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Aviation History
1945
1945 - 1991.PDF
384 F LIG HT OCTOBTER IITH, 1945 we all hope, tend to increase the general love of peace in the world. There is also the possibility that further study of the atomic source of energy may advance the welfare of the world. If the study were more advanced now, the awful problem of providing Europe with coal might be less critical. These possible benefits lie in the future, but the President of the United States is well advised to start investigations without delay. Interest in Jet PropulsionO UTSTANDING interest in turbine jet propulsion was convincingly demonstrated last Friday when Air Comdre. Frank Whittle, C.B.E., R.A.F., read his paper in London. Long before the time announced, the lecture hall was filled to overflowing and a disappointed crowd was shut out unceremoniously, although many had tickets of admission. The paper, vihich is reviewed in this issue, dwelt mainly upon the historical angle, and as such is a worthy record of the development work associated with Whittle's and his associates' pioneer efforts with turbine-compressor units for jet propulsion of aircraft. His recount of the many troubles encountered with his original units, of the measures taken to overcome them, the disappointments and tribulations of three long years of endeavour constituted a magnificent example of patience, fortitude, and confidence in the final outcome. The many young engineers and students present would appreciate to the full the obstacles which beset the path of any pioneer in engineering, and will take heart there- from. Whittle was generous in his acknowledgment of the assistance of fellow engineers during his early experiments. Of later development of great importance he was silent, nor did he indulge in forecasts of possibilities as many had hoped he might. Air Comdre. Whittle did, however, state with emphasis <hat this country led the world in aircraft turbine production and by implica- tion refuted the statement of the Air Ministry and others who have asserted that German progress with axial flow turbo-compressors and in jet propulsion was ahead of CONTENTS The Outlook - - - - - - - 383 Navy's Newest Displayed ----- 385 Here and There ------- 388 Test Instruments ------- 390 Airscrews -------- 393 De Havilland Dove ------ 395 Early History of the Whittle Jet Propulsion Gas Turbine - - - - - - - - 399 New U.S. Transports ------ 402 Civil Aviation News _-_,-- 403 Correspondence ------- 404 Service Aviation ------- 406 this country at the conclusion of the war—statements made no doubt on the evidence of speeds accomplished by jet-propelled aircraft at that time. In the absence of official figures, this estimation of speeds has already caused many arguments and unsub- stantiated claims from several quarters, and they will go on until officially approved figures of performance have been issued. Nor will such figures if announced in ttft? immediate future equal the speed of sound—the most common form of estimate. At the moment of writing it is extremely doubtful if any aircraft in the world" has maintained 600 m.p.h. in level flight, but the day is fast approaching. In this connection it is interesting to note that three .representatives of the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom recently attended the first meeting in Paris of the F.A.I, since the war, at which was discussed, among other things, the reclassifications of performances for record purposes. One may assume that the problem of timing speed records was debated. In pre-war days the timing was beginning to get troublesome. At the speeds which will be attained by jet-propelled aircraft there will obviously^be greater margin for error, and in view of the various claims to have the world's fastest aircraft, exact timing is essential if results are not to be disputed. FAIREY'S LATEST: The Spearfish torpedo bomber, which-will eventually replace the Barracuda, was seen for the first time during the display of new types for the Navy at Heston. This particular version is an unequipped prototype. It is Bristol Centaur us powered, and creates something of a precedent in carrying its torpedo in a special bomb bay.
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