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Aviation History
1956
1956 - 1520.PDF
676 FLIGHT, 26 October 1956 Exterior and interior views of the Piper Apache (upper photographs) and Tri-Pacer, 7957 models. Over 700 Apaches have been sold; cruis- ing speed of the type is 170 m.p.h. The Tri-Pacer cruises at 132 m.p.h., its linked controls permitting co-ordinated turns with either wheel or rudder pedals. Radio equipment on both aircraft is comprehensive. Piper Calls 1957 Tune "MEXT year's models of the Piper Aircraft Corporation's linex ~ of business and utility aircraft, "unveiled" at a distributors' meeting on October 24, include the re-styled versions of theApache and Tri-Pacer here illustrated, in addition to the new Comanche four-seater. In the "completely new exterior paintdesign" of both Apache and Tri-Pacer is included the choice of Cadillac Red, Key West Blue or Pasadena Rose (which, if not asong title, certainly deserves to be) as main colour, with Daytona White cabin-top and black nose and nacelles.The all-metal Apache retains two 150 h.p. Lycoming 0-320 engines as its power units, driving Hartzell full-feathering con-stant-speed propellers. Fuel capacity of the standard and "custom" versions is 72 gal, while the "super custom" modelcarries 108 gal. Dual generators and dual vacuum pumps are also installed in this latter version. Radio and navigation equip-ment fitted in the "custom" and "super custom" Apaches includes Lear ADF, Narco Omnigator (which combines VHF transmitter, receiver, 75 Mc/s marker beacon and ILS localizer)and Narco Simplexer 27-channel VHF transmitter/receiver. New detail features of all models of the 1957 Apache includehigher-capacity carburettor heaters and standard installation of carburettor air temperature gauges; numbered scales on thethrottle quadrant; and additional cabin soundproofing. In the 1957 Tri-Pacer, powered by one 150 h.p. Lycomingengine, a number of improvements in engineering and in styling are claimed. The most noticeable exterior change is the installa-tion of a non-skid "running board" on the starboard under- carriage leg to facilitate entrance to and exit from the cabin.The "super custom" model of the Tri-Pacer, which has accounted for some two-thirds of Tri-Pacer sales in recent years,is equipped with Narco Superhomer (with multi-channel VHF transmitter, VHF receiver and VOR navigation system) andNarco MF range and standard broadcast receiver. A fixed homing loop permits homing on range or standard broadcast stations. U.S. AIR RACING IN 1956 national speed records in all categories for midget racingaircraft were set up in the U.S.A. during the 1956 air racing season, recently completed. The safety record of no fatalitiessince 1950 was continued., and there were more officially sanc- tioned contests than in any year since 1952.Among the new records achieved were speeds of 208.81 m.p,h. (one lap) and 199.96 m.p.h. (main event) by Bill Falk in "Rivets"at the Niagara Falls meeting on July 7-8; and 203.67 m.p.h. (one heat) by Steve Wittman in "Bonzo" at the same meeting. Falk,who specializes in midget racing; Wittman, who has flown all types in every major U.S. air race since 1928; and Tom Cassutt,who began racing in 1954, have consistently gained high places in this season's programme. A typical course-distance for midget-aircraft races is twelve laps of a circuit of 2-2J miles. The world 100 km record of 187.922 m.p.h. claimed by Richard Ohm inhis Ohm Special midget on September 15 was reported in Flight of October 5.The majority of the aircraft which were raced this year were those that had competed during previous seasons, with minormodifications. The Professional Race Pilots Association states, however, that "with the return of air racing now an accomplishedfact, the frequent appearance of new airplanes, which keeps the sport constantly in a state of growth and development, will beginagain." /••
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