In 1923 Flying Officer Nicholas Comper formed the ‘Cranwell Light Aeroplane Club’ (CLAC) for apprentices at RAF Cranwell. The CLAC built three successful light aircraft, all designed and flown by Comper, with the majority of the construction work being carried out by the apprentices. Having gained this experience Comper left the RAF to set up the Comper Aircraft Company. Their first product was the Comper Swift which was produced from 1929 until 1934.
The aircraft is a small single-seat; braced high-wing monoplane constructed of fabric-covered spruce wood frames and was eventually powered by a 75 hp Pobjoy R radial engine. The Swift was available in either red or blue and became one of the most popular racing aircraft of the 1930s. The last three factory-built aircraft were fitted with more powerful de Havilland Gipsy engines and are sometimes referred to as the Gipsy Swift.
The Omaka based volunteer team building this flyable replica is employing a reworked VW car engine and are approaching the end of what has been a marathon effort, beginning in 2015. The hard working crew have another big job at our airshows and that is making some of the impressive air show props!
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
