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Aviation History
1939
1939 - 1277.PDF
438 FLIGHT. APRIL 27, 1939 EQUIPMENT for the OPERATOR AIRLINE AC-SPHINX SPARKING PLUG CO., LTD., DUNSTABLE, BEDS.—The introduction of the new AC zintered Zircrund insulator material has, it is claimed, made possible the development" of a range of aircraft sparking plugs with heat characteristics hitherto un attainable. Numerous types of sparking plugs have al ready been developed to meet the require ments of the most modern engines, amongst which might be mentioned M.K.I., a 14 mm. screened plug lor air-cooled engines. The body is tinned, while the insulator carries six rare metal fine-wire electrodes which spark on to a rare Tnetal circ ular electrode fixed in the nose of the plug. Variations of this type of electrode construction are available to suit individual engine require ments. The AC petrol gauge consists of a tank unit and a dash unit. The tank unit carries a rheostat in a case designed to be mounted on a flange in the tank. As the tank is filled with fuel the float rises, moving the brush on the rheostat and thus introducing resis tance in the circuit. This earths the " full " coil in the dash unit, whereby part of the current flows through this coil and the pointer is attracted from the " empty " position, its point of rest depending on the fuel level. This gauge construction has also been adapted as a flap indicator—in this case using merely two extreme gauge indications for " up " and " down " readings. AIRCO LTD., 109, JERMYN STREET, LONDON, S.W.r.—Among the many acces sories and items of aircraft equipment for which this firm are concessionaires may be mentioned B.G. sparking plugs, T.I. screen ing harness and the Detonindex, an engine detonation indicator. They are also sole agents for Auld metal-clad aircraft flooring, wing covering and sound proofing; and for the Protol process, an anti-corrosive protec tion for light alloys. AVLMO, LTD., TAUNTON, SOMERSET.—This British concern is the exclusive licensee in this country for the manufacture of " Bron- zavia " aeronautical equipment—the product of one of the leading French firms. Among the comprehensive range which they offer, the items having a more particular appeal to commercial airlines include two valuable safety devices—a highly efficient flame trap and an " anti-flutter " control damper; and two important aids to economical working— a sand trap, particularly" useful in lengthen ing engine life when operating over desert areas or in the Colonies, and an airscrew brake, which effectively stops the rotation of a defective engine and prevents more ex tensive damage. Avimo market in addition a high-pressure pipe coupling—a British invention—that combines errorproof efficiency with great rapidity and ease of connection. There is also an electrically heated pressure-head. BASNET INSTRUMENTS, LTD., STAND FAST WORKS, BATH PLACE, BARNF.T, HERT FORDSHIRE, are designers and manufacturers of pressure, vacuum, and compound gauges foi aeronautical and industrial purposes. Flying instruments include suction gauges for vacuum-operated instruments, pressure gauges for oil, water, and air systems, boost gauges with multiple bourdon tubes arranged to be self-draining for condensed petrol (Grant's patents), and multiple-bourdon-tube absolute - atmospheric - pressure gauges. Parts of pressure gauges, such as bourdon tubes, instrument movements, pointers, etc., are supplied for incorporation in customers' own productions. Experimental work in connection with pressure gauges or similar instruments can be Carried out and special instruments created to customers' particular require- Some Specialised Equip ment Offered by the British Industry This brief review is confined to aircraft equipment, mainly of the instrumental variety. Ground equip ment was reviewed in our Airports Number (February 2). A Rotax electrically actuated retract able landing lamp as fitted to the D.H. Flamingo. ments. The firm is fully approved by the Air Ministry. BENDIX, LTD., TYSELEY, BIRMINGHAM, produce a wide range of their well-known aircraft brakes in sizes from 3^in. to 24m. diameter and suitable for mechanical, pneu matic or hydraulic operation. The all-metal construction removes any danger of over heated tyres, and the combined wedge and servo shoe operation reduces fluid movement and air consumption to a minimum. Ground steering has been specially studied. The Bendix differential control unit and thumb-operated control lever has a three- phase operation allowing free rudder move ment in flight, progressive braking for land ing and light brake applications for ground steering. As adjuncts to their mechanically operated brakes, popular on the lighter types of air craft, they supply mechanical differential units and telescopic brake controls which are light and easily mounted. It is stated that over 70 per cent, of British-made aircraft operating on commer cial airlines are fitted with Bendix brakes. JAS. BERESFORD AND SON, LTD., CATO STREET WORKS, BIRMINGHAM.—Parti cularly important items of equipment in air line passenger accommodation, especially in these days of ever-lengthening route stages, are the specialised products of this firm— lightweight toilet equipment designed lor air craft use, such as wash-basins, W.C.s, etc. BREEZE CORPORATION OF GREAT BRITAIN, LTD., 54, VICARAGE LANE, ILFOKD.—This firm is responsible for a number of items of equipment used on com mercial aircraft. Among these may be mentioned Breeze screening harness lor igni tion systems and the Breeze electrical ilis- tribution system, consisting of junction ooxes and conduits, fitted with multiple plugs and sockets, the conduit helping to eliminate high-frequency interference. Other electri cal equipment includes heat-resisting spark ing plug elbows. Then there is the Coffman cartridge engine starter, for single- or multiple-engined air craft. This.starter has a magazine breech for live cartridges and the system is' claimed to guarantee positive starting at- tempera tures from minus 12 deg. C. The weight of the equipment is 33 lb. for engines up to Soo h.p. Hand turning gear weighs approximately 7 lb. i>er engine. Another item is the Breeze tab control, chain- or cable-operated, and with cockpit indicating dial. Pcsco vacuum pumps for instrument ;.nd de-icer operation, and PesCo hydraulic pumps for a variety of purposes, are other items in the Breeze Company's range. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., LTD., RUGBY.—Apart lrom magnetos, the reliability of which is well demonstrate 1 by their performance in many notable flights, B.T.H. also make various types of electric starters for aero engines and compressors for. use with air starters, air brakes, gas starters, etc. Other B.T.H. products of interest lo the commercial aircraft operator include .Mazda" lamps for aircraft lighting purposes. HENRY BROWNE AND SON, LTD., STATION WORKS, BARKING, ESSEX, manu facturers of compasses for fifty years, are makers of the well-known " Sestrel " aero plane compasses. The " Sestrel " P.4 has a justifiably high reputation, a special " Ses trel " micro-adjuster being a noteworthy feature. The compass is adjusted by a micrometer movement, giving great accu racy. A special locking device prevents any possible movement of the correcting mag nets which may be caused through vibra tion. The " Sestrel " Mk. IIIA is also fitted .with this highly sensitive corrector and lock ing device. These compasses have played a vital part on numerous long-distance nights. CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENT CO., LTD., 13, GROSVENOR PLACE, LONDON, S.W. 1.—Of particular value to the commercial aircraft operator is the Cambridge aero-mixture indi cator, a flight instrument which analyses the exhaust gas from the engine and shows this analysis on a i-cale calibrated in air-fuel ratio over a range from 10 to 15. It provides the pilot with a continuous guide, enabling the mixture ratio to be controlled accurately at all altitudes. Then there are the Cambridge tempera ture-meat uring instruments: Vapour pres sure thermometers for oil or air temperatures —inexpensive, robust, dial instruments; elec trical resistance thermometers for air tem peratures, enabling the temperatures at a number of points to be read on one dash board indicator; and thermo-electric pyro meters for cylinder head temperatures THE CHLORIDE ELECTRICAL STORAGE CO., LTD., CLIFTON JUNCTION, NEAR MANCHESTER.—The " FZ " Exide air craft batteries are designed for use in non-
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