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Aviation History
1949
1949 - 0267.PDF
FEBRUARY IOTH, 1949 FLIGHT 175 Giant9s Ground Equipment for the Brabazon : Slinging Gear, Servicing Platforms and Trolleys MUCH has been written about the Bristol Brabazonairliner which is now nearing completion at Filton.Mr. A. E. Russell, the chief designer, has outlined some of the design difficulties and problems, aerodynamic and structural, in a paper before the Royal Aeronautical Society. The very detailed calculations made, and the quite exceptional care taken in exercising the most rigid weight control, have resulted in the machine being within a few pounds of the estimated weight, an achievement which must be almost without parallel in the history of aviation. Facts such as these may tend to disguise the magnitude of the task of building such a huge aircraft, and even the statement that the wing span is 230ft, the length 177ft, the wing area 5,317 sq ft, and the gross weight about 3oo,ooolb fails to convey any real basis on which to form a mental picture. Standing near the machine and looking up at its towering mass does give one a feeling almost of awe, but so beautifully is it proportioned that one takes for granted the large engine units and the huge control surfaces, even the undercarriage which supports the whole great struc- ture. They are so much "to scale" that one is apt to overlook the fact that they had to be placed in position. • " Control-surface Design - .'• -: . Knowing that Folland Aircraft, Ltd., had done a good deal of work on Brabazon control surfaces, we visited the factory at Hamble to find out more about it. We found that there was much more involved than we had thought. Not only did Folland Aircraft do the detail design of rudder, elevators, ailerons and flaps (under the control of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, so that full particulars are on the type schedule), but also built and delivered them. The firm is, of course, approved for design. The story does not, however, end there. When such large control surfaces are finished there still remains the problem of storing them, transporting them to the aircraft The engine servicing platform (telescopic) is typical of many usedfor the Brabazon. Slinging gear shown in use for oil tank, wing tip, rudder-control power unit and rudder. The crane is mounted on a Thornycroft long wheelbase chassis. Note the extension^ jib used for the very tall rudder. B 23
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