de Havilland Comet.
HISTORY
ORDERS
SPECS
ASSEMBLY
BEA (British European Airways) De Havilland DH-106 Comet 4B Reg G-APMA
The de Havilland Comet - Pioneering Jet Travel
The de Havilland Comet holds an esteemed place in aviation history as the world's first commercial jet airliner. Launched by the British manufacturer de Havilland Aircraft Company, the Comet made its maiden flight on July 27, 1949, revolutionizing passenger aviation forever.
With its sleek design and powerful jet engines, the Comet shattered the boundaries of traditional air travel. When it entered service with British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) in May 1952, the world witnessed an unprecedented era of fast, efficient, and comfortable air journeys.
The impact of the Comet was immense, propelling the aviation industry into a new age of jet propulsion. It drastically reduced travel times on long-haul routes, making international travel accessible to a broader audience. The success of the Comet inspired the development of numerous jet airliners, ushering in a new era of global airline networks.
B.O.A.C. (British Overseas Airways Corporation) Comet 4.
Despite encountering setbacks and safety challenges, the Comet's legacy lives on. Although it is no longer a common sight in the skies, the de Havilland Comet remains a pioneering symbol of innovation and exploration in the world of aviation.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the captivating history, technical specifications, notable orders, and luxurious interiors of the trailblazing de Havilland Comet, providing a comprehensive tribute to its enduring impact on passenger aviation.
ASSEMBLY
The Assembly of the de Havilland Comet: A Symphony of Collaboration and Precision Engineering
The assembly of the de Havilland Comet was a remarkable display of collaboration among various suppliers and skilled craftsmanship in precision engineering. Let's delve into the suppliers of key components, the construction methods employed, and the materials used in creating this iconic aircraft.
Fuselage: The fuselage, forming the central body of the aircraft, was also constructed at the de Havilland factory. It involved the integration of various systems and components, all carefully assembled to ensure structural integrity.
Undercarriage:
The undercarriage, comprising the landing gear, was supplied by Dowty Equipment Ltd, a renowned manufacturer of aircraft landing systems. The undercarriage was designed for smooth take-offs and landings, contributing to the Comet's overall safety and performance.
Construction Methods:
Riveting: The assembly of the de Havilland Comet predominantly involved riveting, a traditional and reliable method for joining metal components. Skilled workers used rivets to securely fasten the various parts, creating a robust and seamless structure.
Welding: In some areas, welding techniques were employed for specific components, particularly in fuselage construction. Welding provided strong and continuous bonds between metal sections, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the aircraft.
Suppliers and Key Components:
Engines:
The de Havilland Comet was powered by Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines, a cutting-edge propulsion system for its time. Rolls-Royce, renowned for its engineering excellence, supplied the powerful and efficient engines that enabled the Comet to achieve unprecedented speeds.
Avionics and Instruments:
The advanced avionics and instruments used in the Comet were sourced from various manufacturers specializing in aerospace electronics, including Smiths Industries and Decca Navigator Company. These avionic systems provided vital data to pilots, contributing to the aircraft's exceptional performance and safety.
Wings:
The wings, crucial for lift and stability, were manufactured at the de Havilland factory in Hatfield. Skilled craftsmen meticulously crafted the wings using high-strength materials to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during flight.
Materials Used:
Aluminum Alloys: The primary material used in the construction of the de Havilland Comet was high-strength aluminum alloys. These alloys offered an excellent balance of strength, durability, and weight, crucial for achieving the aircraft's performance targets.
Stainless Steel: Certain critical components, such as the engine nacelles and other structural elements, were made from stainless steel. Stainless steel offered exceptional corrosion resistance and structural support.
The assembly of the de Havilland Comet was a harmonious collaboration of skilled engineers, craftsmen, and suppliers who contributed their expertise and precision engineering to create a pioneering aircraft. The meticulous construction methods and high-quality materials used in the Comet's assembly were key to its success, setting new standards for commercial jet aviation.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications: Unraveling the Pioneering Design of the de Havilland Comet.
The de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner, was a marvel of engineering, featuring a revolutionary design that transformed air travel. Let's delve into the key characteristics of the Comet, highlighting its airframe configuration, engine type, power, and engine locations.
Airframe Configuration:
The de Havilland Comet featured a sleek and elegant airframe configuration, designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Its fuselage had a slender and streamlined shape, reducing drag and allowing the aircraft to achieve higher speeds with reduced fuel consumption. The wings swept back at an angle, enhancing lift and stability during flight.
Engine Location:
The Comet's engines were housed within the main wings. The positioning of the engines, along with advanced engine design, contributed to the Comet's exceptional performance and comfort during flight.
