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Aviation History
1924
1924 - 0624.PDF
SEPTEMBER 25, 1924 THE WESTLAND "WIDGEON" LIGHT MONOPLANE (No. 6) Blackburne Radial Engine flat-bottomed, but with cambered deck. The engine shown THE Westland monoplane, the " Widgeon," is of very un orthodox design compared with the majority of the machines entered for the Lympne competitions, not only as regards its aerodynamic features, but also in the matter of structural design. It is regretted that no .photographs of this machine are available, but the general arrangement drawings should give a fairly good idea of the lines, while the unusual wing spar construction is shown by a sketch (Fig. 5.) The Westland " Widgeon " is a " parasol " monoplane— i.e., with the wing placed well above the fuselage. The view laterally, forward and aft, and downwards should be well- nigh perfect, while even in an upward direction the view is restricted to but a very small extent. This is due to the fact that the monoplane wing tapers considerably in chord towards the root, so that the pilot in the rear cockpit can look up and backward, while the front pilot can look in all directions, except diagonally up and back. The fuselage structure is almost identical with that of the Westland "Wood Pigeon"—i.e., a ,normal girder braced by piano wire tightened by turnbuckles. It is flat-sided and in the general arrangement drawings is a Bristol "Cherub," but actually we believe a Blackburne will be fitted. The monoplane wing is tapered in chord and thickness from the strut attachments to both root and tip. The folding arrangement is very similar to that described in detail for the biplane, except that the two front external struts are taken to the inner end of the lift struts. As in the biplane the aile rons run the whole length of the wing, and they are of unusual plan form in order to continue the aerofoil sections of the tapering wing. Structurally, the wings are of interest on account of the unusual spar construction. In place of I section or box section spars, those of the Westland " Widgeon " are built up as shown in Fig. 5. The central spar web is of three-ply wood, cut out to form a series of X's. Top and bottom flanges are screwed and glued to each side of this three-ply web, while the three-ply itself is reinforced by diagonal strips, the divided strips on one side coming opposite the solid strip on the opposite side. The sketch will make this point clear <$> O LIGHT AEROPLANES AND THE COMPETITIONS THE following direction has been issued by the Secretary of State for Air under Article 26 (1) of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923 :— " On the recommendation of the Air Ministry, every aircraft entered for the proposed competition known as the ' Two-Seater Light Aeroplane Competition, 1924,' intended to be held by the Royal Aero Club during September and October, 1924, is hereby and subject as hereinafter mentioned, excepted from such of the provisions of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923, as provide that an aircraft shall not fly unless it is registered, possesses the nationality of a contracting State, bears prescribed nationality and registration marks and the name and residence of the owner, and is certified as airworthy, and that an aircraft when flying shall carry its certificate of registration and its certificate of airworthiness. " This exception is subject to the following limitations and conditions :— (1) It shall apply only to aircraft in respect of which a " Special Certificate for the purpose of the Two-Seater Light Aeroplane Competition, 1924/ has been granted by the Air Ministry, and shall apply only while such certificate is being carried in the aircraft. THE ROYAL AERO (2) It shall apply only (a) to flights carried out in the course of the said competition, including practice flights carried out at the place of the competition before its commencement or during its continuance ; and b) to flights for the purpose of proceeding to or returning from the place of the competition. It shall not, however, apply to any flight which takes place wholly or partially over a city or town area or populous district. (3) If it appears to an authorised representative of the Secretary of State that the flight of any aircraft to which this exception applies is unduly dangerous, such representative may, by notice in writing to the owner, pilot, or person in charge of the aircraft, cancel or suspend this exception as regards that aircraft, and this exception shall thereupon cease to apply to that aircraft unless and until such cancellation or suspension is withdrawn in writing by an authorised representative of the Secretary of State. (4) Subject to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, this exception shall operate until 10 days after the conclusion or abandonment of the said competition. Provided that this exception may be withdrawn at any time by the Secretary of State." (Air Ministry Notice to Airmen No. 85 of 1924.) <$> <s> CLUB OF THE U.K. OFFICIAL NOTICES TO MEMBERS AIR LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP THE race for the Air League Challenge Cup will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 1924, at Lympne Aerodrone, Hythe, commencing at 2.30 p.m. One flight of three Sopwith Snipe aeroplanes from each of the following squadrons will compete :— No. 25 (Fighter) Squadron, Hawkinge. No. 32 (Fighter) Squadron, Kenley. No. 56 (Fighter) Squadron, Biggin Hill. The course will be 100 miles, and will not be made known to the competitors until 15 minutes before the start. The winner will be the squadron which completes the course in the fastest time in the best formation. Judges from the Royal Air Force will be stationed at various points on the course to watch the formation flying. Entrant. Sir G. Stanley White, Bart. Robert Blackburn Commander James Bird The Rt. Hon. Lord Invernairn A. V. Roe Robert A. Bruce P. W. Petter Sqd.-Ldr. W. Thomas Douglas Vickers Douglas Vickers Flt.-Lt. A. L. A. Perrv-Keene, F.O. L. A. W. Deane, F.O" A. J. R. Moss Philip N. G. Peters H. O. Short, Rochester GROSVENOR CHALLENGE CUP List of Entries Pilot. Aeroplane. Engine. Capt. H. C. Biard Vickers " Viget " * Flt.-Lt. N. Comper Sqd.-Ldr. H. J. Payn, Flt.-Lt. E. R. C. Scholefield Vickers " Vagabond ' " Bircham Beetle " f Supermarine " Sparrow"* Blackburne. Beardmore t •• •• Bristol "Cherub.' Avro " Avis " * .. Bristol " Cherub " Blackburne. Westland " Widgeon "f "1 Bristol " Cherub Westland "Wood Pigeon"*/ British Anzani. or 1 or or Flt.-Lt. A. L. A. Perry Kcenc Flt.-Lt. P. W. S. Bulman M.C., A.F.C. J. L. Parker " The Hurricane " f Short t Biplane. t = Monoplane. 624 Blackburne. Bristol " Cherub British Anzani. A.B.C. Bristol "Cherub." .. Bristol " Cherub." H. E. PERRIN, Secretary.
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