Armstrong Whitworth Siskin
Armstrong Whitworth · United Kingdom · first flew 1919 · fighter
The Armstrong Whitworth Siskin was a British single-seat biplane fighter that served as one of the RAF's primary fighters in the early 1920s and is remembered for spectacular formation aerobatic displays. It was the first all-metal fighter in RAF service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.72 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Inter-war RAF biplane fighter with sesquiplane lower wing
- Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar radial engine
- First RAF aircraft to perform aerobatics in formation
A relatively small single-bay sesquiplane biplane with a notably broad upper wing and narrow lower wing, a large Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar radial in a short cowling, and the typical inter-war British fighter profile with a rounded fin and rudder.
Specifications
- The Armstrong Whitworth Siskin has a length of 7.72 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.11 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 251 km/h (156 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Siskin began as the Siddeley SR.2 Siskin in 1919 and was developed through several marks before the definitive Siskin IIIA entered service in 1927. The all-metal structure with fabric covering was progressive for its era. The type was withdrawn from front-line service by 1932 as Bulldogs and later Furies replaced it.
Variants
The Siskin III was the initial production variant; the Siskin IIIA was the definitive version with a supercharged Jaguar IVA engine. Canada, Estonia, and Romania also operated the type. A two-seat trainer version, the Siskin IIIB, was also built.
Where you'll see it
Served with 11 RAF squadrons at its peak. Most famous for the aerobatic displays performed by No. 43 Squadron 'Fighting Cocks', who flew tied-together formation loops. Withdrawn from RAF service by 1932.
Related aircraft
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