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Aviation History
1919
1919 - 1285.PDF
SEPTEMBER 25, 1919 '-- -•• •:••''• •••• * -« I \yjt ISm • fOSBWI „'":" •..'*r:-.: E&^ IpgpiWi 11 ' THE CENTRAL AIRCRAFT CO.'S 9-SEATER: Three-quarter rear view chief designer of the Central Aircraft Co. The other is to design the upholstery first and then to build the machine around it. By keeping everything simple the initial expense of the first experimental machine—and in spite of our considerable knowledge of the subject, experi mental machines are not yet entirely superfluous— is kept down to a reasonable figure, while quite as much can be learned from such a simplified aero plane as from the highly-finished article. Having then by experiment and experience discovered the aerodynamic and structural qualities, it is time enough to commence thinking about the upholstery. This is, we believe, approximately the reasoning which has led the Central Aircraft Co. to keep their first twin-engined machine as simple as possible, and as the accompanying illustration will testify, the procedure has by no means spoilt the lines, which, as a matter of fact, are very pleasing to the eye. Bearing in mind, then, that the machine is an experi mental one, and judging it from this point of view, we may proced to an examination of its various features. Generally speaking, the C/F 2A, which is the series number of the machine, is an ordinary fuselage biplane with the engines placed on the wings. In general arrangement standard practice is followed, and the machine is, in fact, a straightforward, com- monsense production, designed to be built at reason able cost, and of sturdy construction to withstand hard wear. If there is anything unusual about the design it is mainly a matter of aerodynamic efficiency, which will allow a good load to be carried with a reasonably low engine power—320 h.p. to carry nine people, including the pilot, at 90 m.p.h.—must be considered fairly good economy as aeroplane transport goes. The fuselage is constructed, as regards its front portion, of four longerons cross-braced with X struts of wood and covered with three-ply wood. The rear part, from the cockpit to the stern, also has four longerons, but is cross-braced by vertical and hori zontal struts and bracing wire. The two top longerons run straight through, forming an excellent datum line for trueing up the fuselage. The three- ply covering of the front part of the body is extremely neatly done, especially the nose. A trap door in the floor of the fuselage gives access to the back of the instrument board, while the pilots' cockpit is reached via steps mounted on a tube suspended from the body. When the machine is in flight these steps are drawn up, the tube lying along the bottom with the steps projecting through slots in the floor. The two pilots are seated side by side and dual controls are provided. The rudder controls are in the form of foot bars, while elevator and aileron controls are by wheel mounted on a tubular column. All the usual instruments are fitted. Immediately behind the pilots' cockpit, separated from it by a bulkhead, is the petrol tank, which has THE CENTRAL 'AIRCRAFT CO.'S 9-SEATER: On the left, one of the undercarriages ; on the right, view of the tail and tail skid 1287
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