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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0996.PDF
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920 THE "PIONEER" SINGLE-SEATER SPORTPLANE TRIAL flights were carried out a short time back, at LongIsland, N. Y., with a small single-seater sportplane constructed by the Pioneer Aircraft Corp., and we give herewith a fewparticulars, together with scale drawings and illustrations of this machine. The " Pioneer" was designed by theabove company's engineer, Harry Herzog, primarily as a sporting cross-country model, selling at $2,000, but it isalso suitable for commercial work, such as mail and light freight work, advertising or exhibition flying. During its first trials—which were carried out by Lieut.Bruce Eytinge, late R.A.F.—it demonstrated good flying qualities, being very stable and easy on the controls. Ithad a fast climb, quick take-off, and an exceptionally flat gliding angle, whilst its landing speed was as low as 25 m.p.h.The average run after first touching the ground was only 60 ft.—no braking devices or skids being employed. Therange of action at cruising speed (40 m.p.h.) is 2^ hrs., the petrol consumption being 4 gals, per hour. These qualities. is located near each wing tip. Ailerons are fitted to the topplane only. The wings are set at an angle of incidence: of 6°. The tail groupe is, to a certain extent, unusual, in thattwo rudders are employed, and its distance/from the main planes is extremely short. The horizontal stabilising surfaceis, however, of large proportions, and is of the double cambered type, set at o° incidence in the line of thrust. The elevatorsare also large, and are, as usual, hinged to the trailing edge of the tailplane. The two balanced rudders are located atthe end of each side of the fuselage, and are hinged to triangu- lar vertical fins, mounted above and below the fuselage.Under each rudder is fitted a tail skid. The fuselage, which is comparatively wide and deep (max.2 ft. and 3 ft., respectively), is of rectangular cross section, fairly well streamlined, tapering to a horizontal knife-edgeat the stern. It is of three-ply veneer construction through- out. THE » PIONEER " SINGLE-SEATER SPORTPLANE : Front view H • i H ' together with its small size and light weight, render it eminently suitable as a sporting one-man 'plane. The " Pioneer " Sportplane is a tractor biplane, fitted with a 40 h.p. 4-cyl. vertical, 8 valve-in-head water-cooled "Pioneer" engine, and having a span of 24 ft., and an overall length and height of 15 ft. 6 ins. and 6 ft. 9 ins., respectively. The main planes are of equal span top and bottom, and are built up in four sections, the two top ones, which are without dihedral angle, being mounted a short distance above the fuselage on a pylon of inverted V-struts, and the lower sections, which are set at a dihedral angle of 6°, are. attached to the lower longerons of the fuselage. The top plane is staggered forward 5 ins.', and is separated from the lower by a pair of streamlined interplane struts each side of the fuselage. An extra pair of tubular struts The engine is carried on bearers supported by the first and second transverse bulkheads, which are of sheet steel. Mounted on the top of the second bulkhead is the radiator, which is also anchored to the leading edge of the top plane. Another method of mounting the radiator may be seen in one of the accompanying illustrations, where two long units are mounted on each side of the fuselage. The pilot's cockpit is comfortable and roomy, and is located at the trailing edge of the planes ; where a very good view in all directions is obtained. The control is of the stick and rudder bar type, and in front of the pilot is an instrument board containing an engine revolution counter, altimeter, oil-gauge, water temperature gauge, and ignition switch. The engine is well balanced, and gives little, if any, vibration, and weighs 150 lb. It drives a Paragon tractor screw, 5 ft. pitch by THE » PIONEER SINGLE-SEATER SPORTPLANE : Three-quarter front view, showing radiators mountedat the side of the fuselage instead of above 998
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