NEW BRITISH AIRPLANE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6756, 8 November 1928, Page 12

NEW BRITISH AIRPLANE

HAS INTERCHANGEABLE WINGS,

One of Britain’s latest 'airplanes is the Simmonds Spartan. It is a light similar to the Avro Avian in the design of its nose, and is powered with the, Cirrus Mark II engine. It has a cockpit for pilot and observer, and a split undercarriage fitted with spring shock absorbers. Its originality, however, lies among other lines, and shows, incidentally, the trend of design in light airplanes. The feature of this plane is the interchangeability of its aerofoil surfaces—that is to say. its wings, ailerons, elevators, rudder, and even its main bracing wires. In other- planes the left-hand top wing can be assembled only in the, left-hand top position. In the Spartan, however, the wings are all of uniform size and shape, and can bo fitted in any position. This interchangeability is achieved by having a symmetrical wing curve section—the same curve on the upper and lower surfaces—so that a right-hand wing can be used as a left-hand wing by turning it over and joining it to the fuselage with the same metal-fitting. The same applies to the ailerons, which are not merely interchangeable among themselves, but also interchangeable with the elavator flaps and tho rudder. Similarly, the fin can be used either for a right or left tail plane. And, lastly, the main bracing wires are all tho same size.

The advantages of such a piano, which so far has stood up to its tests, are obvious. It lends itself admirably to mass production; it keeps the cost of repair, which is apt to bo high, down to a minimum; it Reduces the number of spares it is necessary to keep on hand; and, for the private owner, it simplifies his repair work, reduces its cost, and goes a long way toward delaying him, in tho event of minor accident, while ho sends to the makers for new parts.

Tho machine, it is said, because of both its interchangeable aspect and Its performance is admirably adapted for the use of private owners and flying clubs.