Vickers VIM

VIM
Role	Trainer
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Vickers
Introduction	1920
Primary user	Republic of China
Number built	35
Developed from	Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2

The VIM or Vickers Instructional Machine was a trainer biplane aircraft built for the Republic of China by Vickers from war-surplus stocks of Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2d parts, powered by a surplus Rolls Royce Eagle engine, but fitted with an entirely new nacelle, providing dual controls for the pupil and instructor. Thirty-five were built and supplied from 1920.

Operators

China

Specifications (VIM)

Data from Vickers Aircraft since 1908

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 32 ft 4 in (9.86 m)
• Wingspan: 47 ft 8 in (14.53 m)
• Height: 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
• Wing area: 488 ft² (45.3 m²)
• Empty weight: 2,950 lb (1,341 kg)
• Loaded weight: 3,654 lb (1,661 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII liquid cooled V-12 piston engine, 360 hp (269 kW)
• Propellers: Four bladed propellor, 1 per engine

Performance

• Maximum speed: 87 knots (100 mph, 161 km/h)
• Service ceiling: 13,000 ft (3,960 m)
  
• Climb to height: 8.25 min to 6,000 ft (1,830 m)
• Endurance: 2¾ hours

References

• Andrews, C.F. and Morgan, E.B. Vickers Aircraft since 1908. London:Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-815-1.
• "The Vickers 'V.I.M.' School Machine." Flight, 6 January 1921, p. 4-5.

External links

• British Aircraft Directory