The de Havilland Comet's groundbreaking design, with its advanced airframe configuration and powerful jet engines, revolutionized the world of aviation. This extraordinary aircraft, with its ability to fly faster, higher, and more efficiently than its propeller-driven counterparts, marked the beginning of a new era in passenger air travel.
2. de Havilland Comet 1A:
Capacity: The Comet 1A retained a similar passenger capacity as the Comet 1, accommodating around 36 to 44 passengers.
Speed: The maximum cruising speed remained around 460 knots (530 mph or 853 km/h).
Range: The Comet 1A also had a similar range of approximately 1,800 miles (2,900 km).
3. de Havilland Comet 2:
Capacity: The Comet 2 featured an extended fuselage, increasing its seating capacity to approximately 57 to 65 passengers.
Speed: It maintained a similar cruising speed of around 460 knots (530 mph or 853 km/h).
Range: The Comet 2 could cover longer distances of up to approximately 2,500 miles (4,020 km).
6. de Havilland Comet 4B:
Capacity: The Comet 4B, similar to the Comet 4, could carry around 74 to 81 passengers.
Speed: It maintained the cruising speed of approximately 490 knots (564 mph or 907 km/h).
Range: The Comet 4B had a slightly improved range of approximately 3,500 miles (5,630 km), offering greater operational flexibility.
The de Havilland Comet's sleek and aerodynamic design, coupled with its powerful jet engines, provided exceptional performance and comfort to passengers. Its ability to fly above turbulent weather at higher altitudes and at unprecedented speeds significantly reduced travel times, setting new standards for the aviation industry.
Engines:
The Comet was equipped with four turbojet engines, a breakthrough innovation that set it apart from traditional propeller-driven aircraft. The jet engines were far more powerful, providing greater thrust and significantly higher speeds. The engine placement was on the wings, with two engines mounted within each wing, close to the fuselage.
Engine Type and Power:
The original de Havilland Comet 1 and 1A models were powered by Rolls-Royce Avon 502 engines. Each Avon 502 engine generated approximately 10,000 pounds of thrust, propelling the aircraft at impressive speeds. Subsequent variants, including the Comet 2, 3, 4, and 4B, featured improved versions of the Avon engine series, increasing both power and efficiency.
The de Havilland Comet, as the world's first commercial jet airliner, boasted a groundbreaking design that revolutionized air travel. Let's explore the key characteristics and capabilities of the Comet, highlighting specific features for each variant.
1. de Havilland Comet 1:
Capacity: The original Comet 1 had a typical seating capacity of around 36 to 44 passengers, depending on the airline's configuration.
Speed: It could cruise at speeds of up to approximately 460 knots (530 mph or 853 km/h).
Range: The Comet 1 could cover distances of around 1,800 miles (2,900 km), allowing it to operate on medium-haul routes.
4. de Havilland Comet 3:
Capacity: The Comet 3, also designed with an extended fuselage, could carry around 71 to 81 passengers.
Speed: It retained the same cruising speed of approximately 460 knots (530 mph or 853 km/h).
Range: The Comet 3 offered a greater range, capable of flying up to approximately 3,000 miles (4,830 km).
5. de Havilland Comet 4:
Capacity: The Comet 4 could accommodate around 74 to 81 passengers.
Speed: It maintained a cruising speed of approximately 490 knots (564 mph or 907 km/h).
Range: The Comet 4 had an extended range of approximately 3,300 miles (5,310 km), enabling long-haul operations.
Comet Specs Table
| Comet 1 | Comet 2 | Comet 3 | Comet 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Flight | 27 July 1949 | UNK | 19 July 1954 | UNK |
| Flight Crew | 4. 2 Pilots, 1 Flight Engineer, 1 Navigator/Radio operator | |||
| Range (fully laden) | 1,300nm (2,407Km) | 2,802nm (5,190Km) | ||
| Seating (Typical) | 58 - 76 | 56 - 81 | ||
| Length | 28.3 m (93 ft 0 in) |
29.29 m (96 ft 1 in) |
(111 ft 6 in) |
|
| Wing span | 35 m (115 ft 0 in) | |||
| Wing Area | 187.2 sq m (2,015 sq ft) | 197 sq m (2,121 sq ft) | ||
| Wing Aspect Ratio | 6.56 | 6.24 | ||
| Wing Sweep | 20 degrees | |||
| Height (top of tail) | 8.99 m (29 ft 6 in) | |||
| Undercarriage | 12 wheels Nose Bogey - 2 wheels Main Under Wing Bogey 4 wheels x 2(initial Comet 1 prototype had 2 wheel bogies under wings.) |
|||
| Typical Operating Empty Weight | UNK | UNK | UNK | 34,201 kg (75,400 lbs) |
| Cruising Speed | Mach 0.62 400 kts 740kph |
Mach 0.67 430 kts 790kph |
Mach 0.70 450 kts 840kph |
|
| Maximum Take off Weight | 50,000 kg (110,000 lb) | 54,000 kg (120,000 lb) | 68,000 kg (150,000 lb) | 71,000 kg (156,000 lb) |
| Service Ceiling | 13,000 m (42,000 ft) |
14,000 m (45,000 ft) | 13,000 m (42,000 ft) | |
| Engines | Halford H.2 Ghost 50 | R-R Avon Mk 503/504 | R-R Avon Mk 502/521 | R-R Avon Mk 524 |
| Engine Thrust | 22 kN (5,000 lbf) |
31 kN (7,000 lbf) |
44 kN (10,000 lbf) |
47 kN (10,500 lbf) |
| Comet 1 | Comet 2 | Comet 3 | Comet 4 | |
History.
