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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0414.PDF
APRIL 15, 1920 there being no appreciable troubles developed. The quick manoeuvring qualities were par- ticularly noticeable, it being possible to make sharp turns. An angle of ascent of 42 deg. was obtained, and an angle of descent of 35 deg. Landing the ship was exceptionally easy, it being handled on one occasion, in a light breeze, by a crew of only two men. The speed actually covered over a measured course in two directions averaged 37^ m.p.h. in a light but gusty wind. Estimating from the pressure at which the nose caved in, the air-speed indicated slightly over 40 m.p.h. This was with full flight equipment, including parachutes. The propeller actually used was designed to obtain maximum speed. It will be possible, however, to get somewhat better efficiency and fuel economy with very little sacrifice in speed by using a larger propeller at slower r.p.m. The 40 h.p. Ace engine—modified for air- ship use—consumed, approximately, 24 lbs. (nearly 4 gal.) of fuel per hour when running full out (2,000 r.p.m.). It throttles down nicely and runs with very little vibration. The radiator was found to be of ample size, indicating that it would cool the engine satisfactorily,' even in the hottest weather. The mounting of the radiator, at the extreme rear adjacent to the propeller, gives sufficient suction to cool the engine, even in a static test. No trouble with starting has been experienced any time. The two fuel tanks on each side of the envelope hold a total of 40 galls. There is a large release valve on one side only, which will, in a few seconds, discharge any or all of the petrol in that tank. After a few minutes have elapsed enough gasoline will flow through from the other tank to serve again as ballast. In this way half of the total amount of fuel on hand can always be quickly discharged, if necessary. The Side view of the car of the Goodyear •' Pony Blimp at tanks are filled by a simple connection in the car, without anynecessity for climbing up.to thenf. The ship can be used as a kite balloon by allowing it to ride on the end of the drag rope. Again, the comparatively fat shape for the envelope, though somewhat less efficient than the shapes that have been used for larger ships, was selected mainly on account of its free-ballooning qualities, as well as for general compactness, simplicity and weight- saving. This combination of free- and dirigible-ballooning The power-plant of the Goodyear " Pony Blimp The Goodyear' Pony Blimp " in flight, and, below, aforward view of the car 414
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