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Aviation History
1910
1910 - 0796.PDF
somewhat reminiscent of the original Short biplane, and is in some respects the most important feature of the machine, for coupled as it is with the absence of a tail, the principle involved results in a most important reduction in the overall length. "Valkyrie I," which is shown in the accompanying illustration, measures only 22 ft. from stem to stern, although it has a span of 34 ft. Experiments were originally carried out with the independent operation of the rudder-planes, but the interconnection of these members has been found preferable, and the steering effect is the same, in principle, as that of a rudder carried on the extremity of an outrigger. The absence of leverage, which would ordinarily be provided by the distance of the outrigger from the main planes, is in this case seemingly made up by the increased influence of the slip of the propeller on the particular rudder-plane that happens to be turned into the wash. It will be observed that the rudders are situated one on either side of the slip-stream from the propeller. These rudders are not especially large ; indeed, they have actually less area than those on the Wright biplane, with which machine the Valkyrie, although a monoplane, is almost unconsciously compared. In this comparison, moreover, it is interesting to note that although the leading plane of the Valkyrie seems to be an unusually long way in front of the main planes it is actually scarcely more than a foot further off than the elevator on the Wright biplane, and the dimension is identical with the corresponding measurement on the Curtiss biplane of last year. Regarding dimensions, an out- Special aluminium sockets are employed in many places on the Valkyrie, and especially should their use be noted as abutment METHOD OF F\KIP!C TIE-WIRES Detail view showing the method of attaching the tie wires for bracing the spars of the main planes. standing feature of the Valkyrie is that it provides over 140 sq. ft. of supporting surface for a total weight of 520 lbs. This weight is approximately that of the Bleriot monoplane, but the Valkyrie is a machine of much wider span, and much greater area. Such lightness is due entirely to detail design, for the machine carries a standard Green engine of 30-h.p., and a glance at the accompanying illustrations, particularly the drawings, is sufficient to show that, with the exception of the tail outrigger, it has the usual number of principal members. Perhaps the most important constructional feature of the machine from the point of view of detail is the use of a single-surfaced main plane, which is considerably lighter than a double-surfaced member, firstly owing to the smaller quantity of fabric, and secondly owing to the lighter character of the cambered ribs. In connection with the attachment of these latter to the trans verse main spar forming the leading edge of the plane, there is an interesting detail that is illustrated in one of the accompanying sketches. It will be observed that in order to avoid weakening the main spar by making mortice joints, the ribs are held in aluminium sockets fastened to the back edge of the spar by screws. These sockets are also flanged, and the flange is grooved so that it overlaps the edge of the spar and thereby obtains great rigidity of support without cutting the wood. The ribs themselves have a slightly triangular section, this shape having been found to give the greatest ratio of lateral stiffness to weight of any simple form of construction. The main plane of the Valkyrie is built in three sections, and special aluminium sockets have been designed to facilitate an adjustment of the angle of incidence of the main plane by raising or lowering the rear transverse main spar during erection. The central portion of the main plane has a shorter chord than the extremities, and is also adjusted to a smaller angle of incidence owing to its presence in the slip stream of the propeller. 'VALKYRIE V—Sketch illustrating the position of the pilot's seat and the arrangement of the control. pieces in connection with the method of anchoring the tie wires on this machine. Not one of the important wires used in bracing the Valkyrie is either fitted with a sirainer or bent over at the ends. The method of attachment adopted avoids the necessity of doing either, and thus simultaneously saves the weight of a wire strainer, and likewise overcomes any objection that there may be to bending. The wires used are of larger gauge than ordinary, and it has been found preferable to employ wire that does not exceed no tons tersile strength owing to the liability to brittleness of the higher grade steel. All the wires are cut approxi mately to the desired length, and then have a screw thread chased upon their extremities so as to take an ordinary nut. The wires are threaded through the lugs at the points of attachment to the frame, and the nuts are fastened down against the special alu minium brackets provided for their abut ment. One such bracket is shown in an accompanying sketch, and another is illustrated in a detail photograph, which shows how the tie wires are fastened to the main spars of the main plane. As a practical flying machine, the designers of the Valkyrie lay emphasis on the advantages associated with the position in which MAIN PLPkNE CONSTRUCTION • SPECIAL SOCKET tQa. REAR. SPAR. T£> AUOW ADJUSTMENT OF ANCLE "VALKYRIE L**—Sketches illustrating various special features of construction. they place the pilot. He is situated in front of the engine away from the exhaust and the draught of the propeller, and he has an 794
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