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Aviation History
1942
1942 - 1074.PDF
5o6 „ FLIGHT MAY 2IST, 1942 HATS OFF TO U.S.A. (Above) Fortress II incorporates many improvements, in cluding two electrically operated gun turrets, found necessary by operational experience. Span remains at 103ft. oin. ; length is now 73ft. Speed over 300 m.p.h. The Wright Cyclone engines have exhaust turbo-superchargers. engineers, we have to hand the palm to the General Electric Company, Dr. Sanford Moss and your metallur gists for a remarkable engineering achievement which gives that extra ceiling we all seek. Multi-stage Superchargers Coming In this country development has been along the line of two-speed superchargers, with many detail improve ments in the superchargers themselves, and gradually, no doubt, leading to the multi-stage supercharger with intercooler—a line of research followed by Farman for many years past. Two-speed drive for superchargers to increase boost pressure is nothing new to your tech nicians, for we do not forget that the late Wiley Post had one developed by Farman Brothers fitted to "Winnie Mae " during his long-distance altitude flights. Of American flying boats, and particularly the excep tionally long range Catalina, our official communiques stressing their notable successes will have been absorbed by all; on patrol service they have proved of inestimable value. The four-engined Liberator, when equipped with four ^elow) The Martin Maryland bomber/fighter which has seen so much service in the Middle East. Two Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasp engines of 1,050 h.p. are fitted. Gross weight, 15,300 lb. ; disposable load, 5,000 lb. The Baltimore is a more powerful development of the type. cannon and turrets, has proved a striking addition W the range of machines on long-distance coastal recon naissance duties and anti-submarine operations. This is how a former member of the editorial staff of Flight, now (like several other of his confreres) a pilot in the R.A.F., sums up certain U.S.A. types: "The Douglas DB7, or Boston, has a good if not spectacular performance; Brewster Buffalo a splendid performance with a rate of climb and manoeuvrability which must be seen to be realised ; Martin bomber (akin to the Heinkel) very satisfying all-round qualities. " Control layouts of American types are always good," he adds, " but Britishers would prefer the control column in the lap for comfort and full control, rather than set so far forward." Tricycle Undercarriages Your multi-purpose types, such as the Douglas DB7, which the R.A.F. designate the Boston as a day bomber and Havoc as a night fighter, have proved their mettle in many a sortie. Speed, manoeuvrability and light, re sponsive controls are the attributes most appreciated by
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