FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1915
1915 - 0832.PDF
[/OGHT OCTOBER 29, 1915, ($</<s/zV<5; REGULAR visitors to Hendon may find the flying up there at times a little monotonous, being mainly in the nature of school work, and it is therefore something of a treat, one of the few that are still allowed, to see an occasional outsider paying the 'drome an aerial visit. One day last week the "star" turn, although outside the programme, was Mr. F. P. Raynham, who was putting a government machine, built by Hewlett & Blondeau, through its paces. It is really something of a mystery how Raynham manages to get through the testing of so many machines. If I am not mistaken he is, and has been for months, testing the entire output of several firms, and I can only conclude that his tireless energy must be derived from spending the greater part of his waking hours in the invigorating air of high altitudes. xxx However, to return to his flying at Hendon the other day. After getting through with the usual routine tests, Raynham got going on some amazing tail slides. When he had landed I had a good look at the 'bus, and although I have often had the pleasure of inspecting the workman ship of the Hewlett & Blondeau firm, I was particularly impressed by it again on this occasion. It would be invidious to say it was better than the best, but I can with emphasis assert that I have never seen better. In this particular machine, which is not new as a type, a different undercarriage had been fitted, one that must have offered considerable difficulties in the way of construction. Needless to say, Hewlett & Blondeau had acquitted them selves of the task in a most admirable way. XXX Among other firms who have been fortunate enough to secure the services of Mr. Raynham for testing their whatsoever of this startling machine, much as I may desire to do so. In this respect I fancy my feelings are very much like what one can imagine would be those of a chef who has just produced a new " palate tickler " only to find that his customers have, one and all, been put on a milk diet. However, the new Martinsyde really is something quite out of the ordinary and I have no hesitation in saying that its like has probably never been seen in any other country, certainly not in this. And the remarkable thing about it is that the excellent results it has already given have been obtained without making it in any way a freak, simply by sheer good, sound, commonsense design. xxx There is quite a race going on between the two brothers Barnwell, one of whom, Harold, is, and has been for a number of years, associated with the Vickers firm, while the other, F. S. Barnwell, is designer of the Bristol scouts. First F. S. will bring out a new 'bus, which for a time will give him the place of honour, only to give way presently to the introduction of a "startler" designed by Harold. It is difficult to say which at present will score the greater success, but the race is highly useful inasmuch as it spurs the two designers on to renewed effort, much to the benefit of our flying services, and, let us hope, the designers themselves as well as other firms. xxx It has not taken long for Mr. A. E. Barrs to get a feeling of quite-at-homeness on board the "Mann" biplane. The two accompanying photos, will bear witness to the fact, if proof were needed. These were taken by Barrs at a height of 4,000 ft. Mr. Mann, the designer of the machine, who was in the passenger's seat, not // A 1 v"*** r*v ir §SQi\ \ *• \ Two snapshots taken from the Mann biplane by Mr. A. E. Barrs at a height of 4,000 ft.— Left s Mr. Mann In the pas senger's seat of his machine. Right: Part of the transmission gear on the ** Mann " biplane. if ^H ; HI -^ • s WM M 1 11 J? Jr 1'" H ' ''• • • ., i- jf 'j<yi?. \ a / /f \ 'buses are Martinsyde of Brooklands whose output has lately been such as to occupy the greater part of Raynham's time not taken up by putting Avros through their paces. A little while ago a new Martinsyde made its first appearance, but with an avenging sword, in the shape of the censor's stern edicts, hanging over my head I am debarred from giving my readers any description knowing of Barrs' intention of taking the snaps, his attention had to be called by some means or other. As shouting was of no avail in the roar of the 125 h.p. Anzani engine, Barrs tried to roll the 'bus from side to side. The first time Mann took no notice, thinking that Barrs was only testing the ailerons, but a renewed attempt had the desired effect. Mann looked over his shoulder and 832
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
