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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0954.PDF
I/UCHT too rapid to count. In some cases it is possible to see that the wingg are moving to and fro with great rapidity. In one case, in twilight, the wings appeared to me as a great halo surrounding the bird. In horizontal flight the rate of beat is certainly less. The rate of beat of the flying fox in horizontal flight is usually from •3 to "4 of a second. Occasionally for short distances it may be slower. When poising, as may occur before perching, the rate of beat is greatly increased and too rapid to count. As with the kingfisher, the amplitude of the beats in poising is also greater than in horizontal flight. The flying fox, in horizontal flight, usually arches the wing at the bottom of the down stroke (Fig. 51, IX). On one occasion I was able to see that in poising the arching at the bottom of the stroke was greatly increased, so that the wings nearly met in front of the body at the end of the down stroke (Fig. 51, IX). By the term " beat " I intend to imply an up stroke plus a down stroke. The following table gives the rate of beat, during horizontal ® ® THE GOVERNMENT AT last there is a serious move to be made by the British Government in really helping forward aviation in this country. On Monday night, Mr. Sandys, M.P.. raised the question of the supply of aeroplanes for the Army, he re ferring specifically to the intentions of the Government as outlined on July 18th by Colonel Seely, Under-Secretary for War. Continuing, Mr. Sandys said that a further statement from him would now be welcome. Much light had been thrown on the subject by the military manoeuvres on the eastern frontier of France, which he (Mr. Sandys) had followed. The impression these left upon the ordinary observer was that the aeroplane was destined to play a very important part in military operations. Information could be obtained by aeroplane reconnaissance which it would be impossible to gain in any other way in military operations. It was made obvious that any army which in the future went into the field inadequately provided with an efficiently trained air corps and machines of the best type was taking very serious risks indeed. Recently the right hon. gentleman had made a statement on the subject which was unsatis factory. It was highly desirable that more official en couragement should be given in regard to aviation. The encouragement given by the French Government had greatly helped in enabling France to take the front rank in the matter, and he hoped the most recent statement made by the Under-Secretary for War did not indicate a change of policy. Colonel Seely in reply said : It would be quite erroneous to suppose that we were going back on the policy I announced in July. We are going forward. We are determined to bring this country up to a proper—indeed, to a high— standard in matters of military aviation. Almost immediately we shall issue the terms under which officers will be able to obtain the position of Army airmen. Any officer who passes the test and obtains the Aero Club certificate (for which he must attend and pay for aviation classes) will in future receive ^75. After he has obtained the certificate he will be attached to the Army Air Battalion to undergo a course of instruction in military aviation, in those branches of aviation which are of special value for military purposes—making out ground from a height, steering a course in the air by the stars or compass, and drawing an accurate map of what the airman has seen. Then the officer will become an Army airman, and will be so described in the Army List. Those officers who have already joined the Air Battalion will receive an extra £25. After the Army airman has passed all the tests, it is pro posed that he should be attached to the Air Battalion periodically for " refresher" courses. From what I have been able to ascertain about flying, I should think these refresher courses would have to be very frequent, in order that they might continue to be able to master this most difficult art. With regard to the number of aeroplanes, it appears that we have far too few. Undoubtedly we have, but the comparison is with France, which is far ahead of the rest of the world. We have all along hung back, because ® ® How France Encourages the Industry. IN contrast to the way in which the aviation industry is neglected by the Government of this country, it is announced from a usually well-informed quarter that in the French Military Budget NOVEMBER 4, 1911. flight, of different species of birds that have come under my observation :— Swift (Cypselus affinis) ... -I sec. Green parrot (Palaeornis torquatus) ... ... '15 to'25 sec. Blue jay (Coracias indica) ... ... ... ... '3 sec Crow (Corvus splendens) "3 to'4 sec. Paddy bird (Ardeola grayi) '4 sec. Black vulture (Otogyps calvus) 4 ,> White scavenger vulture (Neophrons gingianus)... "45 ,, Adjutant (Lcptoptilus dubius) '5 to "45 sec. Cheel (Milvus govinda) -4 to "45 „ Two or three species of wading birds "5 sec. Some facts in my possession lead me to suspect that the rate of beat in the case of birds flying long distances varies with unknown atmospheric conditions. The matter would probably repay investi gation. (To bt continued.) ® ® AND AEROPLANES. we wanted to obtain the most useful type. We thought we could afford to wait until we could arrive at a better decision as to what was the best type of aeroplane for the Army. We have at present in the various stages nineteen aero planes, but I must admit that one is broken beyond repair, and one is quite out of date. We have been trying all the different types. We have eleven types, seven of which are biplanes and four monoplanes. We have learnt most useful lessons from these different types of airships, and we are now engaged in testing some of the more speedy monoplanes. We are arriving at a point when we think we see our way to choose what is the best type, first, for teaching people to fly, and, secondly, for the purpose of war, should war unfortunately break out. As soon as the moment for choice comes—and it will come very soon—we propose to purchase an adequate number of aeroplanes, on which a large number of officers who, no doubt, will be forthcoming, will be able to fly. Army flying is different from civilian flying, and, for war purposes, it is necessary to have a machine for two men, one to steer and the other to observe. Therefore we want a very special type of Army aeroplane. The specifications for the prizes for the Army aeroplane are now practically complete. The only points remaining to be decided are, not only the total amount, but, what is more important, the distribution of the prize-money. I hope that before the end of the present year we shall be able to announce the prize which the War Office and the Admiralty propose to offer for an Army and Navy aeroplane. In conclusion, the Government fully recognise the immense importance of aerial scouting in war. It has passed beyond conjecture now as to whether aeroplanes can or cannot ascend in all reasonable weathers and observe large numbers of troops. Further, it is vital for any country that has an army to have an aeroplane survey. Both the War Office and the Admiralty have realised the importance of these things, and are working together to provide a really efficient scouting service. The Government will take every step to- put the country on a proper footing in regard to this important subject. Colonel Yate then asked whether it would not be possible, in view of the heavy expense of learning to fly, to increase the sum of £7$ to be granted to each officer. He would also like to know what was considered by the Government to be an adequate number of aeroplanes. Colonel Seely said the present number of nineteen aero planes possessed by the Government would be greatly raised ; but he could not give the exact total. They proposed te rrain at least 100 officers, and non-commissioned officers and men of other ranks would also be trainedj Sir H. Dalziel urged the Government to do**their utmost to encourage civilian flyers, and to make it easy for them to give their services to their own country. At the present time they were being tempted by three or four foreign countries, and they should be allowed to offer their services to their own land first. ® ® for IQ12 the expenditure on military aviation will far exceed last year's figure of .£320,000. It is stated that one item will be a sura of ^28,000, which will be allocated for the remuneration of military aviators. 956
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