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Aviation History
1914
1914 - 0948.PDF
LA IGHT SEPTEMBER II, 1914 Edited by V. E. Mr. P. L. Senecal's Models. WRITING with respect to our comments on his communication pub lished on August 7th under the title " Has the Modern Model been Anticipated?" Mr. L. Senecal says : "I notice imyour comment on my letter concerning my father's model in FLIGHT, August 7th, that the distance, 700 yards, is questioned. Since then I have roughly calculated by the formula given in FLIGHT of 1912, the pitch of the screws and the distance they would draw the machine. I find that the pitch of a screw of 13 in. diameter at 45° is 4176 ins., reckoning 500 turns to each (this is the number my father says he used to use), the total distance the model would fly unaided by the wind is 1,160 yards. [Not to, 580 yards approx. only, since both propellers revolve simultaneously.—V.E.J.] Deducting 25 per cent, of this for friction, &c, the remainder is 870 yards. [Really 435 yards.—V.E.J.] In face of this I see no reason why the machine should not have flown 700 yds. " It is a difficult matter to prove, since no records of the model were taken. The existence ot the model can be proved by the catalogue of the Workman's Exhibition of 1879, which I have in my possession. I have also trie fellow model which was exhibited with the aeroplane. It is catalogued the ' Angiroptone,' which is a travelling helicopter and intended to rise and travel by rotation. This machine is intact even to the rubber on it. I have also a replica of it and the series of the smaller machines which led to the construction of the ' Angiroptone.' If you think that a description, dimensions, &c, of this model would be interesting to any of your readers, I will send them." We shall be very pleased to receive particulars and drawings. Any old model work of this date has an especial value, for at this period it was in Great Britain that the most important work was being done ; much has undoubtedly been lost, but every means should be taken to recover all that we can. With regard to the theoretical distance that a model should travel and what it actually accomplishes in practice a very great dis crepancy exists. We have known of some models whose theoretical distance was over a mile, and which have never accomplished half that distance. On the other hand, there have been models which have actually exceeded this distance even in, what one might call, calm air. We shall be pleased to receive some particulars from long-distance fliers bearing on this interesting point, in order that JOHNSON, M.A. one might form some kind of average ratio, which probably exists between the theoretical length of flight and that actually accomplished in calm air, or in cases where due allowance has been made for wind velocity. Stony Stratford and District Model Aeroplane Club. We have received the following communication from Mr. O. Hamilton, jun., the hon. sec. of the above club, with respect to a new competition rule or formula, which is based on known flying performances of the most regular machines in use, i.e., twin-screw and single-screw hand-launched models, and which has resulted, it is considered, in improving the general flying. The introducer, Mr. Mennell, carefully calculated the ft. per sec. of a number of test flights, competition flights and record flights and found that the average speed came out at 20 ft. per sec. and he then introduced the mark basis of I mark for each 20 ft. and 1 mark for each sec. duration. This equalises the chances for both the fast or slow machine ; for what one gains in distance one loses in time if the speed be high and vice versa if slow. We find that it has developed the machines for more all-round flying. In the case of the r.o.g. machines we are checking figures to ascertain whether they will requre a new mark basis, but it was decided to allow 20 per cent, on tractor models in h. 1. classes, but no statement was entered in the minutes re r.o.g. models. To quote a few examples :— 1st Members'Comp. Dec. 27,'13 x 2nd „ Jan. 15, '14 3rd* „ Feb. 21, '14 4th — 5th - 6th Members' Comp. 7th Special Competition : 8th — 9th — Mar. 28, '14 Apr. 18, '14 Best distance, 131 yds. 1 ft. 178 yds. 1 ft. 150 yds. (flight only). Best duration, 40 sees. 35A sees. May 16, '14 Best distance, 273 yds. Mr. W. P. Deane, a model enthusiast of Buffalo, N.Y., and some of his models. June 20,'14 „ 339 yds. 2 ft. June 27, '14 Duration, 58^ sees. July 25, '14 Duration, 46-2 sees ; distance, 255 yds, Aug. 15, '14 Distance, 480 yds. 2 ft. ; duration, 62-2 sees. * Very wet. x means average results started in competitions, zx means new competition rule first time. You will notice a sharp drop in the distance figures, but better duration figures in the first competition under the rule ; the next one shows a better distance and duration. This makes us feel we are on the road to the best all-round model. We are running the secretary's medal on this basis for the best performance of the year, but we have excluded the twin h.l. but not the sing'e h.l., and its inclusion in the list of types eligible has improved its capabilities, i.e., the last sheet (August 22nd) shows a flight of 50 sees, and 377 yards ; we are so enthusiastic about the possibilities of the single h.l. that we have drafted a resolution to the K. and M.A.A. on the topic: the draft of the resolution is as follows : " That the members of this club are of the opinion that to encourage straight flights by single-screw hand-launched models, distance should be recognised in the record performances ; the members think such a recognition would develop the interests of model aviation." Some Remarks on Model Gliders and One-Ounce Models by B. W. L. Fisher Hussy. It appears to me that at the present time there are two classes of models which seem to be absolutely non-existent. The first is the model glider. Some years ago, when the model maker was regarded as a roadman and the flying stick was the prevalent type of model, the Arundel House School Aero Club of Surbiton organised and held a very successful competition for this type of model, the winning flight being I believe about 150 ft. in length; since then nothing has been heard of this type of model. In the early part of 1909 I myself constructed a very successful model glider on " Dunne " lines with various modifications of my own (such as a tail, &c). With this model I achieved glides varying from 30 to 80 yards in distance from the height of about 6 ft. All these glides were made in the evening. It is true that this branch of model aeroplaning can only be practised in fairly calm weather, but never theless immense pleasure can be obtained in watching a model, possessing no motive power whatsoever, gliding slowly and steadily through the air. The model was, as far as I can remember, made 948
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