Neha Patil (Editor)

Canadian Vickers Varuna

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Top speed
  
130 km/h

Retired
  
1932

Length
  
12 m

Manufacturer
  
Canadian Vickers

Canadian Vickers Varuna httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

The Canadian Vickers Varuna was a Canadian flying boat of the 1920s built by Canadian Vickers.

Contents

It was a twin-engined, unequal-span biplane. The hull was made of wood and the rest of the structure was a frame of steel tube.

Design and development

The Varuna was developed in response to a Royal Canadian Air Force requirement for a flying boat to transport men and equipment to forest fires. It was a large-scale twin-engined version of the Vedette.

Operational history

Most Varunas spent their service in Manitoba operating in their intended role.

All Varuna IIs were withdrawn in 1930. The only Varuna I was struck off in 1932

Variants

  • Varuna I - with Wright Whirlwind J-6 radial engines, one built.
  • Varuna II - with Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV radial engines.

    • Specifications (Varuna II)

    Data from

    General characteristics

  • Crew: two (+ one photographer on photographic missions)
  • Capacity: four passengers
  • Length: 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m)
  • Wingspan: 55 ft 3 in (16.84 m)
  • Height: 13 ft 9.5 in (4.204 m)
  • Wing area: 715 sq ft (66.4 m2)
  • Empty weight: 4,325 lb (1,962 kg)
  • Gross weight: 6,315 lb (2,864 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV 7-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine, 180 hp (130 kW) each

    • Performance

  • Maximum speed: 70 kn; 130 km/h (81 mph)
  • Service ceiling: 7,800 ft (2,400 m)

    • References

    Canadian Vickers Varuna Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA