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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0543.PDF
JUNE 24, 1911. (/QCBT) taneously, the downturned extremity of the far wing will be more exposed and will thus exert a greater lifting force at its full leverage. The first tendency of th; veering wind is to lift the near wing, •owing to the improved aspect ratio of that wing and to the •diminished aspect ratio of the far wing, which is also possibly shielded somewhat by the body of the machine ; it is this disturbing force that is counteracted in the manner just explained. As the equilibrium of the machine depends on the nicety with which one force just balances another it can be understood that the exact design of the wings is rather a difficult matter. It will be observed, from what we have said, that the disturbance and correction thereof are simultaneous and are both brought about by the relative wind itself, without change in the position of the machine. In the theory of the dihedral angle, the machine is assumed to heel over in order to obtain a righting force. This difference in the actions of the two types of machine seems to draw a line between two types of stability, which may be described as " stiff" and " rolling." The Dunne principle belongs to the former, inasmuch as the machine is not supposed to be actually moved at all by the disturbing influence. From a constructural point of view, the Dunne monoplane is mainly interesting on account of its dissimilarity in general appearance to any other well-known type. The wings form a canopy over the pilot, who is seated in the bows of a shallow body that carries the engine at its after end. The propeller revolves immediately behind the V of the wings, and its axis is, of course, in line with the centre of gravity of the machine. Above the wings is the radiator, which is placed there principally to raise the centre of .gravity as high as possible. The entire machine is carried on a •simple wheel-skid under-carriage. The control of the machine is effected by two levers, which are •quite independent, and control the hinged wing-tips in the trailing edges of the planes separately. These flaps serve the dual purpose of elevator and rudder, for when they are both moved simultaneously in the same direction they alter the attitude of the machine, and thereby cause it to climb or descend ; but when moved in opposite directions, or when one of them is moved alone, it is equivalent to rudder action, because it alters the resistance to motion and thus tends to accelerate or retard that extremity of the plane, so that the machine alters its course. ® ® AERO MODELS THE following is a statement that we have received from the Secretary of the Aero Models Association under cover of a letter explaining that the same document has been sent to all the Clubs and organisations interested in aero model flying with the request that they should favour the Association with observations thereon. The text of the circular is as follows:— The Registration of Aero Models. General interest in the construction and flying of aero models has led to the rapid establishment throughout London and the provinces of numerous clubs and societies, having for their objects the en couragement of the study of the laws of aerodynamics by means of •experiments with aero models ; and also the encouragement of the flying of aero models as a pastime. As a natural sequence, the feeling is being very widely expressed and the need has arisen, and is now becoming urgent, for a central association for the registration of performances of aero models. The Aero Models Association is an organisation formed to deal •exclusively with the design, construction and flying of model aerial machines and all things pertaining thereto. As a branch of the Aviation Section of the Automobile Association and Motor Union— an organisation of influence and repute with representatives through out the whole of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland— and in view of its having been consulted with reference to the organisation of aero model competitions, and having received sug gestions that it should take the lead in the matter of the registration •of aero models, it deems itself justified in placing before the various organisations of the United Kingdom the following propositions for dealing with the registration and the issue of certificates of per formances of aero models:— 1. The Aero Models Association declares itself prepared to undertake and keep an impartial record of the performances of aero models and to issue certificates in connection therewith. 2. The Aero Models Association proposes to extend its Committee by inviting all clubs and organisations interested in aero models to nominate members thereto, for the consideration of all matters per taining to such registration. The Committee so formed to have power to make such regulations as they think fit as to the summoning " Flight" Copyright. Engine and propeller on the Dunne monoplane. ® ® ASSOCIATION. and holding of their meetings and for the transaction of business thereat, and they may adjourn any meeting. 3. Representation on the Committee shall be at the rate of one representative for every organisation with a membership exceeding fifty (50) and not exceeding one hundred (100), and one representa tive for every additional 100 members or portion of 100. 4. The qualifications of the appointment of representatives shall be:— a. Membership of at least fifty (50) subscribing members. b. Allegiance to the rules of the Committee. Each club or organisation must be duly elected by the representative Committee. 5. This Committee duly constituted shall be considered the para mount body governing the sport and pastime of aero model flying, 6. Representatives on the Committee shall not be directly interested in the commercial side of the construction of aero models. 7. The functions and objects of the Committee shall be limited strictly to the consideration and promulgation of rules and regula tions governing the flying of aero models and for the settlement 01 any question of dispute referred to them for settlement by any body or organisation interested in aero model flying ; the approval of all proposed aero model competitions; general encouragement and experiments with aero models as far as is possible by any of the above means. Taking advantage of the open-minded request in the covering letter to the above document, we should like to point out the possible misunderstanding that might arise through misinterpretation of the Association's intentions as outlined in the opening paragraph. It is quite clear that the Aero Models Association intends to try and become the governing body affecting the sporting side of model flying. It is, however, necessary to bear in mind that models are often used for serious scientific study and may become still further employed for this purpose. In so far as they are used in this sense, they come within the scope of a body of the character of the Aeronautical Society, and we should, therefore, like to suggest a modification of the words "encouragement of the study of the laws of aerodynamics " in the above mentioned first paragraph, in order to avoid any apparent clashing of interests.
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