Aviation

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 303, 23 December 1933, Page 15

Aviation

• Notes by

"Airscrew"

TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT KINGSFORD SMITH’S PARTY. START ON JANUARY 15. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s monoplane Codock, being built at Cockatoo Dockyard, is expected to be ready for trials early in February. Sir Charles will be accompanied by Captain Taylor and Messrs. Stannane and Pethybridge when he flies to New Zealand in the Southern Cross on Jaamiary 15. Ho will return to Sydney by steamer in February to put the Codock through test flights, later returning to New Zealand by steamer to continue his flights through the Dominion in the Southern Cross. Captain T. W. White’s crew in the Codock will include Commander Bennett as navigator and wireless operator. AIR SERVICES IN BRITAIN. BIG INCREASE THIS YEAR. Some of the results of working unsubsidised air lines in Great Britain this summer are now coming to hand. This year will be remembered in the history of British civil flying as the lirst in which really determined efforts were made to operate such services; at one time no fewer than 11 routes were flown over regularly. Next year, if all plans materialise, no fewer than 20 lines will be working. Mr. Edward Hillman, to whom as much as to any man must be credited th 0 revival of inland airways, transported 4490 passengers during the 24 weeks’ season which closed at the end of September. His aeroplanes—all of them twin-engined de Haviland Dragon bi»plancs —flew over three main routes, London-Paris, London-Clacton, and London-Margate. The Clacton service, which was the lirst to be organised by the Hillman concern, attracted 1543 passengers, the Pans service 1756, and the Margate service 1191. Six Dragons were employed. Not a single service was cancelled and there was no forced landing, a fact that is ceasing to cause surprise nowadays but yet is worthy of record as additional evidence of the dependability of British aeroplanes and aero engines. LOCKHEED “ELECTRA.” According to Shell Aviation News, Lockheed aircraft have secured for themselves a high reputation for reliability both when used by aircraft operating companies and for long-dis-tance record breaking flights. The successful operation of Docaheed ‘Orions’ by Swissair, the recent fast flight from Zurich to Tunis and return in one day, by Mr. Mittelholzer in one of th e company’s aircraft, Mr. Wiley Post's round the world flight, Miss Amelia Earheart’s crossing of the Atlantic and many other flights testify to this. This reputation cannot but be enhanced by the Lockheed “Electra,” which is the company 's latest production. This aircraft is a low wing monoplane, of all metal construction, accommodating ten passengers and a crew of two. Two Pratt and Whitney 420 h.p. Wasp Junior engines are litted. The wings are of semi-stress type construction and ar© readily accessible for repairs, as detachable panels facilitate inspection and maintenance. Fuel tanks of 100 American gallon capacity each are located in the leading edge of the wing stub between the engines and the fuselage. The propellers are sufficiently far forward for the propeller disc to be a few inches ahead of the pilot’s feet. Wing flaps are fitted, which appreciably reduce the take-oft' run and the landing speed. With the flaps in operation the gliding angle is reduced from approximately 14.1 to about 8.1. Horizontal and directional balance is accomplished with adjustable flaps, located at the trailing edge of the rudder and elevators. Retractable landing gear is fitted. This is electrically operated and an auxiliary emergency hand-operated system is also provided. Th e wheels swing directly back into the rear of the engine nacelle, and are completely faired when in the retracted position. The retracting system permits of variable fore and aft position of the wheels in extended position, so that the aircraft may be more suitably balanced on the ground under varied loading conditions. The dimensions of the cabin are as follows: —Width 4 feet 10 inches, height 5 feet, length 15 feet. The cabin is completely sound-proof, and a ventilating system combined with a thermostatic heat control maintains an even temperature and assures an adequate supply of fresh air. Ample space is provided for baggage, in three comparements, one in the nose, forward of the pilot ’s compartment, and one in either wiifgs tub A goad view is obtainable from the pilot’s cockpit which is situated forward. Conventional wheel type controls are provided, together with a complete instrument equipment, including a Sperry directional gyro and a Sperry artificial horizon. Provision has been made for the installation of complete two-way radio. THE SECURITY “AIRSTER.” The recently organised Security National Aircraft Corporation, which was formerly the Kinncr Airplane and Engine Company, has, according lo Shell Aviation News, just produced its first aircraft, the “Airater.” This is a side by side, dual control, low-wing, strut braced monoplane, powered with a Kinncr 100 h.p. engine. The machine has a fuselage of conventional welded steel tubing construction, and wings of spruce ribs and beams, which arc routed for lightness. The external bracing struts are arranged in a V and double internal drag and anti-drag bracing is provided. Fris e type ailerons are fitted. Wheel brakes are controlled by the rudder pedals, and there is a hand brake for parking. The tail wheel

