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Aviation History
1921
1921 - 0736.PDF
a contract from Argentina for a number of 504 type seaplanes, fitted with the Wolseley-Yiper engine. These machines are similar to that flown by Mr. Tait-Cox in the Aerial Derby,, except, of course, that floats are fitted instead of the wheel* undercarriage. These machines look, very smart, and are, we believe, intended for school work. One of them is being fitted with machine guns, presumably also for training purposes. A machine about which one would like to write a lot is coming along now, but as it is for the British Air Ministry, no description is permitted. The machine is built chiefly of metal, and has some very unusual features. It was de- signed by Mr. Roy Chadwick, chief designer of the Avro NOVEMBER 10, 1921 firm, to one of the most difficult specifications ever issued by the Air Ministry, and some idea of the task imposed may be formed when it is pointed out that, in order to get the required performance, the structure weight has had to be cut down as low as 50 per cent, of the total weight of the machine fully loaded. The manner in which this has been done is chiefly one of the scrupulous attention to detail, and careful design coupled with the best materials and the highest grade of workmanship throughout. Whether or not the machine attains success for the purpose for which it is was designed, judged purely as an aeroplane structure, it is one of which the firm may be justly proud. Our only regret is that we may not describe it at present. S. E. SAUNDERS, LTD. EAST COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT. THE firm of Saunders has for years been associated with boat- building, especially motor-boats of the high-speed type. This firm has, however, also done a great deal of aircraft work, especially during and after the War. Of special types mention may be made of the large twin-engined flying boat " Valencia," which has two Rolls-Royce " Condor " engines. This machine is the property of the Air Ministry, and no detail information is therefore available. A machine of highly original design was built for the Air Ministry Competition last yeai, but, unfortunately, the machine was finished too late to take part in the competition. It was known as the " Kittiwake," and was designed by Mr. Hyde Beadle, assisted by Mr. Gravenell. Among its many unorthodox features was the variable camber gear, which allowed of tilting leading as well as trailing edges by means of a series of worms, resembling in principle the well- known wirestrainer. Several flights were made with the machine until it came to grief through striking some sub- merged rocks in the Solent. At the present moment the firm is chiefly engaged upon boat-building work, although a certain amount of work is also being done with " Consuta" plywood, of which Mr. Saunders is the inventor. " Consuta " consists of two layers of wood placed with the grain at right angles to one another and joined by cementing as well as by rows of stitching a few inches apart. It is claimed that the stitching binds the wood together even after the glue has deteriorated, and that thus the " Consuta " system is a great improvement over ordinary plywood. It is being used extensively in the Saunders motor boats, and also in the Vickers " Viking " amphibian machines for planking the hull. As it is easily applied it makes for rapid production. SHORT BROTHERS (ROCHESTER AND BEDFORD), LTD. SEAPLANE WORKS, ROCHESTER, KENT. SHORT BROTHERS were among the very first of British aero- days of flying they have designed and manufactured machines plane and seaplane constructors. From the very earliest —chiefly seaplanes. In the beginning they had works at fWBfc»*«»f*IVUU. AKROPkASE The Short "Silver Streak" all-metal biplane
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