Commercial Service and Global Recognition:
With its striking appearance, unmatched speed, and luxurious interiors, the Comet quickly captured the world's imagination. British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) launched the Comet into commercial service on May 2, 1952, operating its inaugural route between London and Johannesburg.
The Comet's success was immediate, offering passengers never seen before levels of comfort and reducing travel times significantly. It quickly became a symbol of prestige and modernity, solidifying the UK's position as a leader in commercial aviation.
On 10 January 1954, BOAC Comet G-AYLP, the third Comet built, was lost 16 kilometres from the Italian Island of Elba. It was later found that explosive decompression was the reason and this was caused by metal fatigue at the points of the square windows. This led to a redesign of the windows in future Comets.
Tragically, G-ALYY experienced a similar fate on April 8, 1954, while en route from Rome to London. The aircraft disintegrated mid-flight over the Mediterranean Sea, claiming the lives of 21 passengers and crew. Again, the accident investigation pointed to metal fatigue as a contributing factor, this time in the corners of the rounded windows.
Redesign and Reinvention:
In response to the tragic accidents and the critical lessons learned, the de Havilland engineers undertook a comprehensive redesign of the Comet. The Comet 4 series, introduced in 1958, incorporated significant improvements to address the safety concerns that had plagued its predecessors.
The Comet offered a level of comfort not experienced before by being able to fly above most weather.
Resumption of Service and Further Achievements:
The Comet 4 entered service in 1958, regaining the trust of airlines and passengers alike. BOAC and other operators resumed the aircraft's commercial operations, and the Comet once again graced the skies.
The Comet continued to make significant contributions to aviation during the 1960s, with various military variants and special mission versions deployed by air forces worldwide. However, with the arrival of more advanced jet airliners, the Comet's commercial presence gradually declined.
Legacy and Lasting Impact:
Despite its eventual fade from commercial service, the de Havilland Comet's legacy endured. It had paved the way for a new era of jet travel, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation industry. The lessons learned from the Comet's early challenges contributed to the development of stringent safety standards, ensuring the well-being of future generations of passengers.
Many Comets found there way into various military roles.
Development and Evolution of the de Havilland Comet
The history of the de Havilland Comet traces back to the post-World War II era when the aviation industry was abuzz with possibilities. The de Havilland Aircraft Company, led by visionary designer Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, embarked on a bold mission to create a cutting-edge aircraft that would revolutionize air travel.
Early Development and First Flight:
In response to a British government request for a pressurized airliner, de Havilland began work on the Comet in the late 1940s. The team focused on two groundbreaking features: jet propulsion and a pressurized cabin, which would allow the aircraft to fly above turbulent weather and at higher altitudes.
On July 27, 1949, the de Havilland Comet took to the skies for the first time, piloted by John Cunningham. The flight from Hatfield Aerodrome was a pivotal moment in aviation history, marking the introduction of the world's first jet-powered commercial airliner.
Whilst the de Havilland Comet pioneered jet airliner transport, aircraft like the Boeing 707 built on the new technology and successfully ran with it.
One of the primary changes was the implementation of rounded windows instead of the earlier square-shaped windows. The stress concentrations at the corners of square windows had contributed to the metal fatigue. By adopting rounded windows, the new design mitigated these issues, ensuring the structural integrity of the fuselage.
Additionally, the Comet 4 featured strengthened structural components to withstand the rigors of high-altitude flight and frequent pressurization cycles. These modifications, along with advancements in engineering techniques, contributed to a safer and more reliable aircraft.
The redesign efforts paid off, and the Comet 4 series marked the resurgence of the aircraft's commercial service. The improvements instilled confidence in both airlines and passengers, restoring the Comet's reputation and reaffirming its place as a remarkable achievement in aviation history.
