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Aviation History
1933
1933 - 0132.PDF
FLIGHT, JULY 20, 1933 TWIN RUDDERS AND MONOPLANE TAIL : The aerodynamic horn balances of the rudders are below the tailplane, while the mass balances are at the top. (FLIGHT Photo.) plane are fitted steps which render access to the interior very easy. As one enters the fuselage through this trap door, the rear gunner's cockpit end the retractable gun turret are be hind one, while ahead stretches the front part of the fuselage with, first, a large stowage compartment, then navigation and wireless compartment, pilots' cockpit, and finally, in the ex treme nose, the forward gunner's com partment. In the rear gunner's cockpit there is a tip-up seat on the starboard side, and all the usual gear used by a gunner, with ammunition drums on pegs, points for the electric heating of clothes, etc., and so forth. The floor of this compartment is slightly raised, and to the rear is the retractable gun turret, which is entered from the gunner's compartment, and lowered by him. When in the " down " position the turret can be rotated tfirough a considerable range. In the front of the \unner's cockpit is a large com partment used for stowing all manner of gear, but with ample gangway space. The floor is corrugated aluminium, but wooden strips are let into the corrugations, so that one actually walks on the wooden strips, which is very much more pleasant than walking on metal. Situated immediately ahead of the plane of the front spars is the navigation and wireless compartment, with revolving seat and folding table on the port side. Ahead of the table, and also on the port side, are shelves carried on tubular stanchions. These shelves carry the wireless equipment, the battery of which is placed on the floor, under the wireless set. The wireless compartment is separated from the pilots' cockpit by a half bulkhead on the port side. On the inner edge of this bulkhead is the very large tail-trimming wheel. On the starboard side is the seat for the second pilot. This folds flat against the wall, so that a free passageway to the nose is provided. Ths seat itself folds down and the backrest hinges back. On the port side, just ahead of the bulkhead, is the seat for the first pilot. This is divided into two halves, the half nearest the outer wall being fixed,, while the inner half hinges down to enable the pilot to get into his seat between the back rest, the rim of the tail-trimming wheel, and the pillar rising from the floor, on which are mounted the engine controls. Once in his place, the pilot raises the inner half of the seat, which is provided with a catch. The control wheel is of the cut-away type to give the pilot a good view of his instrument board, which in the " Heyford " is very neatly arranged. The second set of flying controls are built up as a complete unit, and can be detached in a moment when not required. Pedals with heel cups are provided for the rudder control, and are individually adjustable for length, the adjusting wheels being so placed that the adjustment can be made with the feet, and there is no need for the pilot to stoop down to reach them with his hands. A trigger on the control wheel applies the Palmer wheel brakes, and movement of the rudder pedals then gives the differential action. A bulkhead with a two-fold door on the starboard side divides the pilots' compartment from the forward gunner's cockpit. This is provided with a " piano stool " type of seat which folds out of the way when not in use. Firing steps are provided at the sides of this compartment, so that the gunner can stand up on them and fire in a downward direction. In the extreme nose of the fuselage is a large window, hinged along its upper edge. A worm gear is provided for opening this window, which affords space for the bomb sight. On the starboard side is the switchboard by means of which the bombs are released, either singly or in salvos. The bomb release on the " Heyford " is electrically operated. On the rear wall of this compartment are the pegs for ammunition drums, etc., and other equipment. The extreme stern of the fuselage is closed by a hinged cover, which opens to give access to the supports for the castering tail wheel, the tail-trimming gear, etc. The first of the " Heyfords," which was rushed through the shops in order to have it flying at the S.B.A.C. Display at Hendon recently, is now at Radlett Aerodrome having service equipment installed. When this work has been finished the machine will be sent to Martlesham Heath for official per formance tests. In the meantime no per formance figures can be published. Othct machines are in course of construction at the Cricklewood works, and some of these are expected to be flying towards the end of next month. THE HINGED STERN CAP : This giv access to the tailwheel support, tailp»an'' trimming gear, etc. Since this photograpn was taken mass balances have been fitted ° the elevators, and are housed inside t fuselage. (FLIGHT Phoio.) 720
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