NORMAN THOMPSON

Douglas White (money) and Norman Thompson (Cambridge graduate) formed White & Thompson Ltd mid-1909 at Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex, company registered June 1912. Built metal-skinned twin-engined biplane, pusher biplane and single- and twin-engined flying-boats 1912-13, followed by at least 8 No. 3 boats (150-hp Hispano). Built for RNAS 24 Short S.38 trainers 1913-14. After start of war F.P.H. Beadle joined as designer and produced tractor biplane (RNAS Type 1172 from first serial), believed first monocoque fuselage in production, 10 delivered. Company name changed 4 October 1915 to The Norman Thompson Flight Co., Bognor Regis. Built at least 50 NT.4 flying-boats (2 pusher Hispano), plus at least 150 NT.2B trainer flying-boats (pusher Hispano, Sunbeam or Beardmore), others built by S.E. Saunders and Supermarine. Prototype only of N.1B fighter flying-boat plus 2 N.2C developed from NT.4a. Company taken over by Handley Page 1919.

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