10 MILES UP

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 257, 13 October 1932, Page 4

10 MILES UP

STRATOSPHERE ASPIRANTS FRANOO-GERMAN RIVALS. SCIENTISTS IN AIR-TIGHT CABINS London, Aug. 14. Two nations are engaged in a contest to decide which can build an aeroplane that cau get farthest from the earth, Germany and France are now making final tests of machines that are to fly into the “stratosphere,” to explore that rarifled atmosphere 10 miles above the earth already partially investigated by Professor Piccard in an aluminium sphere raised by a balloon. In the “stratsphere,” the German and French scientists hope to prove, aeroplanes will be able to cruise at a minimum speed of 300 miles per hour. Here are the latest details of the machines that are to attempt this thrilling exploit:— “Ju-49” is the very unromantic “name” that has been given to the Junker ‘ ‘ stratsphere ’ ’ aeroplane which, it is hoped, will reach a height of 10 miles, and bring the United States within half a day of Europe. ALL-METAL JUNKER AEROPLANE. At present “Ju-49” is being put through satisfactory tests at ordinary altitudes. Although the Junkers’ works management is keeping secret many of the details of this machine and the results it is attaining, it is known that many of the technical difficulties have been overcome. “Ju-49” is an all-metal Junkers monoplane with a wing spread of some 90ft. and a flying weight of 8 tons, driven by an 850 h.p. petrol engine that has never yet been tested at its maximum speed. It is estimated, however, that a minimum speed of 300 miles per hour will be possible at a height of seven miles owing to the absence of air and wind resistance. HERMETICALLY SEALED CABINS. The wings are attached to the bottom of the fuselage, and are turned up at a sharp angle. The cabins occupied by the pilot and observers are hermetically sealed with double metal walls, so that when a great altitude is reached oxygen can be pumped into them and a normal air pressure maintained. The engine, too, is equipped with special oxygen bellow-s to assure normal working, while the edges of the propeller have been sharpened so that it will “bite” into the rarifled air more easily. Knowing of conditions in the “stratosphere” is very limited at pre-

sent, and the plans of the Junkers designers have been based on laboratory tests. It is hoped to add considerably to this knowledge if the “Ju-49” is able to make an extended flight in this region. It is now believed that the “stratosphere” is absolutely devoid of clouds, weather, storms, or other disturbances of the elements which now render ordinary flying difficult at times. Flying at a height of_ 10 miles, it is expected that terrific speeds can be attained. At this height the stars would be visible day and night and navigation by their aid will be possible at all times. Flying at this height, too, tne aeroplane would have a big gliding radius in the event of a forced landing being necessary. FRANCE’S ’PLANE! France’s “stratosphere” aeroplane, on which M. Henry Farman, the flying pioneer, has been working with so much enthusiasm, is now finished and has been taken to Toussus-le-Noble aerodrome for its trial flights. Various ground tests have proved satisfactory, and there are high hopes that the machine will make a successful flight into the “stratosphere” with a leading French scientist within its .sealed cabin. M. Lucien Coupet, the chief pilot at the Farman works, will take the machine into “thin air,” as he calls it. M. Farman’s machine is designed to attain a height of 12 miles. Its fuselage and wings are constructed entirely of wood covered with fabric. The engine supports are made of duralumin tubes, the engine being separated from the fuselage by a fire-proof partition. 350 H.P. ENGINE. The cabin is air-tight and is constructed in the form of a cylinder 6J ft. long and 3|ft. wide. The covering is a light sheet of duralumin. The machine is equipped with a newly-designed 350 h.p. eight-cylinder V-shaped water-cooled engine. The wings are 62ft. from tip to tip. To obtain the maximum efficiency at varying heights, the Farman ’plane is fitted with a propeller which has a variable pitch to its blades. This be regulated from the pilot’s seat.