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Aviation History
1919
1919 - 0045.PDF
JANUARY 9, 1919 The D.H. 10a.—A twin-engine three-seater tractor, with two Liberty engines of 400 h.p. each. This machine has an extraordinarily good performance. Note its similarity to D.H. 3, except that it is a tractor instead of a pusher. service as have the other types of D.H.'s. Judging from its performance, however, it is safe to say that it would have proved a formidable antagonist. It will be seen from the table that when carrying three men, 1,000 lbs. of bombs, full military equipment, and sufficient fuel for a flight oi 700 miles, the performance is so extraordinarily good as to be superior to any German machine of any type whatsoever. The machine would, therefore, be able to go out over the lines with its tanks full for a long journey and with a heavy load of bombs, and yet be entirely immune from enemy attack by aeroplanes. This may be regarded as an achieve ment to be proud of in a daylight bomber. The manoeuvra bility of the D.H. IOA is as good as is its performance, and one of these machines has been looped by the late Capt. B. C. Hucks. It should be pointed out that whereas the drawings show EI m NEARLY SIX WORLD'S ALTITUDE RECORD ONLY ten years ago a prize was offered for the first airman to fly at an altitude of 30 metres ; on January 2nd, Capt. Lang, R.A.F., and Lieut. A. W. Blowes, R.A.F., climbed to a height of 30,500 ft.—over 5 miles high. It may be recalled that the previous world's record was 28,900 ft., made on September 18th, 1918, by Capt. R. W. Schroed°r of the U.S.A. Air Service. Capt. Lang with Lieut. Blowes in the observer's seat of the DeH. 9 biplane, with 450 h.p. Napier " Lion " engine, with which the attempt was made, started from the Martlesham experimental aerodrome near Ipswich at 11.30 a.m. A gale of wind was blowing, and for the first 8,000 ft. the machine was tossed about considerably, but afterwards calmer conditions prevailed. The first 10,000 ft. was climbed in 6 mins. 18 sees., while the 20,000-ft. mark was attained in 19 mins. 40 sees. The machine climbed in big, sweeping circles and was taken considerably of! her course by the wind, so that when she finished climbing she was about 25 miles out at sea off Yarmouth. The sun was shining brightly, and through the haze Capt. Lang said he could occasionally catch a glimpse of the Thames. Observa tions were taken at every 1,000 ft. of the atmospheric tempera- B Conditional Extension of Service of R.A.F. Cadets IT is notified that cadets of the R.A.F. who have been demobilised, and who are at present serving in Class G of the Air Force Reserve, may, if approved, be permitted to extend their service under the same conditions, as regards period of extension and gratuity, as obtains for airmen serving in the regular Air Force. Any such cadet reservist who is desirous of extending his service should apply in person to the Commanding Officer of the nearest R.A.F. unit, who will arrange for him to be supplied with particulars regarding the conditions of ex tension, and the necessary application form for completion. After completion the latter form will be forwarded by the O.C. unit to the Officer i/c Records, who, if he approves the extension, will issue instructions to the cadet reservist as regards place and date of rejoining the regular Air Force, and supply him with the necessary railway warrant. Such cadets can only extend their service as ordinary airmen and not as cadets. the earlier type—the D.H. 10—the photograph illustrates the D.H. IOA. Practically the only difference, however, is that in the 10 the engines are mounted some distance above the bottom plane, whereas in the IOA they rest direct on the lower plane. Other minor differences will be apparent from the illustrations. As a post-War machine the D.H. IOA should be capable, with little alteration, of being turned into a very fine machine for the carriage of mails and passengers. For the latter purpose it might be found advisable to increase the width of the body so as to give more room for passengers. This brings the list of Airco. machines up to date, but we feel sure that it will not be long before Capt. de Havilland furnishes proof of his ability as a designer of machines destined for peaceful pursuits, and that these will be found as efficient in their own sphere as were his war 'planes. El EI MILES HIGH REGAINED BY GREAT BRITAIN. ture, speed of machine, engine revolutions, water tempera ture, oil temperature, petrol pressure and petrol consumption. At 20,000 ft. there were two mishaps, the cable in the revolu tion counter breaking, while the vibration fractured one of the pipes to the oxygen supply. Consequent upon the latter, Lieut. Blowes collapsed when he was trying to pass a message explaining the state of affairs to the pilot. Unaware of his companion's condition, Capt. Lang carried on until, at 28,000 ft. he noticed a shortage of oxygen. He then became aware of the state of affairs, but went on to a height oi 30,500 ft., when the engine stopped owing to the pumps failing to maintain sufficient pressure in the petrol tank. At 27,000 ft. the machine ran into very bumpy atmosphere and was so tossed about that it became uncontrollable. The first 10,000 ft. of the descent occupied 25 mins., and the observer regained consciousness at 20,000 ft. Both the occupants of the machine suffered from frozen hands and toes, frostbite on face, hands and toes. It was reported on Monday that Capt. Lang had been placed under " open arrest" for divulging details of his climb. EI m Restrictions on Hydrogen Removed THE Hydrogen Order of 1918 which stipulated that the manufacture, sale and supply of compressed hydrogen in the United Kingdom should be directed by the Deputy- Controller for Armament Production of the Admiralty, and requiring returns to be made, has now been cancelled. Home Clubs for R.A.F. and other Service Men AN appeal has been issued by Sybil, Lady Rhondda, for help in regard to the Home Clubs which are carried on by the Women's Auxiliary Force. Already several Clubs for Cadets and Airmen are open, but more are required, and the Council have set out to raise a fund of /5,ooo for the purpose. Each Club costs approximately £700 to start and run for a year. The Force was started in 1915 as a voluntary spare-time organisation for working women and from the beginning its special War Work.has been Canteens and Clubs for Service Men ; these are run on home-like lines in premises borrowed or rented for the purpose. Donations may be sent to Miss D. Sparshott, 172, Buckingham Palace Road, S.W. 1. 45
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