Pitcairn PA-39 autogyros - Fleet Air Arm

[Leendert]

The FAA had ordered six Pitcairn autogyros (some sources say 7?), serials BW828-BW832.
Three of them reportedly went down when their ship was sunk on the way to Britain.

Is it known which three Pitcairns were lost and what ship they were on?

Thanks for info.

Leendert

[twocee]

According to the Air-Britain British Air Commission book, these autogyros were ordered for the RAF, not the FAA. There were seven in total, BW828 to 834.

It states that 829 and 830 were sold back to the manufacturers and 828,831 and 832 were the three lost in transit (ship not named). That left 833 and 834 for the RAF.

[Alex Smart]

Ship was the SS."Scottish Trader",
BW828, 829, 830 Lost 6th December, 1941.

BW833 - AAEE/COA/1447 Flt
DBR 19 November 1942.NFD
BW834 - 74 Wng/ 1448 Flt.
SOC 8 June 1942.
BW829 and BW830 both BAC Sold back to makers 5 November 1943.
Ref: AB's RAF Aircraft Ba100 to BZ999
Page 123.

[Leendert]

Though the individual fates of the Pitcairns may differ in the replies, thanks for info that (also) gave a timeframe of delivery. Leendert

[Stig Jarlevik]

Our friend Geoffrey Sinclair offers the following

According to Air Arsenal North America, Pitcairn Autogiro PA-34A, the
PA-39 was a proposed larger 2 seater version. BW828 to 834 with BW828,
831 and 832 lost at sea in the Scottish Trader on 6 December 1941,
spares had been lost with the Silver Cedar weeks earlier. Meant for the
RN, BW829 and 830 used as such in USA for things like deck landing
trials on escort carriers and merchant ships, then sold to G&A Aircraft
(formerly Pitcairn) 5 November 1943. BW833 and 834 arrived in Britain.

Britain reports importing 2 Autogiro in November 1941.

The RAF Serial Registers have BW828 to 830 lost at sea 19 January 1942,
blank entries for BW831 and 832, BW833 on charge 18 January 1942,
Category E 19 November 1942, BW834 on charge 31 December 1941, Category
E 8 June 1942.

The USAAF reports 7 G&A R-390 accepted in October 1941 with 2 delivered
and exported, 3 more delivered and exported in November, all under
contract BR-5012.

B Rgds
Geoffrey

[Leendert]

Thanks for additionele info, Stig. At least the Avro Rota autogyros saw happier RAF service than these Pitcairns...Leendert