HOME-MADE MONOPLANE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 12

HOME-MADE MONOPLANE

CONSTRUCTION AT TAKAPUNA SOUND DESIGN ADOPTED. EXPECTED TO COST £250. In a workshop at Takapuna another amateur-built aeroplane isi taking shape Its construction has constituted the hobby of Mr. K. Carter, an expert motor mechanic, during the last six months, and the work is being earned out on lines which give some assurance of success. The design and craftsmanship are superior to anything revealed in previous local efforts, and there is nothing unorthodox in the lay-out.

Mr. Carter is following plans obtained from an American company, which specialises in furnishing data for home-made aeroplanes. This firm is responsible for the designing of a number of amateurbuilt machines which have flown successfully in the United States, and adherence to the designs naturally relieves the builder of any responsibility or guesswork regarding balance or airworthiness. The success of the machines depends purely on the workmanship, and the embodiment of the tried principles in the standardised plans. Use of Motor-Car Parts. Mr. Carter has almost finished the fuselage, elevators, and rudder. At this stage the body looks very similar to that of a Moth or a light Avro. The fuselage has been substantially built of three-ply mahogany and aluminium. Two deep, comfortable seats are provided, and the cockpits aro ready for upholstery Dual controls have been fitted, some motor-car parts having been admirably adapted for this mechanism.

Mr. Carter has the facilities of his garage at his disposal and there is nothing lacking in tho mechanical work so far accomplished. In its present state the fuselage weighs only 1801b., this being achieved by the use of jiheet aluminium for the rudder and elevator. The complete machine is expected to weigh about 6501b., unladen. A low-wing monoplane design has been chosen, and the spread will be about 23ft., or 2ft. less than a Moth. The wings will be fabric-covered, and the petrol tanks will be incorporated in the wingroot. The overall length of the monoplane will be about 18ft. 6in. Choice ol the Engine. Mr. Carter will import a light air-cooled aeroplane engine, and the complete machine is expected to cost about £250 Tho recommended engine is a 35 h.p. unit, but Mr. Carter may instal nearly double this power to ensure lively performance with two passengers. The specifications provide for a speed up to 85 miles an hour. Mr. Carter may decide to power the machine for a pilot only, and in that caso ho will have a choice of several light British engines.' One available is the horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Scorpion. This engine develops 34 h.p. at 2300 revolutions, and it is being fitted in tho single-seater Robin monoplane which has just teen introduced by the A.B.C. Company of Walton-on-Thames. Another suitable engine is the Bristol Cherub twin, which develops 36 h.p. at 3200 revolutions. A third is the Blackburn Thrush, which has an output of 33 h.p. at 2700 revolutions. If larger power is chosen Mr. Carter may select an engine with cylinders in line after the fashion of the Cirrus and Gipsy engines fitted to Moths.

Before he attempts to take the air in his home-made machine Mr. Carter will have flying instruction. As far as his work has gone it gives promise of better fortune than has attended other amateur productions.