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Aviation History
1909
1909 - 0055.PDF
JANUARY 23, 1909. PROGRESS IN FLIGHT. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—It was with sympathetic interest that I read the letter of Mr. Humphry, in your issue of the 9th inst., relating his trying experience in ordering propellers from the French firm, Voisin Freres, " whose great facilities and vast experience " have been so " boomed " and belauded. As Mr. Humphry's experience of their methods is not the only instance that has come to my knowledge, and as I have for several months past been doing my humble but " level " best to remove the national reproach that we have to go to France for aeronautical apparatus, may I be allowed to state that it is not necessary to do this. Let me not be misunderstood, in saying—and it is only due to the national credit (and incidentally to myself to slate the fact)—that for months past a far more efficient propeller than any obtainable on the Continent, and better in all respects, has been and is obtainable in London, with no unconscionable delay, but early and punctual delivery. It is notorious that the " Voisin " propeller wastes over50 percent, if the power applied, hence their use of 50 h.p. engines when about 20-h.p. should suffice. In the British propeller referred to the writer guarantees a much higher efficiency than from any of French make, and will be pleased to hear from any reader whom the foregoing facts may concern. Yours faithfully, Jan. 18th. SIDNEY H. HOLLANDS. AN ENGINE FOR MODELS. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—Re " Engine for Models," it seems to me that compressed air is the most suitable power for small models, as it combines lightness of plant with safety of working. If some of our model engineering firms could bring out a small compressed air engine and compressing plant, I think they would find a ready sale. In an article in the Model Engineer (Sept. 3rd and 10th, 1908), some very useful notes were given on curtailing the weight of an engine without sacrificing its efficiency. Perhaps the same process could be used with regard to petrol engines for aeroplanes. For smaller models there is an electric motor sold by the Economic Electric Company, of Twickenham, London, which weighs only 4 ozs. Details of power and current consumption would doubtless be supplied on application. Trusting that these remarks may be of some use I remain, yours faithfully, Tan. 12th. ORMSBY SHAKE. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—In reply to the letter in your paper by Mr. Eldridge, I may say that I have had the same trouble with experimental models ; but being an engineer I have succeeded in overcoming the difficulty by designing and making such an engine as is mentioned which fully answers my expectations. It weighs only 7 lbs., and develops about 3 h.p. complete, the total weight of an aeroplane fitted, being a little over 10 lbs. when in flight. I may say that I have also succeeded in flying fifty-five times with an electro motor and accumu- lator, the aeroplane carrying its accumulator quite comfortably. From my experience, the main trouble is not so much with the motive power as in the proportioning and adjustment of the aero- plane balance, even with so large a weight as a 50 lb. model, two of which I have also flown successfully with a iA-h.p. motor on board. Yours very truly, Stoke Newington, Jan. 15th. MONTFORII KAY. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—I notice from correspondence in your journal that many experimenters like myself have found great difficulty in making a light powerful motor to drive a model aeroplane. After much trouble, I have succeeded in making a light motor which drives two 12-inch propellers 1,000 revs, in 60 sees. The total weight of motor, propellers, shafts and bearings, &c, is only 8 ozs., and can be made complete for the cost of a few shillings. The propellers can be easily altered from propellers to tractors, or vice versa, and the balance is also easily adjusted to suit any style of mono or biplane. I would arrange to place these upon the market if there would be any demand. Yours faithfully, King's Lynn, Jan. 19th. R. W. TAYLOR. [Mr. Taylor does not say what type of motor it is to which he refers, nor does he mention the approximate pitch of the two propellers. Both these matters are evidently of so much importance, as indicating the power available, as well as the possible range of action, that we would suggest to him the desirability of supplement- ing his letter in these respects.—ED.] AN AERONAUTICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. To the Editor oj FLIGHT. SIR,—Your correspondent, in your issue of Jan. 9th, who wants an " engine for models," will find something to interest him in "The Transactions of the Royal Society of New South Wales," Vols. XVII, XIX, XXI, XXIII, and XXIV. In these are published accounts of experiments with model aeroplanes by Mr. Lawrence Hargrave, with particulars of various motive powers used by him. May I suggest that you publish in FLIGHT a list of various sound works on artificial flight and scientific journals (volume or date) in which published accounts of experiments are given, with, at the same time, a brief indication of the nature of their contents, i.e., whether highly mathematical and academic in character or simple and straightforward. A large amount of experimental work has been carried out on sound scientific lines, the results of which would be invaluable, if one only knew where to find published accounts of them. I feel sure that such a list would be greatly appreciated by your more serious readers. Yours faithfully, Bristol. G. H. CHALLENGER. [We already have in hand such a list of works on aeronautic matters as is referred to by Mr. Challenger ; and hope to publish it in an early issue. In the meantime we should esteem it a favour if Mr. Challenger and any other readers would send us particulars of any publications of the kind (with a brief note as to their scope and value) that they may have in their possession, or with which they are acquainted.—En.] To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—Being keenly interested in aerial locomotion, and knowing nothing whatever about it, I wish to take advantage of your offer of assistance through your letter to readers of FLIGHT (NO. 1, Vol. I) in asking you to name works on subjects in connection with the above, viz. :—-Aerostatics, dynamics, donetics, flight of birds, his- tories, &c., by whom written, and where obtainable, marking in particular which books you recommend for a novice to start on, to enable him to get hold of the theory as well as the practice of aerial locomotion. Wishing your paper every success, and thanking you in antici- pation, Believe me, yours truly, Birkenhead, Jan. 16th. H. T. NAPIER-HENRY. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS- A.W. (Gathurst).—Your previous letter gave no address ; hence delay in dealing with it. W.O.S. (London, E.C.).—Many thanks for cutting. Needless to say, we fully endorse your comments. SJ. (Hirnant) —Your further letter is to hand, and the matter contained therein is receiving our careful con- sideration. M.E.S. (Birmingham).—By all means send full particulars. . We are always happy to give all the assistance that we can. R.E.N. (Maidenhead).— We hope to find room for your communication in our next issue. It arrived too late for inclusion this week. NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED. William Skinner, Ltd.— Capital £2,000, in 1,900 cumulative preference shares of £,1 each and 2,000 ordinary shares of is. each. Manufacturers of cycles, airships, motor cars, &c. Aeronautical Patents. Applied for in 1908. Published January -z&tli, 1909. I,785- J. L..GARSED. Aerostats or aerial machines. 13,84b. A. FEILER. Aerial flight chutes.17,695. O. RICALDONI AND G. A. CROCCO. Airships. 22,258. J. M. WKIGHT. Airships. 57
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