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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 1175.PDF
DECEMBER 27, 1928 THE ELIAS "AIRCOUPE •• The wings are of the " semi-cantilever " type, having two lift struts, each side extending from the bottom of the fuselage up to the wings. These struts, it should be noted, do not attach to fittings welded to the fuselage, but are directly attached to tie rods running through the fuselage inside a heavy-gauge steel tube, which also serves as a compression member. An American Medium-Powered Commercial Monoplane IN designing the Elias "Aircoupe," Joseph L. Cato—who, by the way, produced a very interesting little sporting parasol monoplane as far back as 1919 (see FLIGHT, October 9, 1919)— not only did so in accordance with the U.S. Department of Commerce regulations as they stand today, but looked a little ahead and embodied features with a view to meeting require- ments of the future. The " Aircoupe," which is constructed by G. Elias & Bro., Inc. of Buffalo, N.Y., is not classed by its producers as a light 'plane in the sense in which this class of machine has been known in America until recently. It is intended to be a commercial machine of medium size and power but with a high performance. It is, however, in every way suitable for light 'plane work, such as clubs, flying schools, and the private owner, as well as for business or sporting purposes. It is a braced high-wing, or " parasol," monoplane, and is produced in two models—one with an open cockpit, and the other with an enclosed " coupe " ; it is, however, readily convertible from one type to the other. Safety has been the first consideration in the design of this machine. It has an exceptionally flat gliding angle, low landing speed, and instantaneous response to the controls at all speeds. High factors of safety have, it is claimed, been maintained at all points, while the landing gear is both wide and strong. Another feature is that every important fitting is in sight and easily inspected. Attention has also been given to the comfort of pilot and passenger, who sit side by side in well-upholstered seats in a roomy, well-ventilated cabin with plenty of leg room. Un- obstructed vision—except perhaps immediately overhead—is obtained through laminated safety glass windows in front and large sliding windows in the doors each side. The fuselage being low, entrance and exit can be made with ease through these doors on each side—with as much ease and comfort, in fact, as with a motor-car. At the rear of the cabin, on top of the fuselage, is a compartment for small parcels, and this can be loaded or emptied quite easily from outside, through the cabin door. As regards performance, the " Aircoupe," equipped with an 80 h.p. Anzani, has a maximum speed of about 90 m.p.h., and a landing speed of about 30 m.p.h. Its climb is 3,600 ft. in 10 mins., while the service ceiling is 10,000 ft. The take- off, in dead calm, is within 125 ft., and on landing the run before coming to rest is about 100 ft. The main constructional features are as follows. The fuselage is of welded chrome-molybdenum steel tube con- struction, without bracing wires. The engine mount is of similar construction, so designed that all parts of the power plant are easily accessible ; the engine can be dismounted by removing six bolts. Immediately behind the engine is a fire wall. High-grade fabric is employed for the covering of# the fuselage. j ELIAS "AIRCOUPE" EC.-I 80h.p. Anzani Engine THE ELIAS E.C.-l " AIRCOUPE 'ment drawings General arrange- THE ELIAS E C-1 "AIRCOUPE": An American medium-size commercial monoplane, fitted with an 80-h.p. Anzani engine. 1081
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