KEA Chelidon
EAF (KEA) · Greece · first flew 1927 · light aircraft
The Chelidon was the first aeroplane developed by the Greek EAF (KEA) factory, a two-seat military biplane for advanced training and reconnaissance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.79 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat biplane
- Single Salmson 9AC radial engine
- Could be converted to a floatplane
It is a small two-seat biplane with a single 9-cylinder radial engine.
Specifications
- The KEA Chelidon has a length of 5.79 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.17 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was designed under the supervision of Charles H. Lowe-Wylde to Greek Navy specifications in about eight weeks, and first flew on 20 February 1927. It was powered by a 120 hp Salmson 9AC engine.
Variants
Later variants were to use the Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engine, and the type could be converted to a floatplane.
Where you'll see it
The Greek Navy ordered 18 in December 1926, but only one was built, as it was judged inferior to alternative models. It was used to train technical personnel at KEA and was probably scrapped in 1938.
Related aircraft
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