The Thomas Brothers T-2 was an American-built biplane which served with the Royal Navy.
| T-2 | |
|---|---|
| Role | |
| National origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Thomas Brothers |
| Designer | Benjamin D. Thomas |
| First flight | 1914 |
| Introduction | 1915 |
| Primary users | Royal Naval Air Service United States Navy |
| Number built | 25 (T-2), 15 SH-4 |
Built by Thomas-Morse Aircraft in Bath, New York, in 1914,[1] it was the creation of Benjamin D. Thomas (later the company's chief designer), based on his Curtiss JN-4 (which it resembles),[2] and used the 90 hp (67 kW) Austro-Daimler.[1]
Twenty-four aircraft, in two batches, were provided to the Royal Naval Air Service,[3] the Austro-Daimler being replaced by a similar-horsepower Curtiss OX-5[3]
An additional fifteen,[3] differing in being fitted with floats in place of wheels, a 100 hp (75 kW) Thomas[3] among other engines[2] in place of the OX-5, and three-bay wings spanning 44 ft (13.41 m),[2] were sold to the United States Navy as the SH-4.[3] at US$7,575 each.[2]
Operators
- Royal Naval Air Service: 24 examples[3]
- United States Navy: 15 examples designated SH-4[3]
Specifications (T-2)
Data from General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors [4]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 26 ft 0 in (7.92 m)
- Wingspan: 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m)
- Wing area: 350 sq ft (33 m2)
- Empty weight: 1,075 lb (488 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,972 lb (894 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled V8 engine, 90 hp (67 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 83 mph (134 km/h, 72 kn)
- Time to altitude: 10 min to 3,800 ft (1,200 m)
See also
Related lists
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Donald, David, ed. Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, p. 875, "Thomas Brothers and Thomas-Morse aircraft". Etobicoke, Ontario: Prospero Books, 1997.
- Wegg, John. General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors. London:Putnam, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.