SCIENTIFIC METHODS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 74, 7 January 1949, Page 4

SCIENTIFIC METHODS

BUILDING BIG LANDPLANE LONDON, Jan. 6. ■ Experiments during the ' development of the 130-ton Bristol Brabazon, Britain’s biggest landplane, have enabled a completely scientific method of aircraft construction to be worked out for the first time. “The new process changes aircraft construction from an art to something approaching an exact science, and is a tremendous step forward,” says the aeronautical correspondent, of “The Times.” “Instead of proceeding by the usual long and somewhat haphazard process of trial and error, it is now possible by using newly-discovered mathematical formulas, to forecast to an accuracy of between 2 and 3 per cent, what the correct weight should be to give an aircraft structure which will withstand all the stress to which it may be subjected in flight. “In oflier words, it is now possible to obtain mathematically, in about half* an hour data which, by the old method of trial and error, often took a year to obtain.” Mr A. E. Russell, the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s chief designer, said yesterday: “Even if the Brabazon were never to fly—which, of course, it will—the great expense of building it would be thoroughly justified by the new knowledge we have gained.” The Brabazon is scheduled to begin its flight trials at Easter.