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Aviation History
1935
1935 - 0615.PDF
MARCH 21, i935- FLIGHT. 301 'ft gft Flying at 50 m.p.h. : The "Gull" with split trailing-edge flaps down. [Flight photograph.) unlikely event of the machine turning over on the ground. The split trailing-edge flap gear is very ingenious, and Capt. Percival has managed to evolve a system which will appeal to the pilot by reason of its mode of operation. The flaps, which do not extend across the bottom of the fuselage, are worked by a plain lever placed on the left-hand side of the pilot. When the flaps are in the "up" position, the lever lies flat on the floor. As it is raised the flaps come down until, when the flaps are fully down, the lever is self-locked in the uppermost position. The arrangement is logical, being exactly the equivalent of the hand-brake lever on a motor car, and the pilot has the "feel" of the flaps throughout the whole range. The load on the lever, by the way, does not exceed about eight pounds, a weight which is well within the capacity nf even a woman pilot, and which has been attained by an ingenious system of levers, toggles and springs. Ball bearings ensure easy and smooth working. A "trousered " undercarriage is fitted, similar to that of the ] 934 "Gull," but the fairings have been redesigned and are now of pleasing appearance and very low drag. A castering fail wheel in conjunction with Dunlop main wheels fitted with Bendix brakes makes manoeuvring on the ground very easy. The wheel brakes are applied by a small lever placed next to the air brake lever. Differential braking is effected via the rudder pedals. A controllable-pitch airscrew is not fitted as standard, but can be supplied at extra cost if desired. Doubtless it would shorten the take-off time somewhat. As in the earlier model, the wings are designed to fold, a Light and Comfort : A view from above, looking into the cabin. ' trousered " undercarriage and its details. The tail units. Note the castering tail wheel.
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