Evening star., 1937-04-18

Under these conditions 1t will be DOS
sible to determine the effect upon per-
sonnet of the puncturing of a sealed,
supercharged cabin by bullets at high
altitude or OF the breaking of window,
permitting sudden loss of air.
Observation windows and telephones
make 1t possible for outside observers
TO watch and communicate with per-
sons sealed inside during tests.
THE value of the research which
may be accomplished with such equip
ment and competent personnel is al
most mconceivable, it was explained
by Wright Field engineers. "Practi-
cally all the physical reactions of the
aviator to altitude flying may be
carefully studied while he remains
safely on the ground The effect Of
extreme cold upon efficiency, the ef-
fectiveness of present flying clothing
against this cold, the testing of oxygen
equipment, the physical and mental
reaction Of flyers TO oxygen over vary
ing periods Of time, the effect of car
bon monoXide at high attitudes and
low temperatures, Investigations of the
use OF oxygen mixed with carbon diox-
ide at high attitudes and super
charged cabins under high-altitude
flying conditions, are a few of the
many problems unsolved. The answer
to such problems as these may also
be the answer to certain unexplained
crashes where pilot and equipment
O In 6re o1o
tion"
centrifugal-force machine also
has been installed, which makes it
possible to simulate the forces pro-
duced on the body by various aircraft
maneuvers, particularly high-speed
turns, loops and spins. Such ma
neuvers have been responsible for
"blacking out" an experience de-
scribed by many pilots, but never
fully analyzed. With the centrifuge,
centrifugal forces 20 times the normal
acceleration of gravity can be pro-
duced. 1t is estimated that approx
mately eight times the pull of gravity
is sufficient to cause ''blacking out" or
temporary loss of consciousness.
The future of aviation was never
more promising" it was pointed out
by those in charge of the research
program. "At our threshold higher
speeds, longer ranges, greater me-
chanical efficiency, substratosphere
airlanes are virtually ready for us.
All these are not of the slightest value,
however, unless man is ready to take
advantage of them. 1t is only by
scientific and detached study of the
physiological and psychological reac-
tions of ayiators to the various modern
flight conditions that safety can be
obtained, even making allowances for
a high degree of mechanical efficiency.
History has sharpened the point that
mechanical efficiency counts only in
so far as mankind, in applying hu-
man efficiency, can adapt it to the
routine uses of living"
THE German airship Hindenburg
on May will begin schedule Of
18 round trips between Friedrichs-
hafen and Lakehurst, N. j. There Will
be three round trips in May, three in
June, two in July, three in August.
four in September and three in Oc-
tober
Last year the Hindenburg made 10
round trips between Germany and the
United States. with a number Of
cruises to South America sandwiched
between the United States schedules
The Germans now are completing
the construction of sister ship which
is expected to be ready for service be-
fore the end of the year. Two others
will be constructed and may be ready
before the end of 1888 With the COM
pletion of this years new ship the
nine-year-old Graf Zeppelin will be
retired from active air transport op-
Grafton between Germany and South
America, it is understood, and will be-
come training ship for the instruC-
ton of crews for future ships. 1t
speaks well for the soundness and
sturdineSs of the Graf that it is ex-
pected, after nine years of operation.
to be suitable for the rough usage of
training school,
The Hindenburg already has made
one round trip between Germany and
Sou.h America. Next July, when it has
only two schedules to the United
States, it will make another return
flight to Brazil and Argentina. The
Graf Zeppelin is scheduled to make l3
round trips to South America, begin
ming this month.