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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0287.PDF
KLUiHJ, MARCH ZZ, The Martin 121 flying boat as a twin-engined machine. as it is known in the U.S. Navy, the XP2M-1, is one ofthe largest flying boats developed for the U.S. Navy. It is intended primarily for long-distance patrol use, but isconvertible for duty as a bomber. The aircraft is an externally-braced high-wing mono- plane, the wing consisting of a centre section and two outboard sections. Structurally, the wing is composed of two riveted truss type spars of aluminium alloy, aluminium alloy channel section ribs, double drag bracing and fabric covering. Balanced ailerons are fitted. One of the highly successful features of the aircraft is the use of the two outboard floats, which are of riveted aluminium alloy con- struction, as the main fuel containers. These are carried by the wing-bracing structure. With two auxiliary fuel tanks in the centre section the entire hull is kept open for the use of the crew, the space normally occupied by fuel tanks being so utilised. Riveted aluminium alloy construction is used for the hull, which has a deep Vee bottom and two steps. The main vertical fin supporting the tail surfaces is built g g g integral with the hull. There are five compartments inthe hull separated by watertight bulkheads fitted with large watertight doors. The tail unit is of the monoplane typewith twin fins and rudders carried on the main fin which is built integral with the hull. The tail plane is adjustable through 6 deg. and therudders are fitted with trailing edge " tabs " adjustable from the pilot's cockpit. All moving parts have externallubrication fittings. Either two or three 575-h.p. Wright " Cyclone " gearedradial air-cooled engines driving metal tractor airscrews are fitted. The nacelles are mounted in the leading edge ofthe centre section and, in the case of the three-engined type the centre engine nacelle is carried on struts abovethe wing. Electric inertia starters are operated from the mechanic's control panel. Normally the crew consists of pilot, assistant pilot, wire-less operator and two gunner-mechanics. An enclosed cabin is provided for the pilots, and bunks and living accom-modation are arranged within the hull. SHORT BROTHERS ANNUAL STAFF DINNER, 1934 /* lip* HE staff of Short Brothers, Rochester, held their\3 III annual dinner at Pinolis' Restaurant, Wardour JIL Street, London, on Saturday, March 3. The party, comprising 125 members of thestaff, left Chatham on the 2.65 p.m. train, in special saloon coaches provided by the Southern Railway. An excellentdinner was served at Pinolis' Restaurant, Wardour Street, W. After dinner Mr. A. Gouge, general manager, pro-posed the toast of " The Firm," coupled with the name of Mr. H. O. Short, managing director. Mr. H. O. Short, who was greeted with prolonged cheers,replying to the toast, thanked those present for the very cordial way in which they had received him, and went onto say that the gathering was the largest for some years past, which he was pleased to think was a happy reflectionof the greater activities of the firm, the works being more busy now than for some considerable time. He believedthat these activities would continue and in all probability increase in the future. The prospects were good, but, assome of those present knew, the firm had ploughed some very rough ground since the Armistice, and he could onlyhope that as a result of the increase activities the firm would enjoy a period of greater financial prosperity. Speaking of the work of the Air Ministry officialsattached to the firm, Mr. Short paid tribute to the work of both Mr. P. H. Harrower, chief A.I.D. inspector, andMr. J. A. Manson, resident technical officer, who, together with their staffs, carried out their official duties, which, although arduous, were always mingled with a spirit of co-operation and helpfulness. He took that oppor- tunity of thanking them for their assistance and for the amicable relations which existed between them and -the works officials with whom they deal. In conclusion, Mr. Short referred to the splendid work done by Mr. A. Gouge, general manager; Mr. W. P. Kemp, works manager; Mr. J. H. Wood, secretary; Mr. A. E. Bibby, works manager aircraft; and the various other chiefs of departments, whose teamwork had been mainly responsible for the firm's technical achievements being made known throughout the world. He also proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Alfred Craig (Secretary, Sports Club), who, in con- junction with a small committee, had been responsible for providing what he termed a very excellent evening's pleasure. Replying on behalf of the Air Ministry officials, Mr. P. H. Harrower thanked Mr. Short for the very kind refer- ence he had made, and assured him that their one aim was to assist the firm with the many difficulties it had to face in the production of machines. After dinner the party re-assembled at the Garrick Theatre, where they enjoyed a first-class programme of Old Time and Modern Variety Artists. Marcel Bloch busy As previously recorded in FLIGHT, the Societe des Avions Marcel Bloch has made an agreement with the Potez Company. The former firm has now decided to extend its works at Courbevoie, as the following orders have been received:—Six M.B.200's of an order for 40 machines of this type for the French Air Ministry (the remaining 34 are to be constructed by Potez), six M.B.120 colonial transport aircraft, two twin-float seaplanes similar in general design to the type 200, and a low-wing multi- sea ter fighter with two Gn6me-Rh6ne K.I4 geared and supercharged engines. Excellent results have been obtained with the type 200, which is a high-wing cantilever military monoplane with two K.14 engines mounted below the wing. For a loaded weight of 13,700 lb. (6 200 kg), the top speed is 186.4 m.p.h. 287
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