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Aviation History
1947
1947 - 2142.PDF
678 FLIGHT DECEMBER ISTH, 1947 there were cases of metal skin being used before the existence of a theory to fit it. The helicopter is a modern instance of practice being ahead of theory. The mathematicians have not yet caught up with the engineers, and the theoretical snags in helicopter designs are so formidable that if one took them very seriously one would not dare to build a heli- copter. Yet helicopters are flying every day and doing good work, work which could not be done by any other vehicle, be it surface or air. All this activity could be said to be premature, inasmuch as theoretically the helicopter is far from per- fect. It may not be stable, it may be very expensive, and it may be difficult to fly. But it-does fly, and it does do work that could not be done otherwise. So let us not be discouraged by the present incompleteness of heli- copter theory. Theory will catch up one day, and when it does it will lead to improvements and refinements. But in the meantime, all honour to those who refuse to be daunted by the difficulties. These ruminations should not be taken as an indica- . tion that we despise theory. Far from it. Flying would not be where it is today without theory. But theory should be regarded as a tool, a very valuable tool, not as the creative force. The time has not yet come when aircraft design is an exact science. It is still an art. The Royal Auxiliary Air ForceG REAT satisfaction will be felt on all sides with the announcement that His Majesty has honoured the Auxiliary Air Force by conferring upon it the prefix "Royal," in recognition of its distinguished ser- vice during the war. Congratulations to the A.A.F. The first four A.A.F. squadrons were formed in 1925, and by the time war broke out the Force numbered 20 flying squadrons and more than 40 balloon squadrons. As part of the first-line strength of the R.A.F., the A.A.F. units were called out for operational service at the outbreak of war, and in the years that followed the '' week-end warriors'' proved themselves no whit CONTENTS Outlook M-B V in the Air - - - - Here and There - Metropolitan Control Zone - Cranfield on Show - - - - The Air Radio Operator and the Future - * The New Basic Trainer - Power Plant Engineering - ... Civil Aviation News - - - - - Correspondence - • - Service Aviation ----- Forthcoming Events, page 102 677 679 682 684 686 688 689 695 698 702 703 inferior to the regular Royal Air Force squadrons. When the war finished, the A.A.F. squadrons were withdrawn from service with the R.A.F. and re-formed for part-time service at their pre-war bases. Initially the plan was for 13 day-fighter squadrons, three night- fighter squadrons and four light bomber squadrons; but since then all 20 have become fighter squadrons. With the changes in operational requirements, the balloon squadrons were disbanded, and the non-flying part of the A.A.F. now comprises a number of Air De- fence Units whose task would be, in any future war, to man the fighter control and radar reporting system. In addition, it was decided to form 20 Auxiliary Regiment Squadrons to undertake light anti-aircraft and ground airfield defence. These squadrons are to be based with the flying squadrons and will train them. So far, nine Air Defence Units and five Regiment Squadrons have been formed. Others will be formed next year. While one must heartily welcome the honour which ths King has shown the A.A.F., the prefix "Royal " may on occasion lead to some slight confusion in that the new initial letters are the same as those of the Royal Australian Air Force. To use R.Aux.A.F. and R.Aust.A.F. is not a pretty solution. NENE-PANTHER : Powered by a Rolls-Royce Nene turbo-jet, of the type to be built under licence by Pratt and Whitney, the Grumman Panther deck-landing fighter for the US. Navy is seen on an early test flight. Like our own Hawker N. f46, a directly comparable type, the Panther should attain at least 600 m.p.h.
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