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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0983.PDF
AIR EDDIES. Apropos of the danger of fires on aeroplanes, a subject that was dealt with in FLIGHT a fortnight or so ago, it is interesting to learn that General Roques, probably the most influential person in French military aviation circles, is endeavouring to bring about the establishment of a prize for the encouragement of those inventors who are giving the subject their consideration. The General is, further, at one with our contributor in the opinion that the tanks and supply pipes should be made of a much stronger meial than is at present adopted. • • • Not long ago, at the exhibition of safety devices promoted by the Ligue Nationale Aerienne, there was on view a petrol tank, the invention of M. Cremaux, who claimed for it an absolute immunity against the risk of bursting. Although definite details are not to hand as to the exact nature of the tank, I have heard it rumoured that within the metal casing is a porous substance that will "occlude" petrol and readily give it up as required, much in the same manner as dissolved acetylene is treated. • » • I hear that Blackburn has almost completed the first machine of a new type—specially designed for military purposes. Although the new monoplane will bear a strong superficial resemblance to its well- tried prototype, it will differ in that practically the whole of the construction will be of steel. It is to be hoped that when the Government commence purchasing aeroplanes they will remember that we have British constructors <juite as capable of satisfying their demands as are foreign manu facturers. • • • It must be almost a year ago since we first heard that M. Henri Deutsch de la Meurthe [had placed an order with Bleriot for a four seater limousine monoplane. The new machine which is actually in process of construction is, I have been told, modelled to a very large extent on the lines of the ioo-h.p. Gnome-engined experi mental monoplane which created a good deal of sensation by its weight-lifting qualities in the hands of the late Lemartin at Pau some few months ago. Indeed it was for the purpose of supplying data for the construction of the new "aerocar" that this machine was built. The body is to be comfortably upholstered and provided with seating accommodation for four passengers. As for the poor pilot, •he is destined to occupy an exterior seat. • • • The Deperdussin firm in France are stirring themselves to still further efforts to lead in the aviation business. Like many of the more important firms they have organised a colony at Pau, in the Sunny South, so that pupils will be able to take their tuition during the winter months, amidst much more pleasant surroundings than would be possible up north. Not only this ! they intend following Bleriot's example, and form a school for the sole instruction of Army officers. To Aubtun and Busson, the latter of whom has recovered his normal health, will be entrusted the running of this school. * • • Two of the Deperdussin pilots, Vidart and Delacour, are fixing •up arrangements for a flying tour round France, and, if the weather be favourable, it is likely that the tour will take the form of a race ; in which case, judging from the capabilities of the two engaged, a Damage by the Gale at Oxford. THE gale which raged last week-end did considerable damage at Port Meadow, Oxford, where six hangars have been erected by Messrs. J. Betts and Co. The sheds were simply lifted up bodily, and came down with disastrous effects to the aeroplanes which were housed in them. Reduced Fees for Military and Naval Tuition. IN view of the Government grant to officers who learn to fly being fixed at ^75, the British and Colonial Aeroplane Co., Ltd., have reduced their tuition terms for officers of the Army and Navy to that figure. The fee includes insurance against breakages and third party risks. An Aerodrome for Birmingham. THERE is every probability of Birmingham possessing an aerodrome shortly, as negotiations have been practically completed between the Midland Aero Club and the Birmingham Playing Fields and Open Spaces Society for the use of the Castle Bromwich tough struggle should result. They will start from Kheims and gain the coast via Rouen. • * • Captain E. B. Loraine, of the Grenadier Guards, secured his brevet on Tuesday last under record circumstances, his case, I believe, being the first on record where a pupil has secured his brevet on a 50-h.p. Gnome-engined monoplane, the practice up to the present having always been for the pupils to secure their certificates on special school machines built for slower speed. He has only for a short time been a pupil of the " Valkyrie school at Hendon, and accom plished the necessary test flights on the latest military type of Valkyrie Gnome-engine monoplane having a speed of a mile a minute. I understand that Capt. Loraine is joining the Army Air Battalion. • • • Howard Flanders is, I hear, intending shortly to establish a school at Brooklands. Tuition will naturally be given on that excellent production of his, the Flanders monoplane, by its equally excellent pilot, Ronald Kemp, and I sincerely hope that such success will attend their new venture as to fully compensate them for the run of hard luck that pursued them in their attempts to capture the British Michelin prize. • • • Congratulations to Mrs. de Beauvoir Stocks for being the second lady in the United Kingdom to earn the distinction of certificated pilot of the Royal Aero Club ! Her progress during tuition at the Grahame-White School has been of a most consistent nature, and not only does this reflect credit on the methods adopted at that school, but gives rise to the opinion that if she continues with the same keenness to follow the sport, she may soon be classed as the world's most efficient aviatress. The many friends of E. V. B. Fisher will be glad to hear that he is making rapid progress towards recovery, and that the doctors have now permitted him to receive an occasional visitor. Let us hope that both Fisher and Hubert will soon be quite themselves again, as aviation in England is undoubtedly impoverished by their absence. • • • Claude Grahame-White has arrived back in England for a short period in order to take a slight respite from his strenuous work on the other side of the Atlantic, and to direct his rapidly-growing undertakings at Hendon. His firm's factory at Hendon is now in full working swing, and is replete with all the labour - saving machinery necessary for the economical production of all types of air-craft. He intends to return to the States on the 18th of this month, sailing by the " Lusitania." Both his 70-h.p. Nieuporl and his 50-h.p. Indian-engined " Baby" biplane have been dispatched to California, which he will make the scene of his operations on his return. • • • The Indian aero motor, which was mentioned in last week's notes, has been undergoing rigorous tests at the hands of Mr. Grahame-White in America, and I have it as his opinion that as soon as one or two minor modifications have been made the engine bids fair to attain a reputation as the best of its type. "OISEAU BLEU." ® ® ® ® playing fields as a flying ground. A hangar has already been erected for Mr. E. T. Willows' dirigible, and as soon as the weather is favourable he will sail the "City of Cardiff" over from Wolver hampton. It is hoped, too, that one or two prominent aviators may be induced to make their headquarters at Castle Bromwich. Flying Meeting for Shrewsbury. UNDER the auspices of the Shropshire Aero Club, a public meeting was held at Shrewsbury on the 3rd inst., with the object of considering the project of holding a flying meeting at the end of the present month. The Mayor, Major Wingfield, presided, and said that Mr. Valentine had hoped to have been at the meeting, but had been suddenly called away to France. Before leaving, however, he had inspected the Shropshire and West Midland Show ground, and expressed a favourable opinion as to its suitability for a flying meeting. Several promises of support towards the prize fund had been received, and it was felt that there would be no difficulty in raising the necessary funds. It was decided to make a public appeal for funds to cover the expenses and prize money, and Mr. F. Lea was appointed hon. secretary and treasurer. 985
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