Tragic Setbacks and Safety Concerns:
Unfortunately, the early triumphs of the Comet were overshadowed by a series of tragic accidents. In 1953 and 1954, three Comet aircraft, registered as G-ALYP, G-ALYY, and G-ALYZ, suffered fatal incidents. The accidents occurred during high-altitude flights, leading to explosive decompressions resulting from structural failures in the aircraft.
The first incident involved G-ALYP on January 10, 1954, during its flight from Rome to London. The aircraft's wreckage was found on Mount Superga near Turin, Italy, with the loss of all 35 people on board. The subsequent investigation revealed that metal fatigue around the square-shaped windows was a primary factor in the structural failure.
The flight deck of a Comet 4C. A far cry from today’s electronic instrument systems, the Comet cockpit required an engineer as well as two pilots to operate. The engineer’s panel is on the right, whilst on the left was a navigation table where paper charts could be used to navigate.
Today, the Comet stands as an iconic symbol of innovation, bravery, and determination. While no longer a regular sight in the skies, its significance as the world's first commercial jet airliner remains etched in history, forever remembered as a pioneering force that transformed air travel and brought the world closer together.
In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the technical specifications, notable orders, and the luxurious interiors that made the de Havilland Comet a truly exceptional aircraft of its time.
Orders and Deliveries.
The de Havilland Comet captured the attention of airlines worldwide, leading to significant orders and deployments on various routes. Let's explore the airlines that ordered and received the Comet, along with the routes they operated, broken down by the variants used when available. 112 Comets were built, however, the table below hints at more as it shows airliners that operated the type which may have been purchased from other operators.
| Airline | Variant | Orders | Deliveries | Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolíneas Argentinas | Comet 4 | 6 | 6 | Buenos Aires to New York and Madrid |
| Air France | Comet 1 / 1A | 12 | 12 | Various European Routes |
| Bahamasair | Comet 4C | 2 | 2 | Bahamas to Miami |
| British Island Airways B.I.A. | Comet 4C | 1 | 1 | Southend to Europe charters |
| BKS Air Transport | Comet 4C | 5 | 5 | Manchester to European destinations |
| B.E.A. British European Airways | Comet 4 | 19 | 19 | London to Various European Destinations |
| B.O.A.C. British Overseas Airways Corporation | Comet 1 / 1A | 11 | 11 | London to Johannesburg, Tokya and Colombo |
| Canadian Pacific Air Lines | Comet 1A | 9 | 9 | Vancouver to London |
| Channel Airways | Comet 4C | 1 | 1 | Southend to Europe charters |
| Court Line | Comet 4C | 2 | 2 | Luton to European holiday spots |
| Dan-Air | Comet 4C | 8 | 8 | Various European Charter Services |
| Danish Air Lines (DDL) | Comet 4 | 3 | 3 | Copenhagen to Tokyo and New York |
| East African Airways | Comet 1 Comet 4 Comet 4C |
3 1 2 |
3 1 2 |
Nairobi to London and Johannesburg Nairobi to London Dar es Salaam and Aden Nairobi to London Jeddah and Bombay |
| Iran Air | Comet 4C | 1 | 1 | Tehran to London |
| Iraqi Airways | Comet 4C | 6 | 6 | Middle East Routes |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Comet 4B | 20 | 20 | Tokyo to Honolulu, San Francisco and Sydney |
| Kuwait Airways | Comet 4C | 4 | 4 | Kuwait to London |
| Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI) | Comet 4C | 3 | 3 | Rome to Tokyo and Johannesburg |
| Malaysia-Singapore Airlines MSA | Comet 4C | 4 | 4 | Singapore to London |
| Mexicana | Comet 4C | 4 | 4 | Mexico City to New York and Los Angeles |
| Middle East Airlines (MEA) | Comet 4 | 6 | 6 | Beirut to London and Paris |
| Monarch Airlines | Comet 4C | 5 | 5 | Luton to Europe |
| Olympic Airways | Comet 4C | 5 | 5 | Athens to New York and London |
| Philippine Air Lines PAL | Comet 4 | 5 | 5 | Manila to San Francisco and Los Angeles |
| Royal Air Force RAF | Comet C2 | 14 | 14 | Military Transport |
| Royal Jordanian Airlines | Comet 4C | 3 | 3 | Middle East Routes |
| Starways | Comet 4C | 1 | 1 | London to Europe charters |
| Union de Transports Aériens (UTA) | Comet 1A | 6 | 6 | Paris to North and West Africa |
If you or someone you know has ever flown on a Comet we’d love to hear about it. Be sure leave comments below and share.