Evening star., 1934-05-27

progress OF the past Ii months.
In the space of little more Il
planes has been more than do
purely by application of science.
greater than that realized durin
which included the great World
Greater Progress Seen.
Astonishing as have been the results
of scientific research, as translated into
actual flying equipment during the
past few months, however, the posi-
bilities for the future are even more
astounding in the light Of the results
being produced at the great labora-
tories of the Advisory Committee.
There. in the coldly matter of fact
manner of the true scientist, the
solving one by one the problems which
will arise when mankind travels with
the speed of pistol bullets. The new
equipment at Langley Field is reveal
ing with mathematical certitude what
will happen at speeds of 500 miles per
hour and more. At speeds of above
500 miles per hour, it has been found,
mysterious factors come into play.
Ordinary wings lose their lifting power
and strange forces begin to operate.
What these forces are is now being de-
termined
A bullet fired from 45-caliber pis-
tol has a maximum initial velocity of
about 802 feet per second, or only
about 584 miles per hour. Sound,
under average conditions, travels
through the air at a speed of about
1850 feet per second, or about 1888
miles per hour Rifle bullets may
have speeds more than double the
velocity of sound.
At Langley Field N. A. C. A. scien-
lists are testing airfoils in air streams
having velocity of up to 680 miles
per hour. At such speeds ordinary
wing actions apparently are reversed.
This, it is believed, may be due to
air vibrations set up at right angles
to the wing surface, somewhat similar
to the vibration waves set up about
the nose of bullet in fight, which
have been photographed.
The research worK extends into
every factor of airplane and engine
construction and, as the Streamline
studies of the past few years have re-
suited in doubling of the speeds of
transport planes within the past few
months, so the progress being made
in the other branches of aviation en-
gineering is expected to add success
sively to flying speeds as one by one
the limiting factors are pushed aside.
Air Powers Compared.
Among the air powers of the world
at the end of 1888 the United States
ranked first in technical development,
first in military and naval aircraft
performance, first in air transport op-
erations and fourth In the number of
combat planes in its air forces. ac-
cording to the sixteenth edition Of
the annual Aircraft Year Book of the
Aero-autical Chamber Of Commerce
Of America, just issued.
AT the same time" it was stated
there was every indication that the
year 1884 would witness accelerated
growth of national aviation. air forces
and reserve air strength throughout
the world"
The advisability of adopting air
craft procurement programs more in
keeping with the universal unrest and
uncertain conditions prevailing in va
rious quarters Of the world was re-
ceiving attention among increasing
numbers of officials and others, who
recognized the apparent hopelessness
of any constructive disarmament plan
at the present time" the chamber
officials stated.
plans drawn up by foreign govern
ments and presented to the League of
Nations" they continued, were in
,variably nationalistic, sacrificing the
strength of other nations in the cause
Of so-called peace, but showing no
real will to disarm or limit ornaments
at home. The proposals so far as
they concerned the United States
could not find the slightest favor
among Americans familiar with the
true conditions
Great Britain, France, Italy and
Germany have been in direct COM
petition with the United States for
markets in all non-industrial coun-
tries of Europe, South America and
Asia, in the knowledge that foreign
sales of planes and engines, both mil
itary and commercial, would help de-
fray the cost of maintaining their
aircraft industries ready for war pro-
duction, it was asserted.
Dealing with the relative combat air
strength of the nations, the aeronau-
tics group pointed out that early this
year France possessed a greater num-
ber of combat planes-approximately
4.O00-than any other nation. The
French system of maintaining 100
per cent reserve equipment with the
squadrons and secondary reserve in
the warehouses accounted for dis
proportionate number of planes avail
able, as compared with those in actual
service.
Great Britain Second.
Great Britain was listed as having
the second most powerful air force in
the world at the end of 1888, with ap-
proximately $500 combat planes, in
Guiding 800 in active service. 100 per
cent reserves and 900 modern ma
chimes distributed amonS the air
forces in the British possessions.
Italy ranked third in numerical air
strength, with approximately 1890
combat machines, including reserves.
The United States, in fourth place,
Is credited with approximately 1,700
combat planes in the military and
naval services
Russia was placed fifth early in
1884, although the Soviet red air
fleet had approximately 1900, combat
planes. 1t was pointed out that of
this number, 1900 are not modern
enough in performance characteristics
to warrant inclusion in the same cate
CORY with the f1rst-class fighting
equipment of other powers.
Japan is very close to the United
States in air strength, with approx
mately l 500 combat planes, including
100 per cent reserves, although about
300 of these, like those of Russia, are
obsolete.
THE technicians in all countries, :"
It was pointed out in the discussion of
air strength, knew that the airplane
had not yet attained the maximum