SAFETY IN FLYING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20593, 18 June 1930, Page 11

SAFETY IN FLYING.

NEW DEVICE EVOLVED.

AUCKLAND INVENTOR'S CLAIM,

A device which it is claimed will prevent an aeroplane from stalling has recently been perfected by a young Auckland inventor, Mr. 0. Hughes, of 2, Lee Street, Parnell. The actual nature of the attachment, which can be adapted to suit any type of aeroplane, is still 8 closely-guarded secret, as the inventor has not yet completed negotiations for patent rights in certain countries, but a general outline of the invention was given yesterday by Mr. Hughes. The device is dependent upon winclresistance for its operation and is fitted to tho wing of a machine. In the case of a bi-plane, it would be fitted to the upper wing, much -in the same manner as the Handley-Page slots. On a highwing monoplane only one attachment would bo necessary, but with a bi-plane or a low-wing monoplane, two would be needed. The device is controlled by B lever and a system of wires from the pilot's cockpit, and may be brought into operation at will. Mr. Hughes has been working on the invention for the last three years and has finally completed a model which he claims gives satisfactory results. He has not yet made a full-size model of his invention, but has sent details to two leading aircraft manufacturers, one in England and the other in America. Both have shown considerable interest in the invention. If present negotiations are successful, the device will be made, fitted and tested by the English concern. "Apart from eliminating the stall, which is the principal function of the invention, it will also enable aeroplanes to take off and land in about half the distanco they now require," said Mr. Hughes. "Supposing that, at present an aeroplane flying at a certain height will glide one mile, tiie device will increase its gliding range to about three or four miles. In the case of the engine stopping suddenly there would be no tendency for the aeroplane to dive. On the contrary it would work its way down gradually, on an even keel." Mr. Hughes claims that his invention is not complicated and that the cost of manufacture would not be excessive.