GLOSTER GLADIATOR MK.I/MK.II

The Gloster Gladiator is a British semi-metal biplane fighter from the beginning of World War II. A prototype flight took place in 1934, and the planes entered the line in 1937. The drive, depending on the version, was the Bristol Merkury Mk IX (Gladiator Mk.I) or Bristol Mercury Mk VIIIA (Gladiator Mk.II and Sea Gladiator) engines. A total of 747 Gloster Gladiator cars were made. During World War II, this type of aircraft fought over the skies of Norway (Squadron 263), France (Squadrons 607 and 615) and in North Africa and the Middle East (Squadrons 33, 80, 94 and 112). Interestingly, only one squadron equipped with Gladiator fighters (247th) fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The plane was most famous for the heroic defense of Malta in June 1940 against the overwhelming Italian forces. Despite the high-quality construction and its durability, after 1940, the Gladiator was sent to training and meteorological units. The Gloster Gladiator plane was used until 1953, the last one to be withdrawn by the Portuguese air force. Technical data (Mk.I version): length: 8.36 m, wingspan: 9.83 m, height: 3.58 m, maximum speed: 407 km / h, rate of climb: 11.7 m / s, maximum range: 708 km, ceiling maximum 1000m, armament: fixed-4 Vickers 7.7mm machine guns.