The reasons behind the choice of a high-wing layout for the Ambassador were entirely practical.

Such an arrangement permits the floor level to be kept conveniently low: it offers a better view for the passengers and it reduces forced-landing damage ot a minimum.

Whether ther are advantages in efficiency is a matter for the theorists - but the Ambassador's actual speed performance has certainly equalled the original estimates.

Airspeed Limited - Christchurch & Portsmouth - Hampshire.