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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 0626.PDF
least 40 miles per hour in still air, but bidders must submit quota tions in their proposals for cost depending upon the speed attained during the trial flight, according to the following scale: 40 miles per hour, 100 per cent. ; 39 miles per hour, 90 ; 38 miles per hour, 80; 37 miles per hour, 70 ; 36 miles per hour, 60 ; less than 36 miles per hour, rejected; 41 miles per hour, no; 42 miles per hour, 120; 43 miles per hour, 130; 44 miles per hour, 140. " 5. The speed accomplished during the trial flight wiil be deter mined by takirjg an average of the time over a measured course of more than 5 miles, against and with the wind. The time will be taken by a flying start, passing the starting point at full speed at both ends of the course. This test subject to such additional details as the Chief Signal Officer of the Army may prescribe at the time. " 6. Before acceptance a trial endurance flight will lie required of at least one hour, during which time the flying machine must remain continuously in the air without landing. It shall return to the starting point and land without any damage that would prevent it immediately starting upon another flight. During this trial flight of one hour it must be steered in all directions without difficulty and at all times under perfect control and equilibrium. " 7. Three trials will be allowed for speed as provided for in Pars. 4 and 5. Three trials for endurance as provided for in Par. 6, and both tests must be completed within a period of thirty days from the date of delivery. The expense of the tests to be borne by the manufacturer. The place of delivery to the Government and trial flights will be at Fort Meyer, Va. '* 8. It should be so designed as to ascend in any country which may be encountered in field service. The starting device must be simple and transportable. It should also land in a field without requiring a specially prepared spot and without damaging its structure. . c " 9. It should be provided with some device to permit of a sate descent in case of an accident to the propelling machinery. " 10. It should be sufficiently simple in construction and operation to permit an intelligent man to become proficient in its use within a reasonable length of time. " 11. Bidders must furnish evidence that the Government of the United States has the lawful right to use all patented devices or appurtenances which may be a part of the flying machine, and that the manufacturers of the flying machine are authorised to convey the same to the Government. This refers to the unrestricted right to use the flying machine sold to the Government, but does not contemplate the exclusive purchase of patent rights for duplicating the flying machine. "12. Bidders will be required to furnish with their proposal a certified check amounting to 10 per cent, of the price stated for the 40-mile speed. Upon making the award for this flying machine these certified checks will be returned to the bidders, and the suc cessful bidder will be required to furnish a bond, according to Army Regulations, of the amount equal to the price stated for 40-mile speed. " 13. The price quoted in proposals must be understood to include the instruction of two men in the handling and operation of this flying machine. No extra charge for this service will be allowed. " 14. Bidders must state the time which will be required for delivery after receipt of order." ® ® ® ® THE AVION FLOATS. IT is apparent that the float constitutes a specialised detail of the present-day hydro-aeroplane, and as such it should afford a legitimate field for commercial enterprise somewhat akin to that already developed in connection with the propeller. This, at any rate, is the view held by the newly-formed Avion Float Co., which is, we believe, the first British firm to enter upon aeronautical business solely for the purpose of float building. The object of the Company is not to champion any one particular type of float against other types, but to concentrate upon the general problem of float design and construction, so that their resources may be equally at the service of all who can make use of them. It is quite likely that many aeroplane constructors may find it advantageous to have their floats built for them, especially at first, rather than to establish the necessary department in their own works ; and to such firms the endeavours of this pioneer float con- approximate weights or Avion floats the following table has been prepared :— Style. The figures give the maximum ratio of length to beam. Extra broad, 3:1... Broad, 6:1... Long, 9:1 Extra long, over 9:1 Weight (lbs.) per cubic foot capacity of float. Small, up to 7 cu. ft. 1-9 3° 3"7 4-5 Medium, 7 to 32 cu. ft. i-6 26 3-2 3"9 Large, 32 to 70 cu. ft. i'4 2-3 2-9 3-4 F-xtra large, over 70 cu. ft. I -2 2-0 2-5 30 Two examples of Avion floats. struction company should be a considerable convenience. The industry of aeroplane building in England is not so wonderfully prosperous for those engaged in it that one can afford to be sparing of words of good will towards those who are prepared to make the best of the present situation, and the present instance seems to be a case in which they are well merited, for there can be no question that the business of waterplane construction should be an important one in this country. For the convenience of designers who require preliminary It will be understood that these figures are merely intended to give a rough first approximation. For instance, a rectangular section float of about 5 : 1 len gth : beam having 40 cubic feet total displacement, will probably weigh about 40 x 2-3 = 92 lbs. These floats are built with watertight partitions and with inspection covers to each compartment if required. They can, in fact, be built to any special design for those who wish to carry out experimental work. The works of the company are at 17, Wharf Road, City Road. 6t2
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