Gloster Gladiator K7985

The 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. Part of the restoration work was funded by donations in memory of the late Robin Bowes, a good friend and champion of the Collection, who was killed flying his Fokker DR1 replica on Sunday 20th July 1995. 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.

Copyright © 2011 Malcolm Auld

This video and audio material may not be reproduced in any form (except as an embedded video on any other website), without written permission.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Gloster Gladiator K7985
• RAF
• Royal Air Force
• WW2
• World War Two
• Faith Hope and Charity
• Malta
• Shuttleworth Collection
• Old Warden
• Aircraft
• Flying
• Airplane
• Aviation
• Flight
• Bristol Mercury
• World War II
• Airshow
• Flying Display
• Biplane
• Fighter

[argat11]

Very, very enjoyable! I didn't know there was still a Gladiator in flying condition. Please, tell me if I'm wrong: Was this Gloster the very last biplane to see active duty in the world? Cheers!

Ar.

[auldm]

@argat11 Well when you say active duty and the World. I would probably guess that the Antonov AN-2 holds that record. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

[argat11]

@auldm You must be totally correct!

However, I didn't stated my queston correctly. I meant Combat duty, especially during the WWII. Thanks!

[auldm]

@argat11 In that case the Italians had a biplane fighter the Fiat CR42, the Germans had the Arado AR95 floatplane, the Russians had the Polikarpov PO2, and probably some shipbourne spotter planes were biplanes as well.

[scarlebloke]

Marvellous videos you make:)

[auldm]

@scarlebloke Thank You.



[TheGalwayFarmer]

@auldm the Swordfish?

[Kagetora2010]

The first combat deployment of the Gladiator was in China flying with the KMT Chinese Air Force. The pilots were Chinese and some Americans of Chinese descent and included a number of aces. I am bright green with envy as I am happy seeing a Gladiator still in flying condition! A real fine piece of military aviation history! :)

[maxholste]

Nice video. In 2007 we had Norways last surviving Gladiator pilot in the right hand seat in Broussard LN-WND. During the short hop from Gardermoen int airport to Kjeller he flew the Broussard for some minutes. He is still alive.

[argat11]

@auldm Thanks again, auldm!

[Rickinsf]

Quadruple flaps are something I'd not seen before, and that was a nice touchdown.

[miksta115]

What a landing! Thank you so much for all of your videos!