Yeovil's Virtual Museum

Westland Woodpigeon

Two-seat light biplane

 

The Westland Woodpigeon was a two-seat light biplane designed to compete in the 1924 Lympne light aircraft trials.

The Woodpigeon was a conventional wooden biplane powered by a 32 hp (24 kW) Bristol Cherub III engine. Two aircraft were built. The first made its first flight on 14 September 1924; the second aircraft, registered G-EBJV, flew in trials but was not successful. The second aircraft was re-engined with a 30 hp (22 kW) ABC Scorpion and increased wingspan in 1926 for the 1926 Lympne trials but again was not successful. In 1927 the two aircraft were re-engined with 60 hp (45 kW) Anzani 6 radials and redesignated Woodpigeon IIs.

The two Marks of Woodpigeon, both produced at Yeovil.

Woodpigeon I - Bristol Cherub III-powered variant, two built.

Woodpigeon II - Two Woodpigeons were re-engined with Anzani engines.

General characteristics
Crew:	Two
Length:	19 ft 6 in (5.95 m)
Wingspan:	22 ft 9 in (6.94 m)
Empty weight:	439 lb (199 kg)
Gross weight:	779 lb (353 kg)
Powerplant:	1 × Bristol Cherub III, 32 hp (24 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed:	72 mph (115 km/h)
Production
Number built:	2
First flight:	14 September 1924

 

 

All the above text based on / 'borrowed' from Wikipedia.

 

 

Westland Woodpigeon prototype in its original unmarked form, with shorter-span wings and fitted with a Bristol Cherub engine.

 

Westland Woodpigeon, three-quarter rear view.

 

The Cherub-powered Woodpigeon Mk I photographed at Lympne in October 1924 where it took part in the Air Ministry ’s two-seater light-plane trials flown by AJ Winstanley.

 

Running-up the engine of No 5, the Westland Woodpigeon Mk I at Lympne.

 

Woodpigeon G-EBJV taking part in the 1926 Lympne Light Aeroplane Competitions in September 1926. Fitted with a Scorpion II engine, the aircraft was owned and entered by the Seven Aero Club, but retired from the competitions.