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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 0195.PDF
FEBRUARY 15, 1913. With regard to " controllability " or flexibility, although there is not the same need for this as with engines employed on automobiles, it is none the less a desirable quality since at low speeds of rotation the propulsive or tractive effort of the propeller is insufficient to move the machine along the ground, and hence the pilot will be able to start up without assistance should circumstances necessitate his so doing. Further, as the engine is not required to develop its full power during horizontal flight and when alighting, the ability to vary the speed durir>g descent is certainly preferable to the crude methods of switching the ignition off and on. These remarks will apply principally to aeroplane requirements, but in dirigible work such a quality will be an advantage because of the easy acceleration that can be given to the vessel without undue stressing of any part, as well as on account of the desirability of varying the speed while observations are being made. The necessity for the elimination of vibration as far as possible will be obvious when the slender nature of the supports upon which the engine is carried is realised, especially as vibrations of an objectionable character may be set up in the various parts of the machine. The question of convenience of access is frequently overlooked or, ® ® [fuom any rate, disregarded on account of the care anil attention which is now given to this class of engine before any extended flight is made. But it must be realised that from commercial considerations alone, apart from the addition to the time during which the machine can be used, and which may, under some circumstances, He ot value, it will be an advantage to 1* able to readily examine or dismantle any part, especially when the applications of the aero plane are more widely extended. Silence is desirable in any mechanism used for pleasure or sporting purposes, but when it is intended for employment on military reconnaissance duties it becomes of increasing importance to be able to manoeuvre without giving audible warning of approach, especially at night. Cleanliness is in the nature of a refinement, but it is none the less luccssuy. since a dirty appearance is generally caused either by the oil splashed about during hand oiling or by the exhaust, t>oth of which are objectionable, the former because tin pint requiring such attention is apt at times to run dry owing to the irregularity ot the supply of lubricant, and the latter l>ecause it indicates an open exhaust. (To he continued,) ® ® •REIGN ;ATHON EWS. The French Naval Competition. THE Aero Club of France committee which is drawing up the rules for the competition for the 50,000 francs trophy and cash prizes offered by the Minister of Marine for hydro-aeroplanes, has drawn up a long list of tests which will be imposed. These com prise a distance test of 250 sea miles and a speed test over 100 sea miles. There will also be special tests for navigability, gliding, rising and alighting. The machines, which will be divided into two classes, coast machines and open sea machines, will also be tested on calm and rough seas, the height of the waves being recorded in the latter case. Military Aviation In France. A srECiAL committee has been appointed to make a full inquiry into the whole subject of French military aviation, with a view to reporting as to what steps can be taken to place the service upon a proper footing. In some quarters it is held that the time has now come for aeronautics to be fully recognised as a separate arm, in which officers and men would perform the whole of their military service. The committee is visiting the various aviation centres, and making inquiries as to the conditions under which the aviation corps is working at present. New President of French Aero Club. As was expected, M. Henry Deutsche de la Meurthe was elected on the 6th inst. to succeed the late M. Cailletet as President of the Aero Club de France. Readers of FLIGHT and the Auto. know how much aeronautics in France, and the world over, owes to the work and generosity of M. Deutsche, and it will be recognised that a better choice could hardly have been made. One of the most valuable gifts to the cause is the Aerotechnic Institute, in connection with the Paris University, at St. Cyr. M. Deutsche was recently created a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Contest Awards and New Records Passed. AT the meeting of the Commission Sportive Aeronautique on Monday, the Criterium of the Ae.C.F. was definitely awarded to Fourny for his flight of IOIO"8 kiloms. on a Farman machine. The Archdeacon Cup was definitely awarded to Henry Farman and the Lalance prize to Bonnet. Formal recognition was given to Vedrines' speed records made on a Deperdussin monoplane of 250 kiloms. in 2h. im. 53/^s. and 246-937 kiloms. in 2 hours, and Legagneux's passenger record of 3,670 metres, made on a Morane monoplane. Preparing for the Gordon-Bennett. INSPIRED no doubt by the munificent offer of 100,000 francs, by M. Deperdussin, the commercial men of Rheims and the district are contributing liberally towards the prize fund in connection with the Gordon-Bennett aviation contest, which will be held at Betheny this year. Already the amount promised is 250,000 francs, and it is expected that the final sum will be round about 300,000 francs. Another Prize for Garros. IT will be remembered that last year the Grand Prix of 10,000 francs of the French Academy of Sports for the best performance in any sport during lC-II was awarded to " Beaumont" in respect of his various long flights. This year the priie, which is due to the generosity of M. Deutsche de la Meurthe, has been awarded to Garros. His noteworthy performances of the year 1912 included twice beating the height record, the winning ot the Ae.C.F. Grand Prix, and the flight from Tunis to Rome. New Passenger Height Records by Gougenheim. AFTER making a splendid performance on Saturday by taking up four passengers to 752 metres, Gougenheim handsomely bettered this on Monday by taking up a similar load to 1,120 metres. His mount was a Henry Farman biplane fitted with 8o-h.p. Gnome and Chauviere Integiale propeller, and both performances were made at the Villesauvage Aerodrome near Ktampes. On Saturday the passengers were MM. Gressard, Dufaure, Jousse, and Leclerc, and when a height of 752 metres had been reached, it rained so heavily that it was deemed advisable to land after being in the air for an hour. The passengers on Monday were MM. Ferdinand d'Or, Germain, Vauger and Richerolle and the machine carried 70 kilogs. of fuel and oil. During the flight of I hr. 40 mins. the greatest altitude reached was 1,120 metres. The previous height record for pilot and four passengers was 590 metres made by the Belgian, Verschaeve. Clement-Bayards Over Paris. IN connection with the Mardi Gras festivities in Paris on Tuesday of last week, Guillaux and Gastinger appeared at a height of 2,000 metres over the F" rench capital on their Clement-Bayard monoplanes. Both pilots also look passengers for trips over the city on the following day. HOUPES D' AERGNAUTIQUE PERSONN BORS CADRES The new uniform badges for the Aeronautical Section of the French Army. 199
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