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Aviation History
1946
1946 - 0512.PDF
FLIGHT MARCH 14TH, 194b The Monaco Engine New British Flat-Four Light-Aircraft Engine in 75 h.p. and 100 h.p. Sizes : Simplicity Allied to Advanced Design Features AN interesting newcomer to r\ the British light aero- *- •*• engine field is announced by the Monaco Motor and Engi- neering Co , Ltd., of Watford, whose name will be familiar to many connected with motor rac- ing. The new engine conforms to the conventional basic layout of its type, but it is worthy of note that accessibility and ease of maintenance are features which obviously have been kept in mind in planning the design. The makers state that they noted the type of engine used in light aircraft in America (Lycoming, Franklin and Continental) and the phenomenal growth of sales of these engines in the five years preceding the war. Since there was no comparable British engine, Monaco set themselves out to design one embodying the advantages of their ex- perience in high-performance power units for racing cars, the engines for which, it may be noted, are subjected to much higher loadings than ever called for from normal aircraft engines. The heavily-finned cast-finished cylinders are bolted to the unit crankcase, the bores for the 75 h.p. version being 4 in, and for the 100 h.p. version 4.375 in; the stroke in each case is 3.625 in, and thus the swept vdlumes are re- spectively 182 cu. in. and 218 cu. in. (3 litres and 3.6 litres). Extensive use of light alloys in conjunction with careful detail design ensures that the weight of the engine is kept as low as possible, and the extreme simplicity of its con- struction should enhance ease of production, the latter lactor by itself having a powerful influence on the purchase price. A full range of accessories is provided, and any combina- tion may be assembled without alteration to the rear cover or accessory drives—a feature which is extremely rare on engines of this class. Further, close attention has been paid to cooling, and the cowling is therefore to be sold as an engine part; considering this in conjunction with the accessories, it is justifiable to regard the unit as a complete power plant. The makers argue, that it is vital that this country comes to the fore immediately with a suitable answer to the American trio of flat-four light-aircraft engines, particularly These three views of the 100h.p. Monaco engine give a very clear impression of itscompactness and neat layout. Points to note are the finnedmanifolds and sump, drive faces for accessories on therear [cover, the inspection plate on top of the crankcase,alternative mounting points, and the neat carburation• system. in view of the undesirability of importing foreign types. On this count alone the new engine project is most deserving of success. Monaco engines are intended for immediate installation in the Chrislea Ace, which is expected to commence its flight trials during the next few weeks. The engines have not as yet been graced with a type name, and the manufacturers are open to receive any sug- gestions that readers care to put forward. NEW HOME FOR G.A.P.A.N.S INCE their original premises in the City were destroyed byenemy action, the Guild of Air Pilots have been sharing the Royal Aeronautical Society's building in Hamilton Place.They have now moved to new quarters in Londonderry House, Park Lane, W. 1—appropriately enough, since the Marquessof Londonderry is Master of the Guild. The telephone number is Grosvenor 1212. THE HERMES ACCIDENT '"PHE Ministry of Civil Aviation has now issued the conclu-*- sions which have been reached after the official investiga tion of the accident to the Hermes prototype which was leston December 2nd, last year. These conclusions are: 1. It is considered that the accident was the direct resultof elevator overbalance, this brought about flight condi- , tions the nature of which caused the pilot to lose control.2. Although the porpoising motions set up by the over- balanced elevators would have been expected, the finalmanoeuvre of the aircraft, in climbing suddenly, cannot be satisfactorily explained. 3. It seems certain, however, that at different trimmersettings, a reversal of stick forces would have occurred with which the pilot could not have kept in phase as theloads increased. t
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