AUCKLAND MEN BUILD LIGHT STRONG MONOPLANE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18960, 6 January 1930, Page 14

AUCKLAND MEN BUILD LIGHT STRONG MONOPLANE.

Motor-cycle Engine Supplies Power To Home-made Machine .

Aided by the experience gained from their previous attempt, Messrs E. and A. Evorson, of 9, Sentinel Road, Herne Bay, Auckland, have built another aeroplane. When they decided on this second venture a more ambitious machine was planned, and now, after three months work they have nearly com pleted a light, but strong monoplane Only a few small adjustments and additions have now to be made, and it is expected that within a week Evo 2. as the ’plane has been named, will be ready for exhibition on the roof of the Farmers’ Trading Co.’s building. With a wing spread of 30ft lOin and an overall length of 20ft, the machine is larger than a Gipsy moth. A 12-14 horse-power Henderson motor-bicycle engine, developing 23 h.p. at 3000 revolutions, has been fitted, and it is expected that with the throttle wide open it will be able to run for an hour on a gallon and a half of petrol. A steel gauge net covers the front of the engine, and the air which will rush through this will leave by gills set at the side.

The wings are set at the bottom of the narrow fuselage, and each is supported by two wooden stays. They do not fold, but it is a matter of only a few minutes to unscrew the four bolts

which fasten them. A long, low wing has been built to give an easy take-on and a cushion landing. Wheels had to be specially made for the machine. Although the builders inquired all through the Dominion for suitable wheels, they eventually had to have them made to design. Fitted, the wheels are sft 9in apart, giving a wide, safe track.

One of the most finished pieces of work in the construction of the whole ’plane is the propeller. This important part is made of wood, ten pieces having been laminated, and the completed block carefully shaped. It has a pitch of five feet.

Three-ply wood has been used for the fuselage, which has one cockpit. An aluminium engine casing covers the front of the body. A minimum of air resistance has been aimed at, and the whole machine is stream lined in every part. “We have saved an ounce in weight wherever possible,” said Mr E. Evorson. “The stays are wooden, with steel clips. Even with the engine the whole machine weighs only 300 pounds. When the ailerons and controls are fitted the Evo will be exhibited, and we hope to try her out in about two months’ time.”