Airspeed AS5C Courier

[carson1934]

A picture was recently received of the Airspeed AS5C "Courier" (serial number G-ACNZ) from which it appears that this aircraft was fitted with a Napier Rapier IV engine driving a contrarotating prop.
Since:
a) we are conducting a serious research on aircrafts with contra-rotating props and
b) it appears unlikely that such an aircraft might be supplied with such prop device,
we would appreciate receiving any comments and/or additional photos substantiating this fact.
Thanks for your assistance, time and co-operation
Cheers
carson1934

 

[lingo]

A picture was recently received of the Airspeed AS5C "Courier" (serial number G-ACNZ) from which it appears that this aircraft was fitted with a Napier Rapier IV engine driving a contrarotating prop.
Since:
a) we are conducting a serious research on aircrafts with contra-rotating props and
b) it appears unlikely that such an aircraft might be supplied with such prop device,
we would appreciate receiving any comments and/or additional photos substantiating this fact.
Thanks for your assistance, time and co-operation
Cheers
carson1934

Putnams Airspeed Aircraft since 1931 by HA Taylor mentions this particular aircraft, the only AS5C. Delivered in 1934 it was used for test and demonstrations with the 16 cylinder Rapier 4 of 350 hp.
It was re-engined with a Lynx IVC and operated by Portsmouth, Southsea and Isle of Wight aviation as a AS5A before being impressed as X9346 on 18th March 1940 and used by the ATA at White Waltham and Hawarden until being sent for communication duties at Airspeed 13th March 1941. It was sent to 5 MU on the 18th January 1944 but was struck off charge on the 12th April of that year. Unfortunately there is nothing about a contra-rotating propeller. For what it's worth, I have never heard of such a mod - but absolutely anything is possible in the wonderful world of aviation!

 

[Waynos]

The Courier was fitted with a Rapier IV and 4 bladed prop for the Kuings Cup air race, not a contra.

Here is a cutting from Flight

 

[carson1934]

Putnams Airspeed Aircraft since 1931 by HA Taylor mentions this particular aircraft, the only AS5C. Delivered in 1934 it was used for test and demonstrations with the 16 cylinder Rapier 4 of 350 hp.
It was re-engined with a Lynx IVC and operated by Portsmouth, Southsea and Isle of Wight aviation as a AS5A before being impressed as X9346 on 18th March 1940 and used by the ATA at White Waltham and Hawarden until being sent for communication duties at Airspeed 13th March 1941. It was sent to 5 MU on the 18th January 1944 but was struck off charge on the 12th April of that year. Unfortunately there is nothing about a contra-rotating propeller. For what it's worth, I have never heard of such a mod - but absolutely anything is possible in the wonderful world of aviation!

Good afternoon Sir,
thanks for the very detailed information. As they say in the States "you are a gentleman and a scholar"
Cheers
carson1934

 

[carson1934]

The Courier was fitted with a Rapier IV and 4 bladed prop for the Kuings Cup air race, not a contra.

Here is a cutting from Flight

Thanks again Waynos,
this will settle the matter and the mystery is solved therefore this aircraft will notbe included in my list.
Cheers
carson1934