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McLaughlan, John C (Flying Officer)

Killed in Flying Accident 1929-November-04

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date (age unknown)

Service
RCAF
Unit
Aeronautical Inspection Detatchment
Rank
Flying Officer
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Service Numbers
Flying Officer P.G. Stanley also killed.

Vedette G-CYWR

Canadian Vickers Vedette

Source: Harold A Skaarup Web Page (RCAF Photo courtesy of the Canadian Aviation Preservation Association)
Canadian Vickers Vedette I, RCAF Reg. No. G-CYFS

The Canadian Vickers Vedette was the first aircraft designed and built in Canada to meet a specification for Canadian conditions. It was a single-engine biplane flying boat purchased to meet a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) demand for a smaller aircraft than the Vickers Viking with a much greater rate of climb, to be suitable for forestry survey and fire protection work. The type went on to have a long and distinguished career in civil operations in Canada. Most of the topographical maps in use in Canada today are based on photos taken from these aircraft.

Based on a preliminary design in early 1924 for a "flying boat" by R.K.Pierson of the British company Vickers, the Canadian Vickers Vedette was a two/three-seat single-engine pusher aircraft. The design was passed over to the subsidiary Canadian Vickers Limited of Longueuil, Quebec (formed in 1911) where Wilfrid Thomas Reid served as Chief Engineer. The prototype Vedette I was first flown on 4 November 1924, powered by a 200 hp (150 kW) Rolls-Royce Falcon III. It was subsequently fitted with 210 hp (160 kW) Wolseley Viper, 200 hp (150 kW) Wright J-4 and 215 hp (160 kW) Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engines for testing. Several versions of the Vedette were produced, including two amphibious versions and one with an enclosed cabin on an all-metal hull. With the exception of these major changes, most of the remaining differences between versions were relatively minor and not externally visible. Each version was produced with a range of optional engine types.

The first production example was provided to Fairchild Aerial Surveys (c/n 31 G-CAFF) before they started designing their own survey aircraft. The majority of the production run was purchased by the RCAF where the aircraft proved popular and versatile, if somewhat temperamental due to leaky hulls that required constant maintenance (a problem afflicting all wooden hulled flying boats). The Vedette undertook photographic and forestry patrols satisfactorily and provided a backbone for RCAF flying operations through the lean peacetime years. Vedettes started a coast-to-coast photographic survey that was needed to map out the large areas of the country still unmapped. These missions lasted until the outbreak of the Second World War, and would be completed after the war with newer types. Vedettes stationed on both coasts were also used for fishing and smuggling patrols, both with the RCAF and with Western Canada Airways. Wikipedia

A hull of one of the Saskatchewan-owned aircraft, along with a replica built by volunteers, are on display at the Western Development Museum, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Canadian Vickers Vedette

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

YouTube YouTube The Vickers Vedette - A Uniquely Canadian Aircraft

General Vickers Vedette at Western Development Museum

last update: 2021-12-14 15:46:14

Vedette V G-CYWR

Civil registration CF-AIV issued for initial company tests on 7 August 1929, but not clear if ever marked. Crashed a few days after first flight. Landed in suburb of Montreal. Flying Officer P. G. Stanley and Flying Officer J. McLaughlan killed. Later taken on strength for accounting reasons.

1929-10-25 Taken on Strength 2020-09-19
1929-11-04 Struck off Strength Crashed on test flight, struck off same day. See comments. 2019-08-20

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