has a solid rubber tyie and castors through JGOdeg. Standard navigational and engine instruments arc litted. There are doors on either side of the cockpit, and a luggage compartment is provided. The two most notable features of this aircraft ar© the swinging engine mount and the folding wings. The engine is secured to the fuselage with four bolts, and removal of two of these allows work to be done on the back of the engine without completely dismounting it. The fuel and control connections hing e with the mount. It. is possible to reduce the span of the aircraft to nine loot in three minutes. This operation can be performed by one person, and with the wings folded it is possible to house the aircraft in an ordinary garage. COMBER “MOUSE.” This is the latest product of the (Jumper Aircraft Company of Heston and is a cantilever low wing cabin tliree-seator of wooden construction, su states Shell Aviation News. The two front scats in the cabin slide on rails mounted between the wing spars and are side by side. Full dual controls are litted, with the result that the pilot has a choice of two seats, either readily adjustable to suit his comfort. The front passenger may sit alongside the pilot, or may slide ms seuo back to converse easily with the passenger in the rear scat. The cabin is litted with a transparent sunshine roof, which slides backwards to provide an exit, and is so constructed that it can be left open during flight. Thre 0 petrol tanks are litted, one of 14 gallon* capacity in the front of the fuselage and one of nine gallons in each wing stub. Outside tnese tanks are the recesses for the retractable under-carriage units. Each of these consists of a low pressure balloon wheel, the axle of which slides against shock absorbers consisting of a number of rubber blocks. Each shock absorber is mounted on a triangular frame, which is hinged about its top front to allow the wheel to rise backwards into the wing. Each unit is operated by means ox a quick acting hand lever in the cockpit. The longerons are of spruce with wooden bracing and the fuselage is covered with doped canvas. A novel feature of the aircraft is th 0 method of operating the ailerons, the motion being conveyed to each aileron by two push rods, which run between pairs of parallel rollers. At the joint Detween the wing and the stub the rods are broken, the ends terminating in adjustable rubber buffers. These are in close contact when the wings are open, but permit of their being folded? without any uncoupling of the aileron control system. The method of folding the wings is also ingenious. Each wing is locked by means of two easily removed bolts at its spar roots. In the centre of the stub is a large diameter steel tube with an elbow joint in it. This is rigidly fastened in the stub but the wing, which is fitted with a sleeve, can slide on it. After th e locking bolts are withdrawn the wing is pullod outwards until the elbow joint is exposed and then rotated through 90deg. All that is now necessary is to fold it back -against the fuselage, the wing surface being parallel to the fin. The aircraft is fitted with a D.H. Gipsy Major engine. WORLD’S ALTITUDE RECORD. Captain Cyril F. Uwins, chief test pilot and director of the Bristol Aeroplane Company has created a new world’s altitude record for aeroplanes. He flew a Vickers .Vespa machine (G —AB1L) fltted with a SoU h.p supercharged Bristol Pegasus engine to a height of 43,976 feet, boating by 79b feet the existing record held by juieut. A. boucek, an American pilot, who in June 193 U reached a height of 43,13 b feet in a Wright Apache machine fitted with a 450 h.p. Pratt and Whitney engine. ihe Bristol Pegasus engine used was a special on e in as mucn as the diameter of the blower had been increased, resulting in an increased compression ratio from 5.3-1 to 7-1. The reduction gear was standard at 2-1. Captain Uwins used Aero Shell lubricating oil .and a special fuel supplied by Messrs. Shell Mcx and B.P. Liu.; the consumption of the latter was 40 gallons during the 105 minutes taken tu reach the cop of the climb. The ceil ing was readied after the pilot had remained at the same level for 15 minutes and he ran short of petrol. The consumption of Aero Shell oil was 2j gallons and the oil tank capacity six gallons, though an additional 2-gallon tank was incorporated in the machine which, fitting flush with the slide, was directly in tlie air flow and consequently received maximum cooling. SCHNEIDER REMINISCENCES. High-speed racing, from a pilot’s point of view, together with a num ber of graphic deociiptions of accidents and narrow escapes, are tho features of Wing-Commander A. H. Qrlebar’s most interesting book, ‘ ‘ Schneider Trophy ” (Seeley, Service and Company, Limited). As its name implies the book covers the years of the last two international high-speed races, and anything more absorbing to all who are interested and have followed the fortunes of those engaged in such skilled work in the air can hardly be imagined. Not only every incident connected with the life and training during the months of preparation before the races is recorded in lively fashion, but there is a wealth of photographs that add much to the general interest of the story. Concluding the book with some reflections, Wing-Commander Orlebai writes, “How far speed in the air can bo increased is a problem that it is as difficult for us, who have been in the high speed flight, to answer as for anyone else. All that wc know is contained in the fact that there is no limit at all in sight, as far as physical effects are concerned. In it is rather ridiculous to talk of such obstacles to straight, speed in the, air, when they are absolutely non-existent at present. Tho ultimate technical limit must surely bo reached lirst, and no one can say what that will be.”

