Port Victoria Kittens  Page Last Updated: Feb 2006


There were two Kittens, built at Port Victoria, designated PV7 Grain Kitten, and PV8 Eastchurch Kitten. They were designed to be launched from small ships against Zeppelins, but they were not developed as the 35hp Gnat engines that were fitted were underpowered and unreliable- the pilot had to stay within gliding distance of the airfield.

The PV7 was a tiny aeroplane, with an 18 foot wingspan. The PV8 was barely any bigger, at 19 ft.
The PV8 was the better aircraft, with better performance, and a service ceiling of 15,000ft. With the more powerful 45hp engine it was designed for it may have been a useful aircraft, though Martlesham criticised the strength of the structure.
Pups and Camels were found to be effective, and these became the standard shipboard fighters, condemming the Kittens to obscurity.

The kits are Scaleplanes vacforms with scratchbuilt engines, made from machine screws

PV8 and PV7                        PV8 Eastchurch Kitten                                     PV7 Grain Kitten

PV7 and PV8

PV7 and PV8

PV8 and PV7 front view

Engine Pictures

35hp ABC Gnat

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