1937-02-23 — Page 2

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 1937.

AVIATION

Sleeve-Valved Engine Trials In Arctic Weather

British Warplane Sent To Canada

Cold weather flying trials of ex- ceptional Importance are begin ring in Canada. They involve a British military aeroplane powered with one of the new sleeve-valved Atted with enclosed engines and cockpits similar to those embodied in the structure of new warplanes fordered for the Royal Air Force, The machine, а Hawker Hart biplane, was shipped to Canada to- wards the middle of last month. Et will be based at the Ottawa air station. Its pilots will be provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force. In all, the tests are scheduled to Hast six months.

Arc

FUEL ECONOMY

been announced up to the present; | ed straight" spirit_rating usually

He expects remarkable reduc-. they are the Perseus, a 9-cylinder between 70 and. 75 octane, which unit of which one present model

is about the same as the best petrol tions in fuel consumption: Engines develops up to 810 h.p, the Aquila.

obtahable from roadside pumps by burning 87 octane fuel on prolong- ed and exact test, have "operated a smaller 9-cylinder engine, and

Then research

at a specific fuel consumption of the Hercules, 14-cylinder double-the motorist.

0.43 lb. per horsepower per hour. bank engine that was shown for showed that admixture of other

substances with the fuel, and espe-For comparison, a compression- the Arst time at the Paris aero

The Hercules cially of minute quantities of a ignition engine burning heavy oil show in November. is the most powerful nero engine compound called tetra-ethyl lead, consumes between 0.35 and yet ordered in quantity by any greatly augmented the knock rat-lb./hp./hr.: its superiority in this ing. or, in other words, enabled respect over the "petrol" engine is Banks considers that an engine designed higher compression ratios to be its chief advantage. MI.

the engine safely employed in cylinders. Increased compression ratlu led directly to higher power output and lower fuel con- sumption.

government.

In addition to military use, "civil-rated" Perseus engines will shortly make their appearance in commercial aviation. Twenty-five of them as exclusively stated in a previous message-will be installed in some of the Short: four-engined" monoplane boats which are going into service on the Empire routes. Their behaviour in service is cer tain to provide informative data in comparison with the Xc poppet-valved engines that po- Iwer the boats already in commis-

slon..

Pegasus

...' {5 } EFFICIENCY OF WARPLANE CREWS

able arst batch of these engines is

bullt: they aiready being scheduled for installation in a squadron of Vildebeest "general purpose" biplanes and, experiment- ally, in other selected şircraft, of which the "cold weather" Hart is one: The cockpits are heated by air previously circulated through metal munts around the engine exhaust. This equipment will be rigorously tested in fights in the qeverest weather, while in the in- tervals the machine will be picket- ed in the open, its only extraneous protection against the elements being covers placed over the engine which are kept warm by a small

Enclosed cockpits have become heater lamp. Successful emergence

even essential to the comfort and em- these trials-and blizzards may test the staunchness clency of military aviators. Mod- "cellings" of 35,000 feat. The of cockpit covers and engine in-ern warplanes reach operational enormous reçent, increase of speeds makes adequate protection from the airstream imperative. Warmth and comfortable seating exért a profound effect on military ecome avaliable for Bervice use." · ciency which is especially marked on long bombing fights and other that demand several missions hours aloft at a time.

from

Much valuable information has sccrued from similar tests in the bast. Warplanes must be fit for efficient operation in all extremes of climate and over all kinds of

stallation-will mean elimination terrain. The various Overseas Commands of the Royal Air Force of all doubts about ability of the provide ample opportunity for ny-engine and cabin enclosures to

withstand the coldest weather. ing trials in tropical heat, but really cold weather within the Em-

ADVANCE OF SLEEVE-VALVED pire must be sought in Canada.

ENGINES In recent years, three types of

Production of a practical sleeve- Eaeroplane tormerly in wide use in

1 major the Service-the Siskin fighter, the valved aero engine is Wapiti "general purpose"* aero- triumph of British aeronautical 1- engineering. The problems plane. and the Audax army co-

other volved have baffled all operation craft-have gone through,

engine builders, and the British cold weather flying trials there.

technician is now, after more than Power in the Audax is supplied by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel liquid-cooled ten years of intensive research and development, in a position to use engine and the trials Fielded in-

for the improvement of aeroplane valuable data about the behaviour of the engine and its special performance the many advantages claimed tor the sleeve-valved ethylene-glycol coolant at

engine. Chief among these, ad- peratures ranging down to

vantages are higher efficiency and #degrees below Centigrade zero.

lower fuel consumption than the The Hart concerned in the pre- tent test has a Bristol Perseus equivalent poppet-valved engine, longer "life" because of the smaller sleeve-valved motor of the kind

number of working parts, and sim- that will be in large-scale produc-

manufacture. Three main tion for the Royal Air Force within i pier the next few months. A consider-series of sleeve-valved engines have

tem.

