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Aviation History
1954
1954 - 2443.PDF
DE HAVILLAND COMET 3 In all respects the most impressive of the Comets, the Series 3 flew for the first time on July 19th; and of the features which distinguish it from its predecessors, die most noticeable is the much lengthened fuselage—15ft longer than that of the Comet 2. Though wing area has been increased, the span remains unchanged at 115ft; the tailplane area has also been increased and cabin windows are now circular instead of square. The power units are Rolls-Royce Avon 521s, and fuel capacity has been increased from 6,900 gallons in the Comet 2 to 8,050 gallons, by the addition of "pinion" tanks mounted forward of the leading edge of the wing. These tanks, incidentally, also contain landing lights. The new "drooped" leading edge—adopted for the Comet 2 at a late stage of production—is incorporated as standard, and flap area has been much increased. In addition to the wing flaps, moreover, there is now a large split flap beneath the fuselage. Although B.O.A.C. and Pan American Airways intend to operate first-class versions of the Comet 3, it is emphasized that the aircraft is fully adaptable for tourist work, with up to 76 seats. A 71-seat version, for instance, with five-abreast seating pitched at 40in, and a 14j-in gangway, has been suggested. Gangway width would increase to 20in in the 58-seater and 62-seater four-abreast versions. A "mixed travel" scheme has also been mooted, with the kitchen mounted centrally. DE HAVILLAND/AIRSPEED AMBASSADOR Under the British Euro pean Airways class-name Elizabethan, this twin-engined, high-wing transport aircraft has established for itself a reputation for "passenger appeal" unsurpassed in its class. This stems in part from the high-wing layout which, in conjunction with the large-area windows, affords an unrivalled field of view from die 47-seat cabin. As for economy, the chief executive of B.E.A. has reported that on the airline's shorter routes (the average international stage is 313 miles) the Elizabethan—of which there are twenty in regular service—is die most economical of the entire Corporation fleet. The engines are Bristol Centaurus 661s, enclosed in specially developed low-drag cowlings and mounted as interchangeable power eggs, and die airscrews are four-blade, fully feathering, reversible-pitch de Havillands. Integral tanks in die outer wings each hold 500 gallons, and there is provision for two additional bag tanks of 300 gallons. The cabin measures 32ft 5in long by 10ft 6in wide by 6ft 4£in high; there are two toilet compartments and a cloakroom at the rear. Baggage and freight compartments are in die nose and hand luggage is stowed on the port side between the crew quarters and main cabin. The galley is to starboard. Structurally, as well as aerodynamically, the Am bassador is a highly refined aircraft, especially in respect of the high-aspect-ratio wing. The fuselage is notable for its characteristic broad cross-section.
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