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Aviation History
1914
1914 - 0846.PDF
AUGUST 7, 1914. Edited by V. E. Model Flying Boats. THE evolution of that particular kind of hydro-aeroplane generally known as a flying boat does not appear to have met with much practical success in models up to the present time. No model flying boat that we know of has made a flight of a a hundred yards or a duration of even fifteen seconds ; and, speaking personally, we have not actually seen anythirg that could be really called a flight with a model of this character. We have seen one rise from the surface of the water, soar up into the air at an angle Messrs. T. W. K. Clarke and Co.'s spring-driven model. Above is seen an enlarged view of the spring motor, pro peller and chassis. of about sixty degrees, and then plunge down, nose first, into the water at about the same angle. We have also seen a model rise off the water (from a small pond), fly low for about fifty yards, and then sit down on its tail, jast as if it were tired. The problem is undoubtedly one of some considerable difficulty, far more difficult than that of the aeroplane-on floats type; and it appears very unlikely that the same duration could be obtained with such a type of model as with the ordinary type of hydro-aeroplane. We see no reason, however, why a duration of at least half a minute should not be obtained, as the result of a little careful experimenting. So far no competition appears to have been arranged for such a type of model, and unless the competition was strictly limited to such a type, nothing is likely to be done by this means, because no competitor is likely to put such a model into a competition with machines of the ordinary hydro-aeroplane type, on account of the JOHNSON, M.A. shorter duration which would be made by the model of the flying boat type. , This is rather an unfortunate state of affairs, because this type is generally regarded as the type of the future so far as full-sized work is concerned on anything like rough water. At present, it is true, it has not met with the success that its designers anticipated, but in all probability the question of size has had much to do with this. When, in course of time, much larger machines are built than any even now only contemplated, this type will in all probability come into its own. If the solution of the problem does not lie in this direction, i.e., a boat or hull carrying a flying superstructure, which can be cast off at will, it is extremely difficult to see in what manner the problem can be solved. When we begin to seriously consider such a type, in model form, we appear to be strictly limited as to our design. So far as the writer's personal experiments go in the matter this design must contain practically all the following essential features: It must have twin propellers, they must be tractor screws ; it must be a biplane, the bottom plane about half the span of the top, the two small balancing floats at or very near the tips of this lower plane. The hull should preferably have a step slightly in advance of the e.g. of the machine. A good type of hull to try appears to be the " fiddle-back " type like that used in the Donnet-Lev&jue. The motor rod and propeller brackets, &c, would have to be put in the usual place for a twin tractor model and connected to the hull by suitable struts and bracing. The hull would have to be built as light as possible. A model on the above lines appears to be most likely to give some initial measure of success. Kather more than a year ago the writer endeavoured to construct a single propeller model, tractor type, in which the rubber motor was enclosed in the hull, twin gearing was used ; and in which the propeller was driven by a light chain and chain wheels ; but the efficiency of the driving gear was far too low and the friction far too great for any practical success. In trying such a design again, I should substitute for the chain and chain wheels some large and very light cogs all of the same size, four at most should be sufficient. Could such a model, rubber driven, be got to do a duration of only fifteen to twenty seconds, it would be of considerable interest. We trust that the foregoing suggestions will lead to some of our readers making some experiments, either in the direction indicated or in some other which may appear preferable to them. Such experiments could not fail to be of interest, and we fee no reason why they should not be successful; they should certainly appeal to anyone desirous of trying something new. A 6 to 10 oz. model would be quite large enough to begin with. A Clock Spring Driven Model. We give this week two illustrations of an interesting model, recently constructed by Messrs. T. W. K. Clarke and Co., of Hampton Wick, and which has accomplished to date a duration of 13 seconds. As can be seen from the photograph, the positions of the planes, the dimensions .-nd weight distribution correspond practically speaking to those of a full-s:z:d machine. The spring motor fitted to the machine is not an ideal one for model aviation work, by any means ; it could be considerably lightened, there are too many cogs and consequent friction. With an improved type of spring motor it is hoped to double the present Rogers' Olympia model.
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