Improved grounds and tracks for all Events. Native Bush a Real Picnic Place. PROGRAMME: 1— Maiden Pony Jump. For ponies 14.2 and under. Catch weights. First prize. Silver Cup presented by Mr. T. F. Iwikau, to be won twice by the same person before being won outright, and £2/2/- cash ; second, £l/1/-. Entry 5/-. Mrs. S. Hynes’ Trophy to rider of pony completing the round and gaining the least number of points. 10.30 а. 2 Boys’ Race. 10 to 12 years. First prize, 5/- : second, 2/6. Entrance free. 10.40 a.m. 3 Girls’ Race. 10 to 12 years. First prize, 57-; second, 2/6. Entrance free. 10.50 a.m. 4 Open Pony Jump. For ponies 14.2 hands and under. Catch weights. First prize. Silver Cup. presented by Mr. J. Blunden, to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals before being won outright, and £4/4/-; second, £2/2/-; third, 10/6.. Entry, 7/6. 11 a.m. 5 75 Yards Boys’ Race. Under 14 years. P’irst prize, 7/6; second, 5/-. Entry 6d, 11.30 a.m. 6 100 Yards Malden (men). First prize, 25/-; second, 12/6. Trophies. Entry 1/6. 11.45 a.m. Twelve Noon—Lunch. 7 Maiden Hunters’ Jumping Competition. Open only to horses that have not won any jumping competition. Catch weights. First prize, £4/4/-; second, £2/2/-; third, 10/6. Entry 7/6. 12.30 p.m 8— 75 Yards Girls’ Race. Under 14 years. First prize, 7/6; second, 5/-. Entry 6d. 12.45 p.m. 9 100 Yards Handicap. First prize, 30/-; Second, 20/-. Trophies. Entry 1/6, 1 p.m. 10— Maiden Chop. 12in. block. First prize, £2; second, £l. Entry 2/6. 1.10 p.m. 11— 220 Yards Handicap. First prize, £l/10/-; second, 15/-. Trophies. Entry 1/6. 1.25 p.m. 12— Hunters’ Competition. Minimum weight 12st. Open only to horses that have not won more than two firsts In jumping events at A. and P. Shows. First prize, £5/5/-; second prize, £2/2/-; third prize, £l/1/-. Entry 10/-. 1.35 p.m. 13— 100 Yards Boys’ Race. Under 18 years. First prize, 7/6; second, 5/-. Entry 6d. 1.40 p.m. 14— 440 Yards Handicap. Firat prize, £l/10/-; second prize, 15/-. Entry 1/6. 1.45 p.m. 15— Tent Pegging Competition. First prize, £1 ; second prize, 10/-. Entry 1/6. 1.50 p.m. 16— 880 Yards Handicap. First prize, £l/1/-; second, 10/6. Trophies. Entry 1/6. 2 p.m. 17— 100 Yards Girls’ Race. Under 16 years. First prize, 7/6; second, 5/-. Entry 6d. 2.10 p.m. 18— Hop, Step and Jump. First prize. 10/-; second, 5/-. Entry, 1/-. Trophies. 2.10 p.m. 19— Open Handicap Chop. 14in. block. First prize, £5; second, £2/10/-; third, 15/-. Entry 6/-. 2.20 p.m. 20— Married Ladies’ Race. First and second prizes. Trophies. Entry free. 2.30 p.m. 21— Open Hunters’ Competition. Minimum weight 12st. First prize, Silver Cup, valued at £lO/10/- (presented by Miss M. J. Stewart), to be won twice in succession or three times at intervals before being won outright, and £6/6/- cash ; second, £3/8/-; third, £l/1/-. Entry 12/6. Open to both lady and gentlemen riders. 