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Aviation History
1952
1952 - 2015.PDF
25 July 1952 89 Champion and Veteran ON his return from Spain after his victory in the World Gliding Championships—reported in the preceding pages—Philip Wills said that, given the chance, the British sailplane could now occupy a position "on top of the world," like that of the Comet. He went on to say that the British success had been made possible by the help of Viscount Kemsley, president of the British Gliding Association, who had launched the appeal for funds, by those who supported the appeal, and by the Kemsley Flying Trust. In a personal note on Philip Wills, "Atticus" remarks in the Sunday Times that, now 45 years of age, he was flying sailplanes before some of today's glider pilots were born. "If this were to be the end of his gliding career (and I much doubt that)," the columnist continues, "it would be particularly gratifying to him in that it enabled him to launch on its career the best sailplane, the Sky, that Britain has ever produced. He must have spent thou sands of pounds on sailplanes and on practising his chosen sport. Those who recall how in his own sailplane he flew across the Channel to test our early radar defences will rejoice that this Old Harrovian enthusiast should have reached the height of a glider pilot's ambition just as the years might be expected to put a brake on his powers." Britannia at Farnborough THE Bristol contribution to the S.B.A.C. show this year should go a long way toward satisfying the interest of visitors. In addition to the well-established 171 Sycamore, the twin-engined, twin-rotor 173 helicopter will perform in public for the first time, and work is going forward at high pressure in order to ensure that the 175 Britannia will be able to demonstrate some of its grace and performance at the show. On the score of performance, some thing outstanding can be expected of the Olympus-engined Canberra, and interest in this powerful yet economical turbojet will be satisfied at close range by the engine exhibited on the Company's stand. We understand, also, that the final coupled Proteus 2 power unit will be delivered to Saunders-Roe by the end of this month for installation in the Princess. When the power installation for the boat is complete, she will take the water for the first time and, providing no last-minute snags appear, and the requisite pre liminary number of flying hours can be put in, it is possible that the giant craft may be able to appear at Farnborough. 80 Octane Withdrawn OWNERS and operators of light aircraft of all types will find, if they have not already done so, that the 80 octane petrol which they have been accustomed to using is no longer available at airfields. This state of affairs is apparently one more repercus sion of the Abadan affair and the American fuel strike. In place of 80 clear, 73 octane (a fraction better than Pool) is to be issued at the same price. Unfortunately, this does not suit all engines which have been running on 80 octane, and its value can only be raised by mixing with high-octane leaded fuel, which is also un suitable for some engines. The oil companies have issued some rather guarded infor mation and instructions, the meat of which follows. The several flying clubs which boast only one fuel pump seem to be faced with something of a dilemma. Owing to the present difficulty in the world supplies of avia tion gasoline, state the oil companies, importations into this country of 80 octane lead-free gasoline have been discontinued, and this grade was withdrawn from the market on July 1st, 1952. Instead, 73 octane unleaded aviation gasoline is being marketed and, generally, this will replace the 80 clear. SWITCHED OFF: Among the targets of U.N. fighter-bombers which took part in the stepped-up series of raids against North Korean key-points early this month were a number of hydro-electric power stations. This low-level oblique photograph, taken from an aircraft of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, shows the results of one of these attacks. The generator house was reduced to a shell, and severe damage was done to the penstocks (the pipes which bring the water down the mountainside) on the left and to the transformer-park on the right. An unleaded fuel is essential for many types of engines, such as the de Havilland Gipsy Major I, Six I and Minor. Additionally, the following engines may be run on 73 octane, although they are cleared by their respective manufacturers to operate on gaso line containing not more than 4.0 mis. T.E.L. per I.G.: de Havilland Gipsy Major IF, Six IF and Queen III; Cirrus Minor I, Minor II and Major II. This requirement can be met by 73 octane. Other types of engines require a fuel with a minimum octane rating of 77. For example : de Havilland Gipsy Majors IC, ID, II, IIA, V, VII, 10-1, 10-3, 10-4, and 30, Gipsy Six II, Gipsy Queens I, II, 33 and 34, and Cirrus Major III. While, normally, 100/130 grade could be used for these engines, the present lead content of this grade is understood to be in excess of the maximum stipulated by the engine makers. In order to meet the requirement, a mixture of 100/130 grade and 73 octane can be made available. This mixture normally gives a minimum rating of 80 octane, with a lead content within the limits stipulated. Where this mixture is required and is not available ready mixed, a fifty/fifty mixture of 100/130 grade and 73 octane should be used, but it is essential to put the 100/130 grade in first. The South Coast Race FORTY-SIX entries have been received for the Daily Express Trophy Race, to be flown over a slightly modified version of the usual South Coast course on Saturday week, August 2nd, for the trophy and over £2,000 worth of cash prizes. Details will appear in Flight next week. LEVIATHAN: With a background of jet smoke, and with the leading four wheels of the eight-wheel landing-gear turned to port to follow the taxi-track car, the great Boeing YB-52 makes an awe-inspiring picture on its arrival at Larson A.F.B. after its maiden flight from its birthplace at Seattle.
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