47

MOTOR

0.37

compression ratio approaching 8 to burn 100 octane fuel, having a to 1, should attain a fuel consump- tion of not more than 0.38 lb././ hr. In the immediate future, while within the next few years azures of the order of 0.32 to 0.35 lb./h.p./ hr, should be obtained. The im portance of this statement is that it indicates the probable eclipse of the heavy-oil engine for all mix-

of

All high-powered aero engines now in production are designed to buri fuel of approximately 87 octine rating. Now, following in- terave research, the way is open for a fresh advance. All kinds oftary purposes and makes its use substances have been tested with even problematical in commercial

Berpalanca. straight spirit to ascertain the

Effect

performance degree of octane rating obtainable military neroplanes is likely to be with them. One of the better astonishing. Mr. Banks, after meins has proved to be the add!-examination of diagrams showing height of a modern single-seat end, which gives up to 100 octane fighter burning 87 octane fuel, log of iso-octane" and tetra-ethyl the rate of climb" and "time to without Introducing serious dim- try will issue a specification for 100 cultes. Before long the Air Minis- octane fuel and supplies will be-

estimates that with 100 octane fuel and a constant speed. airscrew a high-speed heavily loaded machine will be capable of maximum rate of climb of more than 4,000 feet a Engine designers are turning minute. From sea-level to the thir attention to the building of peak of Mont Blanc in less than engines which shall be able to four minutes! Incidentally. Mr. bum the new fuels with maximum Banks recalls that as long ago as efficiency. Mr. Banks, in a paper 1927 British engineers attained a read four days ago before, the In-

fuel consumption of 0.32..lb./h.p./ stitution of Petroleum Technolo-hr.; the racing Napier Lion engine In that year's Schneider Trophy powergists, forecast that "100 octane"

that figure, engines would develop along two seaplanes attained distinct lines: first, for those mili- thanks to special cylinder design, use of the very high compression tary, or civil aircraft of short range, where fuel economy is relatively ratio of 10 to 1, and special fuel. unimportant and a high degree of That engine, according to Mr. supercharge is required to obtain Banks, had the highest thermal the maximum power possible for emciency of any heat engine so rapid climb or take-off with large

far produced. leads and, perhaps, from small aerodromes. Secondly, for long- range work, for bombers and civil machines having to operate be- fuel economy is of the greatest im- teen far distant points, where portance and where the maximum power may have to be sacrificed for a low fuel consumption"

NEW FUELS ENHANCE PERFORMANCE increase of aero engine output by 30 per cent. is possible if fuels of "100 octane" anti-knock rating are employed, in the opinion of Mr. F. Rodwell Banks, leading world authority on aviation fuels. The fuel at present generally used in the Royal Air Force and to some extent in commercial flying has a rating of 87 octane, which was introduced a few years ago and led to great advances in power output and economy of, fuel consumption. Previously aero engines had burn-

JOTTINGS

IN PRAISE OF THE

CAR

Its Influence On

Community Life

average

the price from rising as it would have risen under railway trans- port. Milk is an example. When mlik depended on the rajiway for transport to large, cities it was loaded three times (cart, train.

and

11

He continued: "I think that the we of 100 octane fuel will be well worth while for the short-range cvil aircraft, because even if it wils, say, three times the price of octane fuel, the increased power Available for take-off will allow a treatly increased pay load to be carried and more than compensate for the extra fuel cost."

all

moderate means goes

He points out that the modern high powered American engine, which has larger cylinders and works at considerably lower speeds than comparable British units, is more "critical" to fuel quality than British engines. the equivalent

"Modern British adds: He

similar engines are producing

powers to American take-off

somewhat small- engines, with er cylinder capacity and with a fuel which, on the average, is two ostane numbers less than that generally used in the United States for the same purpose." This is valuable authoritative evidence of the superior efficiency of the Bri- tish aero engine..

GROWING POPULARITY

OF LIGHT CARS

1935 the number was 2,581,027, The increase, therefore, was 187.- 579, or 7.3 per cent.

.

Cars of the 10 h.p. class number-

ed 304,939 compared with 230,672

in the corresponding period

of

cart again) and unloaded art tolled slowly round the parts- three times (cart,, train, and cart thee, calling at most once in a week. again). To-day it may travel by Nowadays motor-vans patrol the. lorry from farm to retailer on a remote parishes daily and the rural single loading and a single unload- housewife la almost as fortunately

A total of 2,788,608 motor vehicles ing. Provisions transported by stuated for shopping purposes as were licensed during the quarter road reach the consumer in the woman who lives in a town or ended September 30, 1936, accord- fresher condition by this system. can afford to shop by telephone,ing to a return issued by Mr. Hore"

the Formerly

large provision though the rural housewife has Belisha. Minister of Transport. in normally a smaller choice of tra- in the corresponding period of When Karl Benz and Gottlieb world. This factor is in no small wholesalera delivered by rall

The farmer, fruit- measure responsible for the 1 large quantities and at compara-des-people. Daimler wrestled with their crude

crease of crime in the United Statively long intervals to their re-grower and smallholder are and absurd motor-cars half a cen- tury ago neither man dreamed that tes," a process which is likely in tailers; to-day the night road traf- able to send their wares swiftly to

near. ac consists very largely of small the best markets. his invention was destined to ex- evident in England in the

