Vickers VIM

VIM
Role	Trainer
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Vickers
Introduction	1920
Primary user	Republic of China
Number built	35
Developed from	Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2

The VIM or Vickers Instructional Machine was a trainer biplane aircraft built for the Republic of China by Vickers from war-surplus stocks of Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2d parts, powered by a surplus Rolls-Royce Eagle engine, but fitted with an entirely new nacelle, providing dual controls for the pupil and instructor. Thirty-five were built and supplied from 1920.

Operators

China

Specifications (VIM)

Data from Vickers Aircraft since 1908

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 32 ft 4 in (9.86 m)
• Wingspan: 47 ft 8 in (14.53 m)
• Height: 12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)
• Wing area: 488 sq ft (45.3 m²)
• Empty weight: 2,950 lb (1,338 kg)
• Gross weight: 3,654 lb (1,657 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII liquid-cooled V12 engine, 360 hp (270 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
• Endurance: 23⁄4 hr
• Service ceiling: 13,000 ft (4,000 m)
• Time to altitude: 8.25 min to 6,000 ft (1,800 m)

References

• Andrews, C.F. and Morgan, E.B. Vickers Aircraft since 1908. London:Putnam, 1988. ISBN 0-85177-815-1.
• "The Vickers 'V.I.M.' School Machine." Flight, 6 January 1921, p. 4-5.