Canadian Vickers Vigil

Canadian Vickers Vigil

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11/30/2007.From 1920 forest patrols in Canada were undertaken by the CAF/RCAF using D.H. 4 aircraft. In 1926 the Department of National Defense issued specification C/11/26 for a Forest Fire Patrol Aeroplane. Canadian Vickers proposal, issued on November 26, was accepted on December 20, 1926. The new aircraft was named Vigil and Wilfrid Thomas Reid designed it. Powered by one 180 hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV air-cooled seven-cylinder radial engine, the first flight was made by Squadron Leader R.S. Grandy, accompanied by Flight Lieutenant A. Ferrier from St. Hubert Airport, Quebec, Canada, on March 12, 1928.

The Vigil was considerably overweight when built and this deficiency reduced the aircraft's performance and operational ceiling, making it unsuitable for its intended role. However, the aircraft was taken on strength by the RCAF on May 11, 1928 and stationed at Rockcliffe Air Station, Ottawa. It was used for proficiency flying by pilots assigned to administrative duties. In January and February of 1929, the aircraft was used for experimental air mail flights to the Maritimes Provinces. By September 1930 an overhaul and minor repairs were deemed uneconomical and the aircraft was struck off strength on November 3, 1930 and subsequently scrapped.


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11/30/2007.From 1920 forest patrols in Canada were undertaken by the CAF/RCAF using D.H. 4 aircraft. In 1926 the Department of National Defense issued specification C/11/26 for a Forest Fire Patrol Aeroplane. Canadian Vickers proposal, issued on November 26, was accepted on December 20, 1926. The new aircraft was named Vigil and Wilfrid Thomas Reid designed it. Powered by one 180 hp Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV air-cooled seven-cylinder radial engine, the first flight was made by Squadron Leader R.S. Grandy, accompanied by Flight Lieutenant A. Ferrier from St. Hubert Airport, Quebec, Canada, on March 12, 1928. The Vigil was considerably overweight when built and this deficiency reduced the aircraft's performance and operational ceiling, making it unsuitable for its intended role. However, the aircraft was taken on strength by the RCAF on May 11, 1928 and stationed at Rockcliffe Air Station, Ottawa. It was used for proficiency flying by pilots assigned to administrative duties. In January and February of 1929, the aircraft was used for experimental air mail flights to the Maritimes Provinces. By September 1930 an overhaul and minor repairs were deemed uneconomical and the aircraft was struck off strength on November 3, 1930 and subsequently scrapped.