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Aviation History
1922
1922 - 0294.PDF
MAY 25, 1922 for what they required at the moment. These Governments have naturally received a favourable opinion of British aircraft, and it appears natural to suppose that, when things right themselves once more and British manufacturers are able to compete, under normal rates of exchange, with other nations in the matter of price, these customers will return to this country for the latest types. We think, therefore, that, looked upon broadly, the existence of the .Aircraft Disposal Co. has not been the cause of any direct harm to the industry, while its sale of machines all over the world has certainly been of very considerable value regarded as propaganda for British aircraft. With these introductory remarks we may turn- to the system adopted by the A.D.C. in order to ensure that machines are up to the required standard as regards soundness of parts, correctness of trueing-up, rigging, etc. To begin with, the A.D.C., on receiving an order from a foreign Govern ment, always agree to having a representative of that Govern ment always at their works while the machines in question are being re-conditioned. In this manner the purchasers have a guarantee that all detail work receives due attention and that no defective part or scamped workmanship creeps into the construction of any machine. One of the first things done to a fuselage or wing taken out of store is to strip off the fabric, so as to ensure that all woodwork, metal fittings, etc., are in good condition. If a defective longeron or other part is discovered it is replaced with a new member made from materials passed by the Aircraft Inspection Department. All the wires of a fuselage are slacked off and the fuselage trued up again, not only to ensure its absolute truth, but also in order that any defect in the bracing, fittings, etc., from rust or any other cause, may be detected. The machine is gone over minutely, always under the supervision of the representative of the purchaser, and is trued-up, covered and doped. The wings are similarly treated, all parts found to be below standard being scrapped. In this connection reference should be made to the question of shrinkage. Owing to the care in storage, maintenance of an even temperature regardless of the time of the year, very few parts are found to have shrunk. If any are found they are replaced, or, if a number of parts have suffered from this cause, the whole component, such as a wing, is scrapped. That is not to say that it is merely flung on the scrap heap and left to anyone who will buy it for a few shillings. If that were done there might be a possibility of unscrupulous persons purchasing wings with defects in their parts and disposing of them for use in an aircraft. In order to avoid this, any component which is found to suffer from so many defects as to render its re-conditioning uneconomical has all its main parts destroyed. Thus such a wing has its spars sawn through so that it could never be patched up to look sound and then be sold by a third party for use as a wing. The same care as is given to the aeroplane or seaplane is bestowed upon engines. When taken out of store every engine is dismantled and all its parts micrometered and checked for size and truth. The engine is then erected and tested on a test stand, driving a calibrated fan. Such accessories as magnetos and carburettors are also tested individually, the magnetos being run at various speeds connected up to sparking plugs in an inspection chamber in which there is a compression corresponding to that in the engine, and through a window in which it can be seen if all plugs are sparking at all speeds. Carburettor jets are also tested by measuring the amount of liquid which flows through them in a given time under a given pressure, and such items as fuel and oil pipes, radiators, etc., are tested under pressure before being allowed to be put into the machines. All rubber pipes, even if appearing to be sound, are replaced by new pipes. All this time the parts of a machine or engine are under the supervision not only of the A.D.C. but of the representative of the purchaser, and no part is put into the machine without the consent of both parties. If, as sometimes happens, a client desires modifications made to a machine, this is only done—provided the alteration is one of any importance to the structural or aerodynamical qualities of the machhje— after consultation with the original designers. Thus if a machine was originally designed to take a Y engine, but the purchaser for some reason desires to have a Z engine fitted instead, this is only agreed to after the designer of the machine has been consulted and has given his consent. Thus the interests of the original designers are safeguarded, and no machine is allowed to be sent away with modifications which the original designers would not have sanctioned. Having been finished under due inspection, the machines are erected and flown before the representatives of the purchasers, and a certain guaranteed performance is attained before the machine is considered ready for shipment. The Aircraft Disposal Company have evolved a method of packing which absolutely ensures that the machines will reach their destination in good condition. Usually two fuselages are packed in one case, placed side-by-side, but pointing in opposite directions, and they are so secured to the floor and sides of the case that it is absolutely impossible for them to work loose and come adrift. A similar proceeding is followed with engines. If these are to be sent a long distance they are put in tin-lined cases soldered up to exclude any moisture, and as they are well greased before shipment they reach their destination in excellent condition. We might devote considerably more space to the various THE AIRCRAFT DISPOSAL CO., WADDON : 1, Shows two D.H.9 fuselages on the floor of their packing case, the sides of which may be seen lying down ready to be put in place. 2, A D.H. 9 landing after going through its acceptance flight. 3, A Bristol Fighter and three D.H.9's ready for tests. 4, A packing case containing two D.H. 9 fuselages being hoisted on to the lorry which Is to take them to the docks for shipment. 294
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