Gloucester
Gladiator

The Gloster Gladiator was a private venture. Designed to Air Ministry Specification F.7/30, they were the RAF's last biplane fighter

The first prototype S.S.37 flew in September 1934. The aircraft entered production in 1937 and ended its short life in 1940. It remained in service until 1942. By the time the Battle of Britain was taking place, only 247 Squadron at Roborough still had them. They were used for the defence of Plymouth dockyards. The Gladiator still saw active service over seas, especially in the Mediterranean theatre. It also saw service in the following countries:

Belgium, China, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, South Africa

In 1938 the Sea Gladiator entered service, which was a catapult version of the Gladiator MK II

756 panes in all were built. 480 went to the RAF, 60 to the Royal Navy and 216 were export into 13 countries


Item
Specification
Type Biplane
Military Use Fighter
Maximum Speed 257 mph (414 kph) @ 14,600 ft
Climbing Rate 0 - 10,000 ft in 4.5 minutes
Working Range 444 miles (714 kms)
Empty Weight 3,444 lb (1,562 kg)
Loaded Weight 4,864 LB (2,206 kg)
Service Ceiling 33,500 ft (10,210 metres)
Wingspan 32 feet 3 inches (9.83 metres)
Overall length 27 feet 5 inches (8.36 metres)
Overall height 11 feet 7 inches (3.22 metres)
Total Wing Area 323 square feet (30.0 square metres)


Mark
Role
Engine Type
Engine rating H.P.
Range miles
Max Speed MPH
Ceiling (ft)
I
 Fighter Mercury VIII
850
444 miles
(714 kms)
257
(414 kph)
 33,500 ft
(10,210 metres)
II
 Fighter Mercury IX
840
440
(708 km)
253
(407 kph)
 33,000
(10,060m)
Sea Gladiator
 Fighter/torpedo Mercury IX
840
423
(680 km)
244
(392 kph)
 33,000 (10,060m)

 
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