Cox-Klemin XS

The Cox-Klemin XS was a 1920s American experimental scout biplane, the first aircraft to be launched and recovered from a submarine.

XS
XS-1
Role Submarine-operated scout biplane
Manufacturer Cox-Klemin Aircraft Corporation
First flight 1922
Introduction 1923
Primary user United States Navy
Number built 12

Development

Based on a design by the US Bureau of Aeronautics for a simple single-seat scout seaplane that could be disassembled and assembled quickly. Instead of building the aircraft itself the Bureau of Aeronautics contracted the Cox-Klemin Aircraft Corporation to build six aircraft designated XS-1. The aircraft were powered by a 60 hp Lawrance L-4 radial engine. One aircraft was re-engined in 1923 with a Kinner engine and re-designated XS-2.

Operational history

As part of a series of studies conducted by the United States Navy after World War I into the possibility of submarine borne observation and scouting aircraft, the submarine S-1 became the experimental platform for this project late in 1923. The XS-1, XS-2 and the Martin MS-1 were used for the trials mounted in a cylindrical pod behind the conning tower. After surfacing the aircraft could be rolled out and assembled, it was then launched ballasting the sub until the deck was awash. The first full cycle of surfacing, assembly, launching, retrieving, disassembly, and submergence took place on 28 July 1926, on the Thames River at New London using the XS-2.

After further trials during 1926 all the experimental aircraft were scrapped.

Variants
XS-1
Lawrance L-4 powered scout biplane, six built
XS-2
One XS-1 modified with a Kinner B-5 engine.
Martin MS-1
Six XS-1 standard aircraft built by Martin.

Operators
 United States

Specifications (XS-2)

Data from [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 18 ft 2 in (5.54 m)
  • Wingspan: 18 ft 0 in (5.49 m)
  • Height: 8 ft 0 in (2.44 m)
  • Gross weight: 1,050 lb (476 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Kinner B-5 5-cyl. air-cooled radial piston engine, 85 hp (63 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 11,300 ft (3,400 m)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
  1. "Cox-Klemin XS-2". Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2017.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

Bibliography
  • Passingham, Malcolm (February 2000). "Les hydravions embarqués sur sous-marins" [Submarine-carried Seaplanes]. Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire (in French) (83): 7–17. ISSN 1243-8650.
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