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Aviation History
1915
1915 - 0659.PDF
SEPTEMBER 3, 1915. [/yam] ALL communications in connection with this section should be laddressed to the Model Editor, " FLIGHT," 44, St. Martin's Lane, London, W.C. Correspondents are requested to write on one side of the paper only. The Loading &c, of Models. IN some notes regarding the work of the Windsor Model Aero Club which have been sent by Mr. F. J. Cann, there are the following which will doubtless prove helpful to some other reader: of this section :— " From a resume of the majority of duration machines constructed by members, I find that a loading of four ounces per square fool has given by far the best results. Indeed, models which were loaded under this margin have revealed a point which has mani fested itself on several occasions latterly to the writer; it is that models loaded at 3 ounces per square foot have not given such good results as those loaded at 4 ounces. The former have without exception given much trouble in the adjustment of the centre of pressure, and requiring weather conditions as nearly as possible ideal. " A biplane is altogether a more interesting model to build, for it presents interesting constructional problems, which are lacking in the majority of monoplanes, while however simple may be its con struction it certainly evades the term ' flying stick.' Quite apart from this, however, there is the increased amount of theoretical problems entailed, such as the correct position for the centre of thrust, thus requiring a deeper study of those laws which need to be only partly known to fly an A frame. Most of the members of this club have found that the centre of thrust placed slightly above the centre of greatest resistance has given best results with biplane;, while an overhang on the top plane effects good lateral stability. A camber of one-twelfth the chord has been found to be ample for models up to twelve ounces. " In many of the early tractors constructed by members, the rubber (t.*. the centre of thrust) was placed underneath the spar, but difficulty of adjusting the centre of pressure with the thrust low was experienced, so that it was ultimately placed above the motor rod, A much lower ratio of areas was employed than with canards, indeed I think this an essential for longitudinal stability. From experiments conducted by the members, the most effective position of the rudder was above the thrust line, much better stability and directional control being manifest than with its area equally disposed about the model's centre line of thrust. No angle of incidence was used, or found necessary, on the main surfaces of their tractor machines, the longitudinal vee for stabilising purposes being main tained by a negative angle of 3" approx. on the tail. Better flying qualities have also resulted from models having a Morane wing plan. ® ® ® &> AFFILIATED MODEL CLUBS DIARY AND REPORTS. Club reports of chid work done will be published monthly for the future. Secretaries' reports, to be included, must reach the Editor on the last Monday in each month. Sheffield Ac.C. (41, CONISTON ROAD, ABBBYDALK, SHEKHIBLD). Monthly Report.—It is with deep regret the club has to announce the death on June 28U1 of Lieut. £. W. Colver (president of the club), who wai killed in action in the Dardanelles. He was attached to the West Riding Divisional Engineers, and had a most promising career before him. He was deeply interested in aeronautical science, and took keen interest in the latest designs of aircraft and engines. He also supported the science by giving many valuable prises for encouraging further developments in aviation. A note of condolence was sent to Mr. and Mrs. R. Colver, on behalf of the members, by the secretary, expressing their deep sympathy in the great loss. Mr, Colvei was appreciated by all those whom he came in contact with. July 22nd, general meeting of the club at Broomheads, Mr. W. H, Hagshaw, juu., presiding, Mr. K. S. Elliott was elected as official observer to the club, to till the vacancy through the death of Lieut. E. W. Colver. It was decided to do away with the junior section sub- scriptionE all members to pay 6d. per month each. It was also decided that all competitions be held over until the end of hostilities, but any member wishing to raise the club records could do so by giving seven days' clear notice to the secretary, when notification could be given to the observers. It was resolved that a bronze medal 01 §r. 6d. in cash be given the member accomplishing a new record, by way of encouragement. South-western Aero Club (373. BRIXTON ROAD, S.W.). Monthly Report.—There was not a great deal of flying last month, but what there was, was of an excellent quality. Messrs. Howse and Keid turned out with their tractors practically every Saturday, both obtaining durations of 30-40 sees. Several good photographs of each model in flight were obtained. A great deal of indoor work has been done, and Mr. Reid is experimenting with various methods for transmitting power from ihe centre of an elastic motor to two propellers running parallel to it ; but no definite result has been attained yet. If, however, results are sufficiently good, and prove better than ordinary methods of gears 01 chains, it should be a fairly simple affair to apply it to u twin-pusher with the propellers immediately behind the main surface, and the tail plane behind the propellers. Mr. Howse hopes to have out a twin-pusher monoplane very soon. UNAFFILIATED CLUBS. Liverpool Aero Research Club (62, CEDAR GROVE, LIVERPOOL). Monthly Report.—Aug. 2nd (Bank Holiday) proved fitful weather, but nevertheless there was a good attendance, the chief work being by T. W. Bennett and G. H. Kilshawj the former doing some brilliant arrow-plane flying, about the minute duration, in addition putting forth a very good show with a new r.o.g. hollow streamline spar mono. G. H. Ktlshaw found plenty of work on a new back-curved r.o g. single tractor, which showed exceedingly good stability for a single. The presence of J. A. Connolly, at present serving in one of the anti-aircraft sections, was appreciated. 14th, the best performances of the day were made by the Bennett biplane r.o.g. canard, and the back-curved tractor of G. H. Kilshaw. iath, tbe second mid-week meeting held this season proved very good, the best times being by the B. Tear tractor r.o.g. mono, and the canard r.o.g. biplane and arrow-plane of T. W. Bennett, all three climbing well. 31st, T. W. Bennett again busy with arrow-plane canards, one r.o.g. and one h.l., both performing well. Some exceedingly good flights, better than was to be expected, were being obtained by the G. H. Kilsliaw tractor in a rather heavy wind, biplane work being suspended on this account. In addition arrow- plane testing by B. Tear should be recorded. 28th, was typical of the other meetings. In addition to flying with the B. Tear negative-tip canard, the T. W. Bennett arrow-plane gave its usual display de lute, the Bennett r.o.g. biplane also being put through its paces. The G, H. Kikhaw back-curved tractor again added some very good performances, this machine being the most consistent 10 far of club tractors. Later on some propeller tests were made. It is indeed extremely gratifying to note tbe extended activity in tractors, for in addition some promising flights have been made on the geared triple member fuselage tractor of T. W. Bennett, a new one by F. Lowe being almost ready for action. Considering the number of members able to take part in model construction at present, tbe club has cause to be satisfied with the amount of work carried through during August. A model triplane, with two propellers, made by Messrs. John Fleming and George A. Cavaoagh of the Aero Science Club of America. As shown it is fitted with rubber motors, but a compressed-air motor is being installed. 659
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