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Aviation History
1916
1916 - 0771.PDF
SEPTEMBER 1916. [/PGHT" provided, and the hand-pump is located in a convenient position for the pilot at the side of cock-pit. The two streamline wing-floats are of mahogany, and have a displacement capacity respectively of 200 lbs. The main planes are divided into sections, three for the top and two for the lower. The top planes are attached to a centre plane-section—which, it will be observed, is peculiar in that it is arched—supported above the boat by two pairs of struts, whilst the lower plane sections are mounted on the hull. A highly efficient wing section (Eiffel) suited to the requirements of this type of machine is employed, and the planes are built up in the orthodox way on two main spars with ash compression ribs, and spruce webs and battens. Shelby oval steel tubing is used for the trailing edge, and the whole wing structure is braced with strong Roebling aviator wire. The framework is covered with Irish unbleached linen (having strength in weft of 91 lbs. per linear inch, and in warp of 103 lbs.) doped with nine coats of Emaillite, and surfaced with three coats of spar varnish. The interplane struts are of Virginia silver spruce, well seasoned and shellaced, and bound with grey silk ribbon to relieve shattering. The strut sockets are clamped around wing spars, thus avoiding the necessity of the securing bolts piercing the spars. Hinged to extremity of top plane rear spar by five cold rolled steel hinges are the ailerons, which are inter connected. Lynite pulleys, having brass bushings throughout, are used for the control gear. The tail planes consist of a semi-circular stabilising plane, mounted above the stern of the boat, to which the two elevator flaps are hinged, and a triangular vertical fin, to which the partly-balanced rudder is hinged. Either Deperdussin, Curtiss, or the makers' " three-in-one " systems of control may be fitted. The engine, a 100 h.p. Curtiss OXX, is mounted above tbe hull under the top plane centre-section, and drives direct a three-bladed " Paragon " propeller, 8 ft. 3 ins. diam. by 5 ft. 6 ins. pitch, constructed of oak tipped with copper. A flat copper-tube cellular type radiator, in nickel-plated brass casing, and weigh ing 41 lbs., is mounted in front of the engine. The water capacity is i\ galls. Starting the engine is accomplished from the cock-pit by means of a crank- handle. <8> • Air Warfare in August. AN interesting summary of the results of fighting in the air during the month of August has been compiled by the Titties as follows :— " Judged by either the number of combats fought or the number of machines brought to earth, the air war on the Western front during August was far more intense and disastrous than in any one month since hostilities began. " The total number of machines actually recorded m the British, French, and German communiquts as having been shot or driven down, destroyed or put out of action, or forced to land is 189. But this does not complete the tale of losses, inasmuch as British Headquarters twice reported that * several' enemy machines had been driven down, and once that ' many others ' had shared this fate in addition to the four specially given. Even the most modest construction of the general expression ' several' or ' many ' would bring the grand total of the month's losses to over 200. Taking the actually recorded figures, 180 in August compares with 165 in July and 77 in June. / " The German flying service has suffered the most heavily. During the month 121 of its machines have been destroyed or driven down. As by far the largest number of aerial fights take place over the German lines, it is impossible to 767 View from below of the General Aeroplane Co.'s flying boat in flight. A factor of safety of seven is used throughout the machine. All wiring is doubled (factor of safety taken on one cable), and French " National " turnbuckles are used exclusively ; all cable is wrapped with copjui wire, sweated w^th solder and at least three ins. long : control cables are extra flexible 19-strand cotton cent re Roebling grade wire. Metal parts are either nickel or treated with non-corroding metal enamel. The main characteristics are as follows :— Span : top 38 ft., bottom 30 ft. ; gap, 6 ft. ; cord, 5 ft.; gliding angle, 1 in 7 ; length over all, 27 ft. 9 ins. ; speed range, fully loaded, 42-70 miles per hour; weight (loaded), 2,050 lbs. ; weight (unloaded), 1,450 lbs. say how many of those driven down are destroyed and how many are merely damaged and put out of action for a greater or less period. Of the 121, British airmen claim 33 and French airmen the remaining 88. " British Headquarters acknowledges the loss of 21 machines either in air fights with the enemy or by his gunfire, while five others, overtaken by a storm, failed to return. The Germans specifically claim only nine British and six French victims ; the other 53 are simply classed as " enemy " machines. It is worth pointing out, as further proof—if that were needed- of the enterprise of British and French airmen in going out to meet the enemy over his own lines, that the German reports state that 21 aeroplanes were brought down by anti aircraft gunfire. At the most 12 German machines were uo accounted for by the French, and an even smaller number fell to British gunfire from the earth." The Lights of London. A NEW lighting order on the lines of that in force in the provinces came into effect in London on September 1st. It directs that all exterior lamps, except those specified by the police as necessary for the public safety, must be extinguished, while interior lights must be so shaded that no part of the pavement or roadway or any building, &c, is illuminated.
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