http://www.shuttleworth.orgThe Gladiator evolved from the Gloster SS37, a private venture submission to Specification F7/30. The SS37 was based on a Gauntlet fuselage with cantilever undercarriage, single bay wings and other drag reducing improvements. It was initially powered by a 530hp Bristol Mercury IVS. This combination achieved 236mph but F7/30 required 250mph. A Mercury VIS was then installed and the maximum speed improved to 242mph. On 3rd April 1935 the SS37 was transferred to the Air Ministry. In June Glosters proposed an improved version with an enclosed
cockpit and 830hp Mercury IX. Following the receipt of this proposal a production contract F14/35 was issued and the name became Gladiator. Total production was 737, including 98 Sea Gladiators. The type was exported to 13 countries.
SERVICE HISTORY
The Gladiator was the last of a long line of biplane fighters to serve in the RAF and FAA. No 72 Squadron, at Tangmere, was the first of nine squadrons to be equipped in 1937. By the middle of 1938 Hurricanes were replacing the Gladiators but five squadrons were still operational later in the year. They remained in front line RAF service until 1941, taking part in the Norwegian and Middle East campaigns.
The Sea Gladiators undertook sea trials in March 1939 and remained in front
line service until May 1941. They operated in Norway, the Mediterranean and the North Sea. Many were then used in Station Defence Flights until 1943. One duty carried out by Gladiators after leaving active service was in the meteorological flights which they equipped until 1945, the last met. flight being undertaken on 7th January that year.
THIS EXHIBIT: L8032/G-AMRK
L8032 was the last production Gladiator I built in 1937 but not actually assembled until 1938. In 1948 it, together Gladiator II N5903, was bought by Glosters. In 1950 the two were delivered to Air Service Training for use as instructional airframes at Hamble and Ansty. When Ansty closed the aircraft were bought by Viv Bellamy for a nominal sum. L8032 was restored using the engine from N5903 and flew again as G-AMRK. L8032 was bought back by Glosters in 1953
and in 1956 they decided to put it back to full military specification in 72 Squadron markings, albeit with the fictitious serial K8032. When Gloster Aircraft closed the Gladiator was presented to the Shuttleworth Collection for safe keeping on 7th November 1960. In 1990 the aircraft was repainted in a camouflage scheme, with No 247 Squadron codes and wore these until a fabric recover was carried out in 1996. When finished the Gladiator emerged in Norweigian colours for filming. In 2007 it re-appeared as K7985 of 73 Squadron RAF, this aircraft was flown by the WW2 Ace Cobber Kain at the 1937 Hendon Air Pageant.
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