Has the car assisted or retarded future. The other day some of the consignments of fresh goods, de- ert a profound influence upon so-

fnd livered once or even oftener a day. man's cultural development? When ciety in nearly all the aspects of smash-and-grab men who

of 1935, an increase of over 32 per community life. Even in those far- their London activities hampered (The refrigerator to some extent people were anchored to homes

citizen by the efficiency of the Flying modifes this effect, but, as large they inevitably spent more

cent. In the 8 hp. class, which off days the

expensive, the their leisure in sedentary occupa- promptly regarded the motor-car Squad travelled, elsewhere. They refrigerators are as a potentially lethal instrument, buried a brick through a jeweller's effect is easily exaggerated.) The tons. Books and music, had a remained the most numerous, the cent-from 354,908 to 417,808. though nobody dreamed that any window, spatched a tray of rings, motor-car. again, has had a vast greater appeal. To-day the citizen total increased by over 18 per

drove off in a local car which they effect upon land values. Its most of even nation would ever, allow the motor- car to kill 37.000 people in a single had just stolen for the purpose, picturesque example occurs when straight to his garage at any mo- Among the higher powered cars, year, this being the tale of casual changed over into their own car the cutting of a great arterial road ment of leisure which coincides the 30 h.p. class increased from The number of goods vehicles of ties for the United States in the l which was parked in readiness two causes the price of almost worth with good weather. Nevertheless, 10,322 to 14,186, or 97 per cent. year 1934. Neither did anybody miles away, and completely bathed less land to rise: but, in general, travel is always educative, and the

of dream that the car would threaten the police, for the local detective land which once possessed a high emergencies of the road unques-all descriptions increased by 24,504.

in tionably quicken the wits, whilst the largest increase being that it on receiving a phone call had to residential value deteriorates to bankrupt railways, or would revolutionise war, or that by ride a bicycle a mile to the scene of value because it is too close to athe handling and maintenance of vehicles of 2 to 24 tons unladen intelligence. weight, The number of six and town or city, and the wealthier machinery demand under-mining the habit of church- the crime.

citizens move farther out and use A parallel inquiry is possible as to eight-wheeled vehicles was 11,475. going it would indirectly make a

private cars for transport.

the effect of motoring upon health.

During the 12 months ended serious attack upon religion, or

Athletles tend to be despleed in September 30, the newly register- At every turn the observer en- that by introducing the country-

SPACE AND TIME

favour of fast road travel, and the ed vehicles numbered 449,335, an man to the exciting amenities of counters new and strange evidence

Similarly, the mater-bus en-athlete abandons his vigorous reincrease of 851 compared with townland it would vastly compli- of the effects of motoring on our

national life. Hitherto, for ex-ables labour to dwell. farther from creations at an earlier age. Yet 1935. cate the agricultural life of many nations.

ample, the Bishop of London has its places of employent The in every brain-worker is aware that gauged the ebb and flow of church dividual citizen finds his mobilty recreation involves for him com- To-day the United States 26,000,000 motor-vehicles on its life in London by collecting sta- increased as soon as he can afford pulsory concentration, on some

Yet another speculation con- roads, as compared with 17,000.00 tistics of Easter communicants; a car. Rural areas require far pursuit which banishes his pro telephones in its homes, factories but last year some, of his incum fewer doctors, and medical serfessional obsessions, and, provid and offices. It produces eight out bents asked that the number of vices become far more efficient, ai ed that a car is adequately ven- cerns the possible future of motor- a vast network of of every ten motor vehicles manu communicants at Christmas should durse or physician can cover tilated; & long drive unquestioning. Bhall we cover the whole factured in the work and supplies be substituted for the Easter com much greater area and respond to ably furnishes admirable recrea earth with

accommodates many more mil- six out of every ten motor-vehicles monicante, since their well-to-do urgent calls in minutes rather than tion. Nor must it be overlooked gigantic roads, till our road system launched for sale upon the inter- parishioners depart out of town by in hours The commercial travel that if the ownership of a car

railways ultimately become dere- national market. Thus a nation road in shoals at Easter, whilst ler finds his district enlarging at may defect a man from science or one of motor-care? Will the which appeared on the world's at Christmas the prospect of sever a great rate. Tradespeople an music or literature, motoring exerts llct and end by being transformed stagez is agriénitural people er weather keeps some of them enabled to extend their range of the opposite effect upon the coun- into additional roads? Or will

action and to increase the eriefene tryman, it sharpens his wits, it his developed into a community of at home.

on draws him into, at any rate, the the earth become empty of traf- mechanics and in the United Sta- Again, the motor has cheapened of their services. To quote tes the minerice of the car on a great many commodities, or, if small example, fresh fish was un fringes of town life, and stimulates c. and shall we all take to the air the community is necessarily more it has not reduced prices below old obtainable in country areas a fer the mechanic in him, which in and fly to our destinations?

years ago, unless perhaps a solitary other ages remained dormant. marked than anywhere else in the standarda, has at least prevented

has

CAR AND CHURCH.

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SANDEMAN

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