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Aviation History
1936
1936 - 0633.PDF
276 FLIGHT. MARCH 12, 1936. lowest possible temperature and consequently with less volume of sound. A high degree of expansion with con sequent fall in the temperature of the gases, as well as efficient flame damping, is permitted by the large internal volume with which it can be made. It is in effect a silencer and flame damper, and forms a good entry to the fuselage. Again, it has the advantage of being of comparatively light construction. As incorporated in the latest production-type Bristol radials it is of a much larger volume than hitherto in order to deal adequately with the exhaust gases from high- powered engines, is of stainless steel construction and incor porates riveted joints throughout. There is a single outlet which, it is claimed, has the virtue of influencing the gases to travel toward it more uniformly than is possible with the earlier twin-outlet type, thus decreasing turbulence. THE Cambridge University Air Squadron had a great day last Friday. Its high lights may be briefly set down as follows: the opening of a new open-jet wind tunnel by- Mr. H. T. Tizard; the announcement that members are to be allowed to make their first solo nights in term time; the announcement that they would have several Harts at their next camp; the announcement that members are to be allowed to join the R.A.F. Reserve while still up at the 'Varsity; and the statement by the Air Minister that production firms not ordinarily in the aircraft industry are to be invited to prepare plant for the pioduction of aeronautical material and to hold it at the disposal of the Air Ministry. Surely that makes a very full and satisfying day! In the afternoon Wing Commander F. E. P. Barrington, Chief Instructor, and the members of the squadron were at home for tea in the squadron mess in Fen Causeway, and after tea Mr. Tizard opened the new wind tunnel in the instruction hangar. In his "enthusiasm he pressed the rheostat lever over so energetically that he blew all the fuses, but they were soon replaced. The tunnel is of the open-jet type, but can also be closed in. The motor is placed outside the building, which saves valuable space and reduces noise. A Mighty Qathering In the evening the squadron and its guests gathered for the annual dinner in the University Arms Hotel, and a mighty gathering it was The order of the day was evening dress with black waistcoats (on account of official mourning) with decora tions, and a great record of gallantry and public service was made manifest for all to read. For instance, it is possible that not everybody has realised that our Air Minister won the Mili tary Cross in the war, but seeing the miniature on the lapel of his coat brought the fact home to one. Another reflection, some might call it a sinister one, also inevitably came to the mind. As one looked at the undecorated lapels of the under graduates one wondered how many of them would bear decora tions for gallantry before all is done. The hundred-odd members of the squadron were well-nigh swamped by the number of distinguished guests. In addition to Lord Swintcn, faithfully attended by Sir Christopher Bul lock, there were present the Chief of the Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal Sir Edward Ellington), the Vice-Chancellor of the University, several heads of colleges, Air Marshals Sir John Steel and Sir Frederick Bowhill, two Air Vice-Marshals, and Air Commodores, Group Captains, Wing Commanders, and lesser fry without number. In the general class of " heads of colleges " one should not omit to mention that there figured one Field Marshal (just to keep the Air Marshals in counten ance), namely, Sir William Birdwood, the Master of Peter- house, who, though representing toga and not arma, was actually the senior officer present. The chef of the hotel did himself and the guests proud; and when, as Homer said, they had put away from themselves the desire for meat and drink (but was Homer strictly accurate about the second item?) they cut the 'osses and got to the cackle. That, however, is a libellous misquotation (not from hot-spots and back pressure, besides promoting an easier evacuation. The outlet can be turned to a position between any two cylinders (excepting between numbers 5 and 6, where the carburetter air intake is situated), thus providing added freedom for designers. Incorporated in the ring is a flexible shock-absorber mounting consisting of three tripods and supporting it upon Silentbloc bushes. It is claimed by the Bristol company that this ring absorbs a wide range of frequencies and effects a marked decrease in exhaust noise. The Bristol single-outlet ring is suited for use either with Townend rings or N.A.C.A.-type cowlings, which are usually constructed of three panels secured by toggles, strapped round and supported in front by a register on the exhaust ring, and in the rear by a steel hoop mounted between the cylinders. Homer) for the speeches were first-rate in matter and in wit. After the loyal toast, the Chief Instructor recounted the pro gress of the squadron in the past year. They had found a satisfactory field for practising forced landings. That was good, but still better was the announcement that the University authorities had decided to allow members to make their first solo flights in term instead of having to wait for camp. That would be a great saving of instructors' time, and would pre vent really competent pilots from getting stale through waiting for their freedom. He said that eleven additional members had been admitted to the squadron; that is to say, third-year men who were applying for permanent commissions. During the year fourteen members had been offered permanent commis sions, four had been commissioned in the Auxiliary Air Force, and three others had applied to join the new squadrons which are being raised. It would be delightful to print Lord Swinton's speech in full, for it was very witty. He described the C.U.A.S. as an " Aeronautics Co-operation Squadron." It had co-operated with Professor Melvill Jones in some very remarkable work. Lord Swinton then declaimed with vigour against foolish people who were opposed to research. General research was necessary for the problems of to-morrow. The day that research failed, the aircraft industry would forgo the proud position which it now held. The co-operation of scientists, the aircraft industry, and the Air Staff was one of the greatest things in the world. Harts for the C.U.A.S. Lord Swinton went on to say that for the R.A.F. Reserve he wanted 600 ab initio pilots this year, 800 next year, and 800 more the year after. He promised the C.U.A.S. that for their next camp they should have several Harts, and " Don't crash more of them than you need." He wanted to arrange that members should be allowed to join the Reserve while they were still up at Cambridge. Then he made a strong appeal to the employers of the country to allow men to attend annual train ing in the Reserve and the Auxiliary Air Force without having to sacrifice their annual holiday. It did not matter about pay during the training; he would pay them enough; but they ought to get their holiday as well as their time off for training. It would be the greatest contribution which employers could make to the insurance of their business. The aircraft industry was developing now, he said, as it had never developed before—for it had never before had such large orders. But—here came the greatest announcement of the day—he was arranging for firms outside the aircraft indus try, which had experience of large production, to set up now and to hold at the disposal of the Air Ministry large plants for the production of aeronautical material. He had already seen two such firms and had made the proposal to them, ana their response had been immediate, warm, and public-spirited. Lord Swinton ended by saying that he would continue to work «n for a limitation of armaments and a peace pact, but they had no chance of success unless we could play the neces sary part in defence. What we were doing in building up our Air Force was the greatest guarantee of peace. A GREAT DAY at CAMBRIDGE Noteworthy Announcements at University Squadron Dinner : Lord Swinton Foreshadows Important Aircraft Production Developments
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