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Aviation History
1910
1910 - 0183.PDF
MARCH 12, 1910. be noticed, project beyond the front spar, and their extremities mortice into a kind of U-section member that forms a rigid leading edge along the front of each wing. The ribs also overlap the rear spar, and in this case form a flexible trailing edge. In the construction of the tail there is no rear spar, properly speaking, but it will be observed from the photograph aformen- tioned that the ribs are tied together near their extremities by a light lath. Attention should also, perhaps, be drawn to the shape of the main spar in the photograph of the tail framework, as this member has a different section to that employed for the main wings. For its span, a much more massive spar is employed in the tail, owing to the fact that it is so mounted as to be capable of rocking in its supporting brackets, the tail being used as an elevator as is the case on most monoplanes. In applying the surface fabric, a system is adopted of stretching the material on a kind of former in advance. The former is so constructed that it is possible to transfer the stretched fabric direct to the machine without releasing the tension. This method was, we understand, found to be not only very satisfactory in its result, but also a great time-saver, the surfacing of an aeroplane being commonly one of the longest jobs in its construction JQCHT) HE J H^^H * IflflHHF 'mm - ' r f; « & m~\ - 1 B MW. 11 Flight " Copyright. Sketch showing the construction and dimensions of the ribs employed in the main wings of the Macfie monoplane. compared with the apparent amount of work that it involves. After the surface material has been applied, the wings are braced by the attachment of tie-wires and bars. Flat strip steel is used for bracing the forward main spars to the chassis-frame, but elsewhere steel wire is employed, mainly on account of the move ment necessitated by warping. In connection with the attach ment of the tie-bars from the forward spars to the chassis- frame, it should be pointed out that these slope backwards as well as upwards from their anchorage, in order, according to the designer, to give the spars additional rigidity in over coming head resis tance. In addition to the tie-wires beneath the wings, thereare others above, which pass, be tween corresponding " Flight" Copyright. View of the 35-h.p. 8-cyl. air-cooled Jap engine on the Macfie monoplane. points in the main spars, over a central triangular frame work that projects as a strut above the centre of the machine. In the case of the tie-wire between the rear main spars a pulley wheel is provided for its support on the strut, owing to the movement that takes place when the wings are warped. Details of this attachment are illustrated in one of the accompanying photographs, which shows the position of the pilot's seat. The rudder is an interesting example of the use of Venesta wood. It consists of two panels, fastened to a light skeleton frame, and each panel consists of three layers of wood, of which the individual thickness is only one twenty-fifth of an inch. This form of construction produces a smooth rigid surface that is not easily damaged and is reasonably light. It seems particularly suited to a rudder that is as much over-hung ift its support as that on the Macfie machine. " Flight" Copyright. Diagrammatic sketch showing the crossing ol the wires employed for warping the wings of the Macfie monoplane. 179 " Flight" Copj-right. Sketch showing the pilot's seat and control lever; also illustrating the hinged attachment of the rear spars of the Macfie monoplane. E
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