The Gloster Gladiator is a British semi-metallic biplane fighter of the Second World War. The flight of the prototype took place in 1934, and the aircraft entered the line in 1937. The drive, depending on the version, was 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 produced. During the Second World War, this type of aircraft fought in the skies of Norway (263rd Squadron), France (607th and 615th Squadrons), as well as in North Africa and the Middle East (33rd, 80th , 94th and 112th squadrons). Interestingly, only one squadron equipped with "Gladiator" fighters (247th) participated in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The aircraft became most famous for the heroic defense of Malta in June 1940 against overwhelming Italian forces. Despite the high-quality design and its durability, after 1940 the Gladiator was sent to training and meteorological units. The Gloster Gladiator was used until 1953, the last being withdrawn by the Portuguese Air Force.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, maximum ceiling 1000 m, armament: 4 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns.
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