Port Victoria P.V.4

Early in 1916, the Marine Experimental Aircraft Depot initiated the design of a land-based two-seat fighter, the P. V.3. Although this was never built, the Depot was officially requested to develop a float seaplane version carrying radio equipment and a single 7.7mm machine gun. This, the P.V.4, was a small and compact sesquiplane with a central nacelle for the two crew members and a pusher engine, and the tail assembly carried by four slim booms. The gunner occupied the forward cockpit, which was equipped with a Scarff ring for the gun. The intention was to fit the P.V.4 with a 150hp Smith "Static" radial engine but, as this was unavailable, a 110hp Clerget rotary was installed for flight testing in mid-1917. This created CG problems, resolution of which would have involved considerable redesign, and, as the P.V.4 was considered to possess insufficient promise to warrant this work, development was discontinued.