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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0045.PDF
JANUARY 21, 1911. AERONAUTICAL PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE AERONAUTICAL IN view of the somewhat confused state of aeronautical terminology at present prevailing, a Technical Words Committee was appointed by the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain to draft a list of technical terms relating to aeronautics, and to define their meaning. The work of the committee has proceeded along systematic lines, and has already resulted in the compilation ot a glossary of the more general terms in use. It was decided, therefore, to issue this list forthwith, in the form of a preliminary report, as it fairly well covers the technical vocabulary involved in the ordinary course of aeronautical work. Since uniformily in this matter is essential, it is hoped that all writers on aeronautical subjects will generously sink individualism where necessary by co-operating in the systematic use of the following terms. In due course the committee hope to issue a glossary covering the whole range of aeronautical terminology, but the work of selection and definition is necessarily slow when con scientiously undertaken. The committee wish to draw attention to the fact that they have aimed at making their definitions of technical terms as simple and commonplace as possible. The definition of ordinary dictionary words that are sometimes used technically has, .as far as possible, been avoided, in order to give that latitude of expression so much desired by all writers. In a few cases where •certain words are used in contrary senses by different schools of writers—such as " aerodrome" and " airship"—the committee have 'been forced to take arbitrary action ; it is particularly in respect to the use of such words that the committee hope to meet with the -support of the public. General Terms. Aeronautics—The entire science of aerial navigation. Aerostatics—The science of buoyancy in air by means of dis placement ; this is, therefore, the term to be applied to the science -of aerostation. Aerodynamics—The science relating to the effects produced by air in motion ; this is, therefore, the term to be applied to the' science of aviation. Aerostation—That part of aerial navigation dealing with gas-borne -or " lighter-than-air " machines. Aviation—That part of aerial navigation dealing with dynamically- raised or " heavier-than-air " machines. Aeronaut—One who practises any branch of aerial navigation. Aviator—One who practises aviation. Pilot—An aeronaut qualified in aerial navigation. •Engineer—In charge of the power-plant. Helmsman—In charge of the steering. Shed—The use of the term .$•/;«/is Tecommended instead of hangar. Harbour—A natural or artificial shelter. Aerodrome—A ground set apart for flying purposes. The com mittee do not recommend this term, but, in view of its somewhat general use, suggest that it should be employed only in the above -sense. This suggestion is made without prejudice either to its derivation or to its application in another sense by authors such as Langley, Lanchester and Graham Bell. Dirigible—A power-driven balloon. Airship—This term having occasionally been used to denole .aeroplane, the committee recommend its use only in the sense of dirigible, in order to avoid confusion. Helicopter—A flying-machine supported by one or more screw propellers rotating on vertical or approximately vertical shafts. •Ornithopler—A " flapping-wing " machine. Flying-tnachine—A generic term denoting machines used in .aviation, as distinct from tho.'e employed in aerostation. (/u^I TERMINOLOGY. SOCIETY'S TECHNICAL WORDS COMMITTEE. Aeroplane—A flying machine provided with fixed planes supported dynamically by its movement through the air. This term should not be used to denote the planes themselves, but should only apply to the whole machine. Glider—An aeroplane unprovided with motive power. Multiplane—An aeroplane with two or more main planes over lapping in plan-form. Biplane—An aeroplane with two superposed main planes over lapping in plan-form. Monoplane—An aeroplane with a single main supporting plane, which may consist of a pair of wings outstretched on either side of a central body. Tandem, Stepped—In some cases aeroplanes have more than one pair of wings, which may or may not be on the same level ; such planes, if they do not overlap in plan-foim, must necessarily be arranged in " tandem " ; when not on the same level they are said to be " stepped." For instance, "an aeroplane having three pairs of wings stepped in tandem." Principal Dimensions. Area—This term is not a technical definition unless qualified by an adjective, as, for instance, " supporting " or " effective " area. By area is meant, in the case of planes, the area of the plan-form and is therefore measured in units of double surface. That is to say, both sides or surfaces are counted as one unit of area. Thus, by an area of 500 square feet is implied a surface of twice 500 square feet. Surface—Attention is drawn to the distinction that exists between surface and area. See Area. Weight—This being a general term, should only be used when qualified by an adjective, such as "net weight." Net Weight—The weight of the complete machine exclusive of variable quantities, such as pilot, fuel, lubricants, &c. Gross Weight—The weight of the complete machine inclusive of all variable quantities, i.e., pilot, fuel, lubricants, &c. Loading—The loading of a machine is its gross weight in pounds divided by the supporting area in square feet. Principal Parts. Plane—Any element of area used for dynamic support or control. In pure aerodynamics the term should only be used with a qualifying adjective such as "flat," curved," or "cambered." The prefix " aero" is restricted to the complete machine defined as an "aeroplane." Wing—The present use of this term, by analogy with natural flight, denotes each of a pair of planes outstretched on either side ot a central body, which wings, if continuous, would form a single plane. Body—In flying machines the central longitudinal framework to which 1 he planes and organs of control and propulsion are attached. Carriage—That part of the machine beneath the body intended for its support on land or water. Tail—In flying machines a plane or group of subsidiary planes, which may include both horizontal and vertical planes, behind the main planes. Elevator—A movable plane or group of planes for directing and controlling the machine vertically. Ruddei—A plane or group of planes for guiding a machine to right or left. Balancer—In aeroplanes an organ—usually a plane—for main taining lateral equilibrium. Mr. Gilmour has a look round before settling down in his seat in "Big Bat" Blcriot for a spin round Brookiands Aerodrome. 47 c
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