The Hawcon monoplane, was so
called as it was a combination
of the Hawk and Falcon design
features and was built for the
Royal Aircraft Establishment,
Farnborough, for the purpose of
investigating the effect of wing
thickness on the speed of an
aircraft.
Four different sets of wings
were built, with root
thickness-to-chord ratios of 15
per cent, 20 per cent, 25 per
cent and 30 per cent. From a
structural point of view the
thicker wings were the most
advantageous, and also provided
useful internal space suitable
for housing engines,
undercarriages or fuel tanks,
while the thinner wings,
although theoretically faster,
were very heavy, owing to the
amount of material required to
ensure the necessary strength
and rigidity.
The result of tests with the
various wings was somewhat
surprising, as there was only 5
mph difference between the four
sets. From this, however, it
will be appreciated that for all
round utility the thick wing is
the better proposition, and that
it will occupy a prominent
position in future aerodynamic
development.
Design Company: |
Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd |
First Flight: |
29 November 1935 |
M.6 Hawcon: |
1
- Phillips & Powis, Woodley |
Type Specification |
Applies to: |
Miles M.6 Hawcon |
Type: |
Experimental aircraft to
research affect of wing
thickness |
Wing: |
Low wing cantilever monoplane
of spruce structure covered in
plywood. Split flaps fitted as
standard. Four different sets
of wings built to various
thicknesses |
Fuselage: |
Fuselage of spruce structure
with plywood covering |
Tail Unit: |
Cantilever tailplane with
elevator at top of fuselage
with single fin and rudder
|
Landing Gear: |
Two main wheels, each in
aerodynamic fairing beneath
wing. Tail skid |
Power Plant: |
One 200 hp de Havilland Gipsy
Six engine in the nose |
Accommodation: |
Enclosed cabin above wing |
Dimensions |
Span: |
33 ft |
Length: |
25 ft |
Height: |
6
ft 6 in |
Wing Area: |
161 sq ft |
Weights |
Empty: |
1,550 lb |
All-up: |
2,400 lb |
Performance |
Max Speed: |
181 mph |
|