2.30 p.m. 22 Thread-Needle Race on Horseback. First prize, £1 (10/- gent, 10/- lady). Entrance 2/-. 2.45 p.m. 23 Long Jump. First prize, 10/-; second, 5/-. Trophies. 3 p.m. 24 75 Yards Single Ladies’ Race. First and second prizes. Trophies. Entry free. 3.10 p.m. 25 Greasy Pig. Prize, the pig. Entry 1/-. 3.15 p.m. 26 Consolation Hunters’. Catch weights. First prize, £2/10/-; second, £l/1/-. Open only to all horses which have competed at this meeting and not secured first or second prizes. Entry 5/-. 8.30 p.m. 27 Football Goal Kicking. First prize 10/8. Entry !/- per attempt. 28— Hockey Goal Shooting. Firat prize, 10/6. Entry 1/- per attempt. 29 Sheep Weight Judging. First prize. £l. Entry 1/-. 30— Chain or Distance Stepping. First prize. £l. Entry 1/-. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. All athletic events run under the rules of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. 2. All prizes for athletic events are trophies. 3. Tn all horse events the committee to decide the course ; two baulks to disqualify. 4. All entries must be submitted to the secretary half-an-hour before each event. 5. Handicaps for events 9, 11, 14, 16 and 19 will be declared on the grounds and competitors when nominating for these events must send in to the secretary results of last two performances. б. The decisions of the judges will be final in every competition. 7. Ail protests to be in the hands of rhe secretary not later than one nour after the event in dispute. 8. All disputes to be settled by the general committee and its decision *o be absolutely 9. Tn all events three competitors or no competition ; five or no second orize. 10. The committee reserves tho right to delete or make alternations on the programme, of altering the time of starting, of refusing any entry, nr abandoning the sports ‘f necessary, by weather or by any other circumstances of which it shall be the sole judge. 11. All prizes to be claimed immeoiato’y after sports, otherwise they will not be ’tcognised. 12. Competitors must be In. readiness when called as the events must come off in the order stated ; any competitor misconducting or misbehaving will be excluded from the competition, and if he or she shou'd have successfully competed the prize shall be forfeited. All competitors must leave the ring after each event. 13. All events post entry. Refreshments on the Ground. HOT WATER PROVIDED FREE. ADMISSION: Adults, ]/-; Children over 8 years, 6d ; under 8 years free. Motor-cars, 1/-; members and members’ motor-cars, EUCHRE AND DANCE IN THE EVENING In the Tokorangi Meeting House. Admission: Gents, 1/6; Ladies, 1/-. A 'Plane will be landing In an adjacent paddock (weather and circumstances permitting) and will he available for passenger Rights. There will also be an aerobatic exhibition. E. W. BARNETT & A. HUTTON. Hon. Secretaries. Address: Tokorangi, Halcombe. ’Phone 6K. Halcombe. or Po>-t Office. Halcombe.