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Aviation History
1914
1914 - 0503.PDF
MAY 9. 1914- [/BglJl] of brass " by-pass" tubing which are soldered to the leading and trailing edge of each plane. A detailed sketch is shown. The tips of the upper main plane are swept back 2 ins. and have a slight negative angle of incidence. The elevator is rectangular, and measures 9 ins. by 3. By means of a piece of cycle-spoke and two small nuts to fit, the angle is quickly altered. The twin propellers are 9 ins. in diameter, and have a pitch of 18 ins. They are each driven by 6 strands of J-in. strip rubber. The probable duration is 35 to 40 sees. Competitions for Season 1914, We have received the following communication from Mr. O. Hamilton, Junr. (Hon. Sec, Stony Stratford and District Kite and Model Club). " I should be glad to add my quota to the discussion on the above subject. I feel it is one which will stand a great deal of debate before a proper and satisfactory programme of events could be arranged. It is pleasing to note the development of the more scientific side, but there is a possibility that our more advanced London friends may forget their country cousins somewhat, more especially those who are unable to spend the time they would like upon the subject and are therefore not so forward as the clubs nearer the mother club, the K. and M.A.A. [Such clubs must, of course, organise special competitions to suit their own immediate needs.] The intelligent public fail to understand the principles of the present- day model, since they cannot see its prototype in full-size aspect, as in the case of a model racing yacht, which, if produced in full sized form from the model, would possibly show the absurdity ; in the case of the aero model the essential differences are far more apparent. LThey are not only apparent but very real.] Mr. W. E. Evans states that the Canard type model has received its death-blow [in its present form] for scientific work. This is perhaps a somewhat tall order, as I personally think this is still adaptable to the require ments of our more staid model workers. Hence I think it ought to be included in a more fruitful and wider field of research. [By all means on certain lines.] Examining the various proposals brought forward in detail, I think we owe our Paddington friends a large debt for their suggestion for a competition for types a la Dunne, because there is at once attaching a new problem for automatic stability and constructional ideas. Now, if I may, I should like to review your suggestions in the issue of April 18th. (1) This should certainly be the case, except in the case of juniors or beginners with r.o.g. models. (2) This is excellent, one of our members is experimenting with a motor that would be adaptable to such a type, and up to the present the results are decidedly encouraging. [Adopted as : the length of the rubber-motor shall not exceed the span, a quite satis factory result.] (3) That three longitudinals [at least] should be used for tractors is very necessary; nothing looks so ugly as the single stick tractor r.o.g. (4) This suggestion is most progressive, but I think that the 8-oz. twin hydro should be encouraged for early experiment, as this gives much valuable data for such questions as flotational stability and the position of the floats relative to the centre of gravity of the machine, when in flight [none of the suggestions put forward were for early experiment, but for standard competitions. Save when experimenting with a new type, hydros under 1 lb. weight are useless]. (5) A most sound and progressive suggestion, and one that all clubs should develop to some degree. (6) Another good suggestion, i.e., a controllable motor. (7) This class is, I think, most necessary, at it will assist in possibly helping to find data for a successful full-size machine of this type. (8) This is very good, but the judging for design, &C., in a large competition would take a lot of time and reduce the number of trials. (9) This is also a sound suggestion, and would prevent the design of a mere pot-hunting model. (10) This is certainly necessary, and arrangement could be made. (11) This is a very good suggestion, but rather premature, I fear, unless some light alloy can be found for the motor parts. In addition to the above sound suggestions, I venture to bring forward a few of my own :— 1. That in all competitions where possible not less than two flights be made, preferably three, the lesult to be the average of these. [Three flights, the average to be taken, will be the rule.] This has already been suggested in your columns, but I see no mention of it in any of the latter suggestions, and I feel I must draw attention to it because we have used it with such success in all our competitions but one, and find it gives a truer indication of a machine's possibilities and efficiency. 2. That some clause or rule in the programme of the events demands a respectable chassis to be fitted to all r.o.g. models and hydros. This is very necessary, as most chassis are conspicuous only by their absence. Speaking personally, I have not done much with r.o.g. models owing to lack of time to study the chassis question ; two straight wires and a pair of wheels does not seem to me to be sufficient. 3. That a competition be introduced for steering and stability 01 various model types. 4. That a surface rating be used having a higher unit ratio than the one used at Olympia [4 oz. per sq. foot for monoplanes and 3 oz. for biplanes]. That a qualifying test should be a combination of both distance and duration, so regulated that the qualifying machines are of an all-round nature ; this would be accomplished by suggestion No. I. 5. That the stability of the model be noted whilst gliding to earth, motor run out. This would be a more effective guide to the relative stability of different plane sections." [Practically speaking, all the principal points raised by our corre spondent will be found to have been effectively dealt with by the Advisory Council of the K. and M.A.A. when their programme for this season's competitions is published.] Proposed Junior Model Aero Club for Hove. Mr. J. J. Allen (11, Brooke Street, Hove) will be glad to hear from anyone interested in the above. ® ® ® ® KITE AND MODEL AEROPLANE ASSOCIATION Official Notices. International Aero Exhibition. Official Remits of Engine Brake Teats.— The last of the competitions held in connection with the ahove Exhibition, for prizes offered by the Royal Aero Club, took place at the East London College, Mile End Road, on April 28th. The judges in this class were Professor J. 'J'. Morris, M.I.E.E., Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, and LIVERPOOL AERO RESEARCH CLUB.—On the left the trophy to be awarded in connection with the Club' Exhibition. On the right Mr. G. H. Kilshaw's latest tractor model just rising off; span 47 ins., length 48 ins 503
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