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Aviation History
1914
1914 - 0502.PDF
MAY 9, 1914. E. Edited by V Two Interesting Model Types. AMONGST this season's coming competitions will in all probability be found those in which the competitors will be compelled to submit models of the covered-in/»r«/of« Canard type, and also in which twin tractor models will be eligible and permitted (as an experiment), to compete on equal terms with their single tractored relatives. In the case of the Canard type model there will be certain restrictions with respect to the maximum length and breadth of the fuselage in order to ensure the uce of a fuselage and not a mere tube. In view of this the accompanying photos, drawings, and par ticulars, kindly supplied us by Mr. A. B. Clark (Hon. Sec. South- Eastern Model Aero Club), of Mr. F. Hummer's models should prove especially interesting. The Covered-in Fuselage Canard-type Model.—This machine was constructed about fourteen months ago. At first it was flown with the fuselage open, and very good flights were obtained. No actual record of the flights was kept, unfortunately, but, as far as memory serves one, the average distance flown was about 230 yards, after rising from the ground. Afterwards it was converted into a hydro with "quick-detachable" floats, and again good flights were made. Later on Mr. Plummer decided to encase or cover in the fuselage to observe the effects produced by such a course. The floats were therefore removed, and the land chassis fitted on again, as the prospect of a fuselage filled with water was not at all enticing. The flights obtained—with the body or fuselage covered in—were much better than any made previously, the improvement being at least equivalent to a distance of 40 yards. The stability of the model was far better, both laterally and longitudinally. And, taking it all round, the enclosing of the body may be reckoned a distinct success, so much so that Mr. Plummer has no intention of again removing the model's clothes. A general idea of the machine may be obtained from the accom panying scale drawings and photos. The fuselage is 33 ins. in length, and is built up (a feature to be recommended) of four longitudinals of ^ by | in. silver spruce, brought to a point at the front, and forming a horizontal knife edge at the rear. These longitudinals are held apart by three " distance blocks" sawn from |-in. thick whitewood or 3 ply-wood, see sketch for shape. The front block measures ij by | ins. over all, and is 10 ins. from the nose of the model. The middle block is another 10 ins. further back, and the overall dimensions of this are 2% by if ins. The third or last distance piece is 2£ by 2 ins., and is situated 6J ins. from the propeller-bearing outrigger. In each case the dimensions are greatest as viewed from the side. The four wheeled chassis and central skid is easily constructed from split bamboo, and is fairly obvious from the illustrations. The main planes and elevator are made of r8 s.w.g. piano wire in the usual way. The upper plane has a maximum span of 25 ins., JOHNSON, M.A. and is si ins. wide at the middle. The lower plane has a maximum span and.chord of 15 ins. and 5£ ins. respectively. These planes are not rigidly connected to each other, but are joined by piano wire inter-plane struts which fit into small pieces F. Plummer's (S.E.M.Ae.C.) canard biplane with covered-in fuselage. Mr. F. Plummer, of the South-Eastern Model Ae.C, with his enclosed body canard biplane. Mr. Plummer's twin tractor biplane. The skid construction should be noted- On the right 502
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