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Aviation History
1910
1910 - 0124.PDF
[/USD FEBRUARY 19, 19*0. THE STAR MONOPLANE. YET another British aeroplane is illustrated by the accompanying photograph, the machine in question being a monoplane built by the Star Engineering Co. at their Wolverhampton Works. This monoplane has a span of 38 ft. and an overall length of 30 ft. The framework is built of ash braced with steel wires, while the body is divisible into two parts for convenience in transport, the division point of the frame occurring just behind the pilot's seat. The wings are double surfaced and are set at a dihedral angle; they are braced to a central mast by radiating wires. The tail consists of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane ; with larger pneumatic-shod wheels, the metal wheels being too lia*ble to sink into the ground in its present heavy state in consequence of the recent bad weather. As will be seen from the photograph, the engine is situated right in front and drives a two-bladed tractor- screw that exerts a pull of 180 lbs. at 1,200 r.p.m. The blades of the screw are made of aluminium, stiffened by a strip of steel riveted along the back, while the entire surface is highly polished. Arranged alongside the body somewhat on the lines of the " Antoinette," the radiator consists of a large number of thin brass tubes, and the circulation of the cooling water is effected by a pump. The "Star" Monoplane. and both these members are extended by hinged planes, thus forming a rudder and elevator, of which the exact details of control are the subject of patents taken out by the manufacturers. All movements of the machine are controlled by the steering wheel, which operates both sets of steering planes. <HMM <-..J '"'->» Beneath the machine in front is a light wood chassis, having a pair of skids that also carry a pair of aluminium wheels for use when running along the ground. These wheels are suspended by light leaf springs that allow them to rise sufficiently far for the runners to take the entire weight of the machine in the event of sudden shocks, and the tail end of the machine is protected by a light skid. After preliminary trials in Dunstall Park it was found advisable to replace the aluminium wheels Without the pilot, the total weight of the machine is 876 lbs., and it is expected that a speed of 30 miles per hour will be necessary for ascent. It is fitted with an exact replica of the 15-h.p. Star engine that made such good running on the Brooklands Track recently, and from which as much as 30-h.p. has been obtained. This engine is only fitted temporarily pending the completion of a special 50-h.p. motor that is being constructed at the Star works, and is expected to weigh about 100 lbs. less than the motor now being used. Up to the present no attempts at actual flight have been made, the pilot merely running the machine round the track, minus fehe wings, so that he might become thoroughly familiar with the working of the controlling gear. FLIGHT AT BROOKLANDS.—Steady work is progressing at the Wey bridge aerodrome, although not much fuss is being made. At a recent visit among the machines in the aeroplane sheds were the Lane monoplane; Mr. C. A. Moreing's Voisin biplane Mr. H. G. D. Astley's monoplane; Mr. Holt's flyer; Mr. Neal's monoplane; Mr. Claude Grahame-White's Blyio* monoplane. 120
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