissance aircraft.