Comper Swift

Comper Aircraft Company · United Kingdom · first flew 1930 · light aircraft

The Comper Swift was a diminutive British single-seat racing and touring monoplane of the early 1930s designed by Flight Lieutenant Nicholas Comper. Remarkably fast for its time and engine size, it set records and participated in air races.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• British 1930s single-seat racing monoplane
• Tiny parasol then low-wing design used for long-distance records
• Single-seat design by Nicholas Comper

A tiny braced high-wing racer with a big radial up front — Shuttleworth's G-ACTF still flies it at Old Warden.

Specifications

• The Comper Swift has a length of 5.4 m (18 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 7.32 m (24 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 225 km/h (140 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Nicholas Comper designed the Swift at the Comper Aircraft Company at Hooton Park. It first flew in 1930 powered by a small Pobjoy radial engine. Despite its tiny size, the Swift achieved impressive speeds and was entered in air races including the King's Cup. Several examples were used for solo long-distance flights by private owners. A small number were built before the company ceased operation.

Variants

The Swift was built in small numbers with minor variations in engine fit. Some used the Pobjoy Niagara or Cataract engines; others used alternative powerplants. No major structural variants were produced.

Where you'll see it

Used entirely by private owners in the United Kingdom and a few other countries for sport flying, air racing, and record attempts in the 1930s. It never entered military service.

Related aircraft

• Avro 626
• Cessna CG-2
• Cessna CR-2
• DAR 4

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