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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 2061.PDF
AUGUST 19TH, 1943 FLIGHT 205 TOWED GLIDERS 4 ent advantage. Because of the difficulties of the take-off and the low rate of climb and the short range, the block- to-block speed will be more sharply decreased in relation to the cruising speed, which is the case in normal air trans- port operation. With head winds the block-to-block speed would become quite unsatisfactory. Glider train efficiency factor would be greatly decreased because of the extra gasoline consumed in takeoff and climb, and the relatively short-range flights that would be permissible in the glider, when reserve fuel is properly taken into account. (How- ever the disadvantages in take-off, climb, and range of glider, trains might be partially overcome by refuelling the tug in flight and by towing additions to the train at inter- mediate points to the flight altitude by an auxiliary tug, where they could be coupled in flight.) (9) In estimating direct flying costs almost every item of cost per mile (pilot's pay, insurance, maintenance, de- preciation, etc.) varies inversely as the block speed. With the block speed sharply reduced for the reasons mentioned previously, it is not at all certain that the direct cost per mile would be lowered. On the contrary, the direct cost per mile might actually go up, as it is apt to do when an ordinary transport airplane is designed with a high pounds per horse-power Joading. (Estimates of direct flying costs . are now being undertaken by the authors and will be sub- mitted in an appendix to the present paper.) « ; Limitations (10) In setting forth the merits of the glider train, its ' proponents should not fall into the error of some friends of the helicopter who, in addition to claiming the advan- tages that the helicopter indeed possesses—such as extra- ordinary ability to operate in restricted terrain and its power of hovering for close observation, its serviceability for short hop work—also announce that the helicopter will ultimately develop great speed and efficiency (which is not at all likely). The proponents of the glider .train would do better to regard it realistically and- to emphasise a number of services which the glider train can really perform. (11) In a military situation, for example, where large numbers of troops or quantities of supplies are to be trans- ported over a short stretch of sea or over a short stretch of level land, the enormous carrying capacity of the cargo train would be invaluable. (12) In air transport operation, a glider pick-up service would be invaluable and would be a logical corollary to the mail pick-up service, which has already proved so valuable. The calculations indicate that where the tow picks up but a single glider, climb (and hence take-off) will be entirely satisfactory. (13) Again, in air-cargo operation, the enormous increase in pay load possible by the use of a glider train would give the airline operator highly useful and inexpensive over- load or emergency equipment. Aerial Locomotives (14) Finally, the calculations indicate that the possi- bilities of the glider train cannot be full ' exploited with the use of the airplane and power plant as they are avail- able at the preserH time, but that it would be well worth while to design an aerial locomotive or tug truly adapted to such service. The general specification would be some- what on the following lines: (a) The power plant would be so designed that adequate cooling would be available at a relatively slow speed. (b) The power plant would be so designed that by means of change speed gear, variable pitch, variable compression ratio or similar means the useful working range of the engine would be extended from full power to a small frac- tion of the full power. (c) When traffic is light, the tug would operate alone at high speeds and at a fraction of full engine power. Hence, the tug would be small and highly "overpowered." (d) As traffic grew heavier, the operator could progres- sively add glider after glider to his train, the flight engineer would be able to increase the power of the engine to an almost corresponding degree, and the train would function without too great a loss ot speed. (e) By a combination of such means a truly flexible, economically worth-while piece of equipment might be placed in the hands of the air line. (f) Since it would be advantageous to run the tow cable from the centre of gravity of the glider to the centre of gravity of the airplane, designers might perhaps care to give consideration to a tug airplane with tail surfaces first— i.e., to the Canard type. «*• W.A.A.F. Art Exhibition Pictures, Models and Handicraft on Show AVERY interesting exhibition, an outcome of the art andhandicraft studies fostered by the new scheme ofW.A.A.F. Progressive Training, was recently opened at the National Portrait Gallery by Air Chief CommandantH.R.H. The. Duchess o£ Gloucester, C.I., G.B.E., who was received on arrival by Air Marshal Sir JBertine E. Sutton,K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., M.C., Air Member for Personnel, and Air Chief Commandant K. J. Trefusis Forbes, C.B.E., Directorof W.A.A.F. The exhibition, which remains open until August 31st, in-cludes paintings, drawings, needlework, embroidery and all branches of handicraft, fashioned often in remote stations,under difficult conditions, and often with scanty materials. The authorities are fully alive to the importance of encouragingthese spare-time activities, for it has been proved that the release of those recreative energies lead to better all-roundefficiency. They encourage inventiveness and resourcefulness in brightening up sometimes dull or comfortless surroundings.For example, a particularly ugly wall of a room was trans- formed by A/CW. Benson, M., who, using large beaver boards,painted on them in oil an allegorical picture " The Pilgrimage." * Another W.A.A.F! unit turned some odd pieces of discarded wood, sacking and nails into hardwood furniture.. Amongst the many oil paintings and drawings, special note should be taken of the work of A/CW. Elva Blacker, A/CW.iLilian Buchanan, L.A/CW. Pen-Symons, A/CVV. Hudson, S/O Joy Millar, L.A/CW. Scott, A'/CW. Bird; many of theexhibitors are professional artists now serving in the W.A.A.F. The needlework section of the exhibition is particularly largeand successful. All the exhibits are by amateurs, some with no more training than they are able to get in their spare time.It is not possible to mention individually all the work in this section, but of almost historical interest is a tablecloth byFlt./O. Parsons, with embroidered signatures of the members Jt the original W.R.A F. company, many of whom are now serv-ing in the W.A A.F. Examples of all classes of needlework are included, i.e.,delicate embroidery, pictures in coloured sik, drawn-thread work and a very effective cushion cover by S/O Macdiarmid,executed with odd lengths of knitting wool, for the comfort of a far-away station at Corsewall. Exhibits that would delight the shades of Teaiers andHogarth are models by S/O Turnbull, an intelligence officer in the W.A.A.F." One model, measuring about one foot by teninches, represents "The interrogation of the crew of C ior Charlie "—a perfect scale model in Barbola paste of the scenein an interrogation room after night operations. The model is complete in every detail from the padded jackets and leatherflying boots of the aircrews to the airwoman carrying a tray laden with mugs o£ tea. This exhibit has already been pur-chased by Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, Commander- in-Chief, Bomber Command. By the same artist is also a model of the ante-room of theW.A.A.F. Officers' Mess at tea-time, complete with a minute tea-trolley, pictures on the wall, and even a tiny replica of aweekly magazine the size of a postage stamp. Pewter, jewellery and toys are also included in the exhibits.Some of the entries are for sale and part of the proceeds will be given to the- R.A.F. Benevolent Fund. The exhibition isfree to the public.
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