Vickers Type 432 1942
DZ217 in the Foxwarren experimental hangar
Vickers 432 on the ground
Vickers Type 432 DZ217 Foxwarren complex 1942
Vickers Type 432 in flight
Prototype Vickers Type 432 rear view
432 Prototype left side view
High Altitude Fighter Vickers Type 432
British high-altitude single-seat fighter developed by the Vickers (specification F.7/41). The Type 432 was designed as a high-altitude fighter to deal with the perceived threat of equally high-flying German bombers. The threat never materialised and the Type 432 proved to be a failure.
Early trials disclosed several defects, notably the impossibility of making a three-point landing, thought to be caused by tailplane stall or ground cushion effect and overbalance on the ailerons, but alteration of tail settings and the replacement of the Irving-type ailerons by Westland-type alleviated these faults. Estimated performance of 435 mph at 28,000 ft was never realised, Merlin 61 engines refusing to run properly above 23,000ft.
Plane made only 28 experimental flight. The second prototype was not completed, being cancelled on 1 May, 1943.