Basil Smith: Hydravion Cams 53 Hydroplane

Artist: Basil Smith
1925 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1985
Image Size: 7 by 6 inches
Overall Size: 10 by 9 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

In the 1930s, the Hydravion Cams 53 was recognized as one of the finest hydroplanes in France. It was derived from the Cams 51 that established the world's altitude record with a 2,000 kg. load in 1929. In this fine tradition the Cams 53 quickly became one of the classic French transports in the Mediterranean. Powered by two 500-hp Hispano-Suiza engines, the Cams 53 was the first biplane to carry its engines under the upper wing. In 1928, the prototype of the Cams 53 was built and delivered to Aeropostale, which put it into service on the Marseilles-Algiers run on October 22. The Cams 53, manufactured by Chantiers Aero-Maritime de la Seine, was forty-eight feet long and eighteen feet high. It could fly with a speed of 136 mph and a ceiling height of 16,400 feet and travel a full 700 miles without stopping. Built of wood, such as ash, spruce or poplar, the Cams 53 had some of its parts covered with fabric. There was a cockpit in the nose for storage of anchor and mooring gear; an enclosed pilots' cockpit, a wireless post with apparatus, a cabin for four passengers, and a baggage compartment. Various types of Cams 53 were used by several French airlines. On June 6, 1929, Air Union-Lignes d'Orient started the longest commercial line in the world with this plane. The flight lasted three days and covered a distance of 3,254 kilometers from Marseilles to Beyrouth. Featured in this artwork is the F.AIZA of Air Orient which was a Cams 53-1. Named Syrie, the plane was use dby Air France from 1933.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Trains & Boats & Planes & More Collection Description Card for the Hydravion Cams 53.

Artwork Copyright © 1985 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB09882

US$ Price: $950.00

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