Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-18

Curtiss engines, rated at 600 horsepower
at 2,450 revolutions per minute and
equipped for high temperature cooling.
They are shielded against electrical dis
turbanceS which would interfere with
radio operation The type designation
for this plane is YO-31A, and they are
to go out into the Squadrons for rigid
service tests.
"FIying Wings" Planned.
The flying wing reconnaissance and
bombardment planes are much alike in
design and appearance. though modi-
fed for their specific missions. They
are to be provided under a single con-
tract at total of $403,022. These
planes are of all-metal construction
with monocoque fuSelageS, the motors
carried in nacelles built into the wings
and the whole streamlined into the
closest possible approach to flying
wing" standards.
The reconnaissance planes each ere
powered with two Gl-V-l570 Curtiss
engines. Prestone cooled, delivering $50
horsepower at 2,450 revolutions per
minute The bombers have as their
power plants two Prestone cooled
Gl-V-1570-C motors of practically the
same rating
The new contracts represent a de-
CASIhC DICdhlllS away from OlQ SJdIlQ-
ards, and military aviation authorities
are awaiting the service testing Of the
new types in the squadrons. with keen
interest in the results and the changes
in combat tactics which may become
advisable.
Much of the credit for these new
types must be given to Army engineers
and test pilots at Wright Field, Day.
ton, Ohio, who have been engaged in
pioneering work which has made them
possible. The Wright Field pilots and
engineers were working with the low
wing types before they came into popu-
lar use and have kept a close check on
all Developments in the commercial
field which bear promise of military
value.
Pilots Union Organized.
Creation of an Air Pilots Association,
affiliated with the American Federation
OF Labor, has been announced The
purpose, it is announced, is Ito main
tain the highest standards possible in
the efficiency and morale of the line
pilots and to put air travel beyond the
influence of politics or any demoraliZ-
ing conditions"
Though the associate has affiliated
with the A. F. of L.. 1t was stated,
absolute control of the group will be
kept in the hands of pilots who know
the problems to be met and are
pledged to combat outside influence or
control
The organization. according to David
L. Behncke, pioneer Chicago pilot and
president, now has approximately $50
members and has set up headquarters
i'll Chicago.
The associations plans for the imme-
date future include formation of per-
sonnet examining boards throughout
the country to assure competency Of
all members. together with a technical
| board to investigate all equipment
members must fly. Wage reductions
and working conditions affecting the
morale of the pilots also will be con-
sidered.
Were the years of international rae
ing competition for the Schneider
Trophy, concluded when Great Britain
obtained permanent possession last
month, productive of really worth
while results? If we are to accept
the results as outlined by Sir Robert
Mclean. eminent British authority, in
a recent radio discussion broadcast by
the British Broadcasting Corporation,
they were fruitful in many respects.
Speed has been increased in Schnei-
der competitions from as miles per
hour in 1913 to nearly $50 miles per