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Aviation History
1925
1925 - 0044.PDF
JANUARY 22, 1925 THE AEROMARINE EO SPORT FLYING-BOAT A LITTLE while back the Aeromarine Plane and Motor Co., of Key Port, N.J., completed a small metal-hull flying-boat possessing several very interesting features, and we give below a description, together with illustrations, of this machine. This flying-boat has been specially designed for Mr. E. D. Osbom, who was formerly associated with Aeromarine Airways, to take the place of his older Aeromarine Model 44 flying-boat. While the new model EO was built around a smaller engine in order to reduce petrol consumption and opening of throttle, and with pilot only was off the water in 15 seconds, and with two passengers in 20 seconds. As a large-size air-screw was fitted, the engine speed did not exceed 1,390 r.p.m. (corresponding to 72-5 h.p., according to maker's power curve). Tests over the speed course, with two up, showed a high speed of 73-5 m.p.h., and the speed at minimum throttle setting (1,010 r.p.m.) was 40-5 m.p.h. The Aeromarine EO is a tractor biplane having a lower plane of considerably smaller chord staggered some way back THE AEROMARINE MODEL EO SPORT FLYING-BOAT: Front and side views and, inset, in flight. is fitted with a 70-80 h.p. Anzani 6A3 engine. .-,. give improved maintenance, it was required to carry the same aseful load and have the same—if not better—perform- ance as the older boat. It was also required that special consideration should be given to the question of safety, as this was rightly held to be an important factor should this model be put into production (as it probably will), not only for sport purposes, where the owner will also be the pilot, but for training work as well. Special attention was to be given to the matter of balance with and without passengers, and with power on and off— a somewhat troublesome problem as far as flying-boats are concerned. Designs for the EO, embodying these require- ments, were completed early last year, and the first tests were made, Mr. Osborn piloting himself, in J une last. During these tests, the machine fulfilled all the requirements called for, especially as regards balance. Tests were made with pilot only, with one and with two passengers, and the balance was found satisfactory in each case, while the flying qualities seemed to be but little affected by the amount of load carried. In all tests the boat was on step in four or five seconds after of the top plane—below the trailing edge of the latter. The wings are of wood and fabric construction, while the engine, petrol and oil tanks, with all accessories, are mounted in an aluminium-alloy nacelle supported on struts above the hull, to which struts are also hinged the top wings, All nacelle, interplane and tail struts are of streamline-steel tubing. Several advantages are claimed for the tractor-screw arrangement, most important of which being the question of safety. In this respect there is little danger of anything from the cockpit fouJing the air-screw, while in the event of a crash the danger of the crew being pinned under the engine is considerably minimised. Incidentally, the position of the cockpit far back in the EO also makes for safety in the event of a crash. Another advantage is that in the case of any leakage in the petrol system there is less danger of the petrol falling on the hot exhaust or engine, and thus causing a fire. Apart from the question of safety, however, the tractor- screw arrangement allows for better cooling and improved efficiency and reliability in consequence, while it also enable* 44
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