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Aviation History
1926
1926 - 0656.PDF
16 SEPTEMBER 9, 1926 above the fuselage by two half-I struts, braced by cables running from the top of each strut to a point on the top centre of the fuselage both fore and aft. As regards the wing construction, this follows orthodox practice—somewhat similar to the A.N.E.C. II monoplane— comprising two box spars of spruce flanges and plywood walls, with lattice type ribs. All the fittings are of simple flat metal plate type, as may te seen in our sketch of the wing construction. The leading edge is formed by an alu- minium tube, except at the tips of the lower plane, where steel tube is employed. From the leading edge to the front spar thin plywood covering is used, while the rest of the wing is covered with fabric. The interplane struts are of wood construction, being Underc arriage Whilst the undercarriage of the " Missel Thrush " is of the V-type, its design and construction form another feature of this machine. The chassis struts consist of a pair of steel tubes bent to form a narrow, curved V. Their upper extremities are attached to brackets on the lower longerons of the fuselage, while the lower ends are joined by a metal axle-box." In between the tubes are connected by flanged plates of streamline planform, and near the bottom by a metal distance block. Each complete strut unit is then faired with plywood covering, forming neat " peg-top trousers," as shown in our sketch. The lower extremities of each " leg " are connected by a wood cross strut, of streamline section, in the form of a trough, in which the main No. 14. THE PARNALL "PIXIE III " : Three-quarter rear view. built up of laminations to streamline section. These struts are attached to the wings by simple metal U-plates—at each fore-and-aft extremity of the strut—which pass round the wing compression member at this point. The external wing bracing is taken from the centre of the strut-extremities, the lift wires being doubled and anchored to the front spar wing fitting. The tail surfaces are of simple wood construction, fabric covered, and comprise a' fixed one-piece horizontal stabilising surface, a triangular vertical fin, unbalanced divided elevators and rudder. All are of ample proportions, and an unusual feature consists of the rake forward of the hinge-line of the rudder, which may be seen on referring to our illustrations. Both vertical and horizontal surfaces are unbraced ex- ternally, the latter being mounted direct on the top of the fuselage, which, as previously mentioned, presents an ample bearing surface at this point. It is attached by means of four long bolts, which pass up through the fuselage and through sockets mounted on the front and rear spars of the tail plane. This method of attachment—which is extremelv positive—is clearly shown in one of our sketches. The fin is mounted on top of the tail plane, being attached to lugs on the spar of the latter, and to the stern post of the fuselage. axle lies. The axle passes out between the tubes of the " legs," and is secured in place by rubber cord, which is wrapped round the " axle box " previously mentioned. The chassis struts are, of course, cross braced with cable. No. 14. The Parnall " Pixie III " Bristol " Cherub " Engine It may be recollected that in the 1924 Lympne meeting one of the Parnall " Pixie III " machines was convertible into a biplane by adding to the normal low-wing monoplane a top plane of slightly smaller area, the sloping strut bracing of the monoplane serving also for the support of the top plane. This top plane was added purely by way of gaining extra marks, and Mr. Harold Bolas, chief designer to Ceo. Parnall and Co., much preferred the machine in its original monoplane form. This may explain why, in this year's competition, the " Pixie III " is to fly as a monoplane, although possibly the addition of the top plane might have enabled a slightly greater useful load to be carried, with a resultant gain in points scored. However, the monoplane is undoubtedly a good deal faster, and if the week happens to be windy it will score by having a higher cruising speed, and may thus easily make up for a slightly smaller useful load. . No. 15. THE SHORT " SATELLITE " : This machine has been entered by the Seven Aeroplane Club. 580
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