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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 0339.PDF
FEBRUARY 12TH, 1942 FLIGHT a itwenty-fifth of the Second Series FRIEND or FOE? m British and Italian Transports : Bristol Bombay and Caproni 733 "p***-' FI5£ED undercarriages are so few and far between to-day, espe cially among the larger multi engined types of military aircraft, that they whittle down the field of possi bilities very considerably when a spotter sees one in the distance. The most common example among fixed undercarriages is, of coursS, the Lysander—a machine which even maiden aunts can recognise at sight— but if the approaching aircraft is seen to possess two engines plus depending wheels, there is at least an even chance of its proving, on closer acquaintance, to be a Bristol Bombay. That is reasonably true, at any rate, of this part of the world, but further East, in the vicinity of the Mediter ranean for example, one would first have to make quite sure that the un known machine did not possess three engines, because if it did, then it might be (among other things) a Caproni 133 transport. And from a rearward view it is by no means easy to differentiate between the two- and three-motored aircraft, as is made clear by the illus trations on this page. Big Difference In the case of the Bombay and the Caproni 133, however, there is a big difference in their tails, which makes identification a simple matter, for the bigger British aircraft is of the twin fin and rudder type, whereas the Italian machine has a single tail unit. Moreover, each is fairly distinctive in its own class. Taking first the Bombay, it will be seen from the accompanying drawings that its fins and rudders are almost palette shape and are set well inboard, with the -tailplane intersecting at the BRISTOL BOMBAY. Palette shaped twin fins and rudders set well in board from tailplane tips. Straight, parallel-edged tailplane braced by- single struts. Shorter leading-edge, rather square tips. Stinger gun- turret. Fjxed landing gear, 4 level of the "thumb-hold," and the unbroken curve of the leading-edge projecting slightly in front of the tailplane's leading-edge. In other words, the horizontal surfaces are threaded through the vertical ones, the elevators projecting clear of the rudders. The tailplane is of high aspect-ratio, has parallel edges and is braced by a single strut on each side. The tips shelve outwards towards the rear (the leading-edge being the shorter of the two), and the corners are rounded off. From a side view it will be seen that the '' stinger'' gun turret projects well clear of the tail unit and commands an excellent field of fire. Unusual Outline The Caproni's tail unit is most un usual in outline and may almost be accused of being " pretty pretty." The large area fin sweeps up in a double curve, but the round apex of the oval rudder projects well above it, impart ing a curious wavy effect to the out line as a whole. The tailplane has a straight backsweep to its leading-edge, but the elevators, which project round the tips to form hern balances, have a continuously curving outline. In verted V struts support the tail- plane and the fixed tailwheel is un usually placed, being mounted on braced arms anchored to the stern- post of the fuselage immediately be neath the rudder. Next week: The Whitley and the Manchester. CAPRONI 133. Unusually " pretty " single tail unit with apex of oval rudder projecting above curving fin. Straight backsweep to leading-edge of tailplane; elevators curving round tips to form horn balances. Inverted V struts. Fixed tailwheel mounted right aft on stern-post of fuselage.
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