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Aviation History
1931
1931 - 0008.PDF
FLIGHT, JANUARY 2, 1931 THE PRUDDEN-WHITEHEAD MONOPLANE An American All-Metal Commercial Machine WE give this week some brief non-technical details of arecent all-metal monoplane produced by the AtlantaAircraft Corporation, of Atlanta, U.S.A.—namely, the Prudden-Whitehead commercial monoplane, the designof which was recently approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Prudden-Whitehead all-metal monoplane embodiesseveral novel features, and while the unusual features to be noted can in no way be considered radical, it is their efficientapplication and execution of design that has produced very favourable impressions during its demonstrations in theeastern States of America. This machine is all-metal throughout, of duralumin andduralumin alclad, and is of the low-wing type. The fuselage is one of the very rare, full monocoque types, the bulkheadsbeing formed from sheet duralumin over which the corrugated alclad " skin " is laid. The monoplane wing is of full cantilever construction,carrying three main spars of duralumin, with alclad covering. It is to be noted that the corrugated metal wing coveringcarries a portion of the stresses. Ailerons are inset, and the tail-surfaces conventional with balanced rudder. Possibly the most notable of the novel features is the instal-lation of the engine mount nacelles in the leading edge of the wing, carrying a modified N.A.C.A. cowling with collectorring in the leading edge. The landing gear is of conventional split type, with anAerol shock strut installation on the main wheels and oil- draulic strut at the tail wheel, Bendix brakes, with high-pressure tyres are standard equipment. In the appointments of the passenger cabin, every considera-tion has been given the comfort and safety of passengers. Colours are soft browns and green, pleasingly blended. Venti-lation is furnished by specially-constructed adjustable venti- lators at each seat, the plate glass windows being fixed.The pilot's cockpit windows carry shatterproof glass, two of which are movable. A remarkably broad range of visi-bility is to be had not only from the pilot's seat, but from the cabin as well. Seats are comfortably upholstered in softchrome leather. Attention to detail is shown in the equip- ment of a wash room and toilet. Everywhere attention to details which may promotesafety has been given, in both the design and in construction as well. Power is furnished by three Wright J6-R760 motors,and the installation is so made that no factor can affect more than one motor at one time. Fuel, baggage compartment,and all weighty constructions are placed below the passenger cabin. Mail contractors have evidenced interest in theconsiderable load space, available without the use of the passenger compartment for this purpose. The following is the P.M. monoplane specification of thismachine :— General Dimensions Span overallLength overall Height Wing area Wheel tread Cabin Accommodation Width Aisle widthSeat width Length, passenger cabin HeightHeight (average) Scats Performance High speed Cruising speedLanding speed Take-off (with full load)Take-off run Climb, at sea levelAbsolute ceiling Service ceiling Altitude maintained with 2 motorsNet weight.. Useful loadGross w-eight Pay loadPower plant (3 Wright J6-R760, 240 h.p.) Wing loading Power loading, 3 motorsPower loading, 2 motors Gliding ratio Fuel capacity . . ^. , Fuel consumption per hour Oil consumption per hourMiles per gallon fuel at cruising speed . . EnduranceRange 66 ft. 6 in.44 ,, 10 ,, 14 „ | „ 662-5 sq. ft. 18 ft. 5 ft. 0 in. 1 ,, 3 „1 ,, 6 ,, 10 „ 0 „ 6 ,, 10 ,,5 ,, 5 ,, S to 10 ,, 145 m.p.h. 124 55 7 seconds.384 ft. 1,220 ft. per min.17,000 ft. 15,000 „ 10,000 ,,5,200 lb. 2,535 „7,735 „ 1,330 ,,720 h.p. - 12-25 lb. per sq.ft 10-75 1b. per h.p.16-1 9-5 to 1 150 gals. 30 „ 1-37 „4-12. 3 hours620 miles AN AMERICAN ALL-METAL COMMERCIAL MONOPLANE : The Prudden-Whitehead low-wing monoplane, powered with three 240-h.p. Wright J6-R760 engines, and carrying eight passengers. i - 10
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