Boulton Paul Aircraft: Phoenix
Note: This is a sub-section of Boulton and Paul.
This machine, for test purposes was built of wood, but in production was to be constructed as an all-metal machine. The" Pheonix "was designed in the belief that there were many possible private owners who would welcome a light aeroplane costing less to buy and to run than existing types of light aeroplane. The light two-seater aeroplane costed anything from £600 upwards, and was equipped with an engine of from 80 to 100 horse-power. The fuel consumption of such an engine was not inconsiderable, and as insurance premiums were based to some extent on the initial cost of the machine, the running and maintenance expenses of a light aeroplane were such as to place the possession of one beyond the capacity of many who could afford to learn to fly.
The " Phrenix " was intended to be not only cheap but robust, easy to handle on the ground and in the air, to carry a reasonable load, and to have a good all-round performance. It was of monoplane design, and had wings of the slow stalling section employed on the " Sidestrand." The wings were without wire bracing and a rearranged to fold. The tail planes and the rudder were interchangeable. The development model was fitted with a 35-40 H.P. A.B.C. "Scorpion " motor, and with full load had a top speed of 80- 85 m.p.h. The landing speed was less than 40 m.p.h.[1]
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