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Aviation History
1949
1949 - 1325.PDF
JULY 28TH, 1949 FLIGHT represents a logical, well-founded step forward, not a leapin the twilight; but it is no less enterprising for that. The makers state that the cruising speed will be " some-thing approaching 500 m.p.h." In order to obtain the requisite economy from the four Ghost power units it willbe necessary to fly in the region of 40,000ft. This is nearly twice the operational height of current airliners and itentails a high degree of pressurization as well as air con- ditioning. Extensive use of the Redux metal-to-metalbonding process has materially simplified the pressure prob- lem, due to the elimination of a large proportion of rivetsand their holes. The de Havilland Aircraft Company planned to take astep forward in commercial efficiency—not in performance alone—and the Comet has been built on a competitive basisto take advantage of the special qualities of jet propulsion on both Atlantic and Empire rovftes A crossing of theNorth Atlantic in about 4^ hours will'be an attractive pro- position to many people, but the attainment of high speedalone would not justify the operation of a jet airliner unless economies were also to be obtained. Certainly by the timethis aircraft has been developed and tested in readiness for airline operation the high utilization which should bepossible will be one of the attractive features. Additionally, although fuel consumption of turbojets is high, the weightreduction by comparison with piston engines of similar power, and the drag reduction resultant upon the clean,almost buried, installation in a thin wing are most signifi- cant. Passengers will appreciate also the vibration-freeoperation of the aptly named Ghosts. A clean aerodynamic The intakes of .tire two port side de Havilland Ghost turbojsts. form and low structural weight were essentials to efficientoperation. One characteristic that the Comet will have in commonwith its military relation, the Vampire, is the ability to operate from relatively small airfields, in spite of the turbo-j«t's take :off ftiaracteristics and the high speed attainable.A-pproach and landing qualities have, in fact, been planned with a view to operation from any good airport in theworld. A comparatively low wing loading, and provision for liquid-fuel rocket assistance on take-off, should it provedesirable on some routes, have increased the possible appli- These two views of the de Havilland Comet emphasize its cleanness of outline and purposeful elegance. Comparison with the figures on the ground shows it to be very compact for a 36 seater. Eight will be built for B.O.A.C. aid six were ordered for B.S.A.A. Two more will be for research. A IX
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