Evening star., 1934-08-27
FAMILY A|RPLANE
BIDS TO Be LISTED
Air Commerce Proposals to
BE Opened Today-To
Cover inexpensive Model.

The first actual step toward reall-
mtion Of the dream of Director OF
Air Commerce Eugene L. Vidal OF an
inexpensive, safe, easily flown and
economically maintained airplane suit
lble for the average family will be
AIKEN at the Department OF Com
merce this afternoon when bids will
be opened for rs airplanes of a type
which does not exist today.
The bids, to be opened at pm, in
Room 1851 of the Commerce Build
ng, are for small, inexpensive two
,eated airplanes embodying character
sites in design, construction and per-
sormance not matched by any air.
olane now in production. These air.
planes are expected to be the fore
runners of the airplane of the aver
sge citizen Of tomorrow.
Industry Takes Keen Interest.
The keenest interest in the small
1lane program of Director Vidal has
0een manifest by the aviation in
iustry. Designers and the laboratories
II the manufacturers have been busy.
The date of opening of bids had
o be postponed for many weeks at
he tnsistence of manufacturers who
Wished to compete but had not had
ime to complete their engineering
,lans.
Five sealed bids had been received
lp to noon yesterday at the Com
nerce Department and others are ex-
,ected before the formal opening this
afternoon, despite the fact that the
;pecifications call for a type of air
olane no one so far has been able to
produce
Vidal, father of the "$70O, quantity
production" airplane program, will not
e present for the opening of bids.
fe now is In South America making
he first inspection by Federal avia-
ion official of the far-flung American
ystem of international airlines. In
lis absence, the bids will be opened
" Rex Martin, acting director of air
commerce.
Operation Cost Lower.
The specifications on which to-
norrow's bids are based call for the
Utmost simplicity an6 safety of opera
ion, as well as low maintenance apd
perating costs. 1t is Vidals belief
hat beginner could learn to operate
he new type of aircraft In far less
ime than now is required, since the
anding and take-off requirements
make for increased safety and ease
Il control at these critical points.
The specifications set forth greater
isibility requirements for pilot and
paSsenger than the industry hereto
ore has been called upon to produce.
The planes are TO have landing
peed of IS miles per hour and top
peed Of not less than ITO miles per
iour. At cruising speed the engines
hall give 20 to IS miles per gallon
Il fuel. They must be capable of
perating in and out of small areas
nd must be sufficiently rugged and
uitable for continuous flying duty.
Proving Program Ready.
The rs airplanes are to be put in
he hands Of Bureau of Air Commerce
aeronautical inspectors for regular
ield inspection duties and this service
expected to provide severe test
Il their characteristics, ruggedness
nd ease of maintenance and to give
IN absolute check on cost of opera
ion and upkeep.
The first plane is to be delivered
Ttihin five months after the order is
iyen and the remaining planes are
be delivered within four months
fter the first is accepted.
Specifications call for q side by side
q slightly staggered seating arrange
nent, with closed or convertible cock
II; cruising range Of 800 miles against
+ l0-mile headwind with pilot, pas
Eenger and 40 pounds of luggage; all
metal fuselage, and dual controls,
ne Of which may be instantly and
ositively disconnected.
In taking of, the plane must be
capable Of clearing an obstacle 35-
!eet high from standing start 800
;eet away. In landing, it must be
apable of being brought to a stop
within 400 feet of a 35-foot obstacle,
'yhich it has cleared. in a straight and
!ully controlled glide. On the ground,
he craft shall be easily comfortable
md capable of being brought to stop
rom q ground speed of As miles per
;lour in $50 feet.
The engine may be cooled in any
;aanner and with any arrangement OF
ylinders, but must have at least
'ylinders. It may operate on the
:our-stroke or two-stroke cycle and
aay or may not be geared. 1t shall
lot develop over 100 horsepower at
ated speed. The engine will be re-
'Iuired to pass all tests for a Depart
aent Of Commerce approved type GER
ificate.
The power plant shall require no
ervicing at less than 50-hour inter-
ais and must be capable of operat-
ng on any good grade of aviation
~ automobile fuels and oils.
The airplane is to be equipped with
uel gauge, altimeter, oil pressure
,auge and oil temperature gauge. if
equired; compass, tachometer, bank
md turn indicator and air speed indi-
ator. As accessories 1t is to have
navigation lights, liquid battery, en-.
dne starter, generator and parking
rake.