Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-01-23
OF established equations. may be deter
mined the lift and drift of the wind upon

OF established equations. may be deter
mined the lift and drift OF the wind upon
the object.
After the tests in the model basin.
had been determined. the floats were
taken to the wind tunnel, and after re-
peated trails, and comparisons OF the
results with those of former models, the
division of naval aeronautics has fixed
upon the types of floats which 1t will use
until something better is found
OF the rve radiator designs tested IN
the tunnel. it was found that three made
altogether too much resistance: and that
a certain design. although weighing more.
gave comparatively so little resistance
that IL much the best for practical
In this tunnel they also measure the
resistance to the air of the surfaces OF
the various fabrics used for aeroplane
wings or balloon covers.
In its endeavor to obtain compromise
of all different qualities required of a
naval aeroplane. the navy is construct
ing a seaplane for itself after IFS own de-
signs small model was made and
tried out in its separate parts and as
semhed In the wind tunnel. where IL was
these tests were completed and the re-
suits applied that the definite details Of
the design became settled.
But il is to design a seaplans
to soar like the sea eagle. he must
provide the heart and muscles. and this
he attempts to do with a motor.
been found. For this purpose the serv-
ice has devised a testing machine.
sometimes called Lieut.. w. G. Child's
baby" for he watches it so closely.
In 1t are tried out all motors which
manufacturers will submit. 1t is so
constructed that the motor under test
may be run for hours at full speed: at
any desired angle. on its side, its nose
or its head; right side up or upside
down.
The service has called for bids and
estimates, on the governments design
or the manufacturers design. for
motors to make 100 horsepower: but
before acceptance they must undergo
tests assimilated as nearly as possible
to those of actual service-tests which
will last several days.
The design having been worked out
and determined by all these devices.
actual work has been begun at the
Washington navy yard for the con-
struction of a naval aeroplane; ana
while the details are not made public.
it can be stated that 1t is a bipiane
double tractor. with its body. or fuse.
lage mounted on floats. Its wings VIII
spread ffty-seven feet and two motors
of 100 horsepower each will drive IL at
an estimated speed of fifty to eighty
miles. lifting a total load of 5000
pounds. including deserve load OF
weapons and safety margin.
The demand for hydro -aeroplanes has
been so slight that American makers
have had little but patriotism to in
duce them to develop these necessary
aircraft and although some have done
good experimental work, most of the
makers combining their efforts to land
machines have not continued the de-
velopment to such degree as might
be desired.
often a little disarrangement of the
best of the still imperfect motors may
be quickly remedied II the plot can
get at the source of the trouble. but
if he stops to tinker the car when up
a few thousand feet he will not live
to handle another.
If the motor stops he must save HIM
self by volplaning down, and If he is
flying unattended away off to sea the
ocean will be his landing place. There
he may, under favorable conditions, fix
up his motor, and. rising under his
own power. fly off again on his journey.
But suppose the conditions are un-
favora BILE, what can he do with one or
the other of his great wings fitting
down into the waves? He may cut
away the wings and use them as sea
anchor; he may discard them alto
gether: he may cling to his frail floats
and hope. or there may be the simple
report, Lieut.. Blank among the miss
ing, another aeroplane expended in the
service"
Yet there are some who think 1t has
taken loo long d time " piouuSo .
good aeroplane for the navy, and II Is
singular that with the money given by
the last Congress SO few machines have
been procured.
In case of need every aviator in the
navy would start in his imperfect car
to scout for an enemy. though certain
that his unreliable motor would fall. or
his imperfect machine break. but that
does not justify the departments
adopting imperfect machines or acquir-
ing a large supply of them until the
true type of aeroplane for the navy Is
found.
Meantime 1t is preparing the shops at
the Pensacola navy yard, has bought
hangers, a wrecking derrick. new aero
planes and an airship and trained ups
ward of thirty officers.
The problem of type and motors
solved, the machines can be constructed
in much less time than aviators can
be trained; and for this reason the cry
ing need for the navy is suitable train
ing for an adequate number of officers
capable of sailing, fighting and navi-
eating this formidable new ship.
So, although the scouting and fight
ing force of the United States Navy is
not much stronger in equipment than
the actual fleet" of Switzerland, it is
approa ching the point where the serv-
ice knows what its problems are, and
has found the answers to many OF
them 1t knows that in an emergency
it can procure an excellent if not the
ideal machine. and it knows that il
needs hundreds of thoroughly trained
aeronau tical officers.