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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0742.PDF
736 FLIGHT, 5 June 1953 TAKING SHAPE: Comet 2 production is well under way at Hatfield, and the first of B.O.A.C.'s fleet of 11 should be flying next month. Shown here is the fuselage of the fourth aircraft (G-AMXE). The Series 2 is readily distinguished from earlier Comets by the extra window forward of the leading-edge, together with the 3ft extension to the fuselage. CIVIL AVIATION . . . Protective paper coverings outlined the newly applied French registration F-BGNZ. Outside in the sunshine, its immediate predecessor, NY, was being prepared for engine-running tests. In another part of the hangar NX, the first of the three Series iAs for Air France, having returned from a "shake down" flight, was undergoing some of the various minor rectifi cations which must be made before a new aircraft can be offered to a customer. Of the line of twenty-two Comets ending with F-BGNZ, all but one have been powered with D.H. Ghost centrifugal-flow turbojets. The exception is G-ALYT, development aircraft for the Series 2, which has axial-flow Rolls-Royce Avons. This, and the two original prototypes have been built under Ministry of Supply contract. Other customers were B.O.A.C. (nine Series is), C.P.A. (two Series iAs), U.A.T. (three Series iAs), R.C.A.F. (two Series iAs) and Air France (three Series iAs). Each Comet taking shape at Hatfield is known by a works number beginning with 06 (an abbreviation of the type designation D.H. 106), fol lowed by a figure indicating its place in the production line; thus, F-BGNZ has the constructor's number 06022. A smooth change-over from Series 1 to Series 2 production is obviously desirable, and we were therefore especially interested in the degree of progress reached with 06023—the first of B.O.A.C.'s fleet of eleven Comet 2s. Wings and tail were already in position and within a month a fully completed Comet 2, resplendent in B.O.A.C. colours and carrying the letters G-AMXA, should be ready for its maiden flight. Fuselages of the second, CLUB AND GLIDING NEWS WEATHER for the London Aeroplane Club's dawn patrol on Sunday, May 17th, was poor; nevertheless, a total of 37 visiting aircraft arrived. Of these, five penetrated the Panshanger defences—which consisted of ten patrolling aircraft—to earn their pilots free breakfasts. Later in the morning, at the Club's annual general meeting, the chairman, W/C. C. A. Pike, reported that during 1952 the Club membership had increased from 210 to 410; flying hours totalled nearly 2,500; 36 members had made their first solos; and 39 Private Pilots' Licences had been obtained. During the afternoon a forced-landing competition for Tiger Moths was won by Mr. Tim Hilton, and the day was brought to a pleasant close in general appreciation of the club's new premises— with particular reference to the large new bar. "VTEW C.F.I, of Lancashire Aero Club, Mr. H. C. Davies, intends *•' to organize a series of film shows concerning navigation, principles of flight, engines, and associated subjects in the near future. The exchange of information on such topics with other clubs would be welcomed. ' I 'HE Ulster Flying Club, as reported a fortnight ago, was *• recently officially opened. The club began flying operations in January last and has two Tiger Moths and a Magister. Nine members are undergoing instruction for private pilots' licences, six already hold licences, and three A.T.C. cadets are training under the flying scholarships scheme. The club's C.F.I, is Mr. George Wynne-Eyton. DETAILS of the provisional display-flying programme for the National Air Races at Southend-on-Sea on Saturday, June 20th, have been announced by the Royal Aero Club. The Grosvenor Challenge Cup, Norton-Griffiths Challenge Trophy, and Kemsley Challenge Trophy races are to precede an exhibition of aerobatics by the Patrouiile d'Etampes, after which will come an individual display by F/O. R. W. Gibson in a Sabre of 410 Squadron, R.C.A.F. Team aerobatics by four Sabres of 441 Squad ron, R.C.A.F., will be followed by individual aerobatics by F/L. M. A. D'Arcy in a Meteor of the Central Flying School, and a demonstration by four Canberras of 101 Squadron, Bomber Command. A helicopter demonstration by 705. Squadron, Royal Navy, will precede the final main event, the King's Cup Race. third, fourth and fifth machines have already been moved into the assembly hangar and this progress has been backed up in the fuselage shop, where the shell of the ninth Comet 2 has already assumed recognizable shape. The first of the Comet 2s built at Chester should be com pleted by July next year and the Short line at Belfast should also turn out its first Series 2 at about the same time. Meanwhile, the Series 3 development aircraft, which is due to fly next year, is taking shape at Hatfield. Some features of this improved version are already being flight-test:d, notably the 500-gal "pinion" fuel tanks, projecting nacelle-like ahead of the wings. Mock-up tanks carrying landing lights in the nose have been fitted to the pro totype G-ALVG, which also has a modified leading-edge designed to retain good low speed characteristics despite the increase in wing loading which will be an inevitable characteristic of the 145,000 lb Series 3. The other prototype (G-ALZK) is at present being used for development of the water-injection system incorporated in the Series iAs, but has been tentatively earmarked for a visit to America as soon as this work is completed. The visit has been proposed by P.A.W.A., who, having ordered Comet 3s, are anxious to demonstrate the advantages of jet travel within the United States as soon as possible. No certification problems will arise, since it is not intended to carry any fare-paying passengers. However, the aircraft may operate a series of experimental scheduled services with mail and cargo, as well as carrying large numbers of non-revenue passengers. AT WOLVERHAMPTON after the recent Goodyear Trophy Race: (left to right) A.Cdre J. Oliver; Councillor H. T. Fullwood, Mayor of Wolver hampton; Mr. J. P. Crowther, third prizewinner; Mrs. H. L. Ginaven, wife of the Goodyear director; Mr. Ron Paine, winner; and Mr. G. R. I. ("Sailor") Parker, runner-up. All three prizewinners have entered for most of this season's air races. A FIRST public appearance by the Slingsby Skylark, a new medium-size sailplane, was made at Lasham over the Whitsun weekend. In the hands of Lome Welch, Frank Irving, Mrs. Ann Douglas, Hugh Kendall and David Ince (members of the B.C.A. test group') in turn, the machine gave a promising performance —following both ground launches and air tows—including some medium-height aerobatics. The 45ft-span machine has plywood- covered wings, giving a very smooth surface, and the price is expected to be under £700. We hope to print a full description of the Skylark, with three-view drawings, in an early issue. THE World gliding championships in 1954 are to be held at Camphill, near Great Hucklow, Derbyshire, scene of this year's national competition. The decision that Great Britain should organize the event was made at the recent F.A.I. Gliding Commission meeting in The Hague.
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