LIGHT AEROPLANE CONSTRUCTION

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22520, 30 September 1938, Page 15

LIGHT AEROPLANE CONSTRUCTION

MACHINES FOR CIVIL AIR GUARD MANY NEW DESIGNS IN PRODUCTION amou oom ova comocwobdhit.) LONDON, September L Immediate problems in connexion with the Civil Air Guard concern the instructors available and the aerodrome organisation required. Estimates of requirements for aircraft are difficult to form at the moment Two categories of machine are envisaged, one weighing 12001b or more, and the other less than 12001b. In the heavier class come the new de Havilland Moth Minor monoplane, the well-tried Tiger Moth biplane, three different types of Miles monoplanes, the Wicko Major, a new and promising cabin monoplane, the General Aircraft Cygnet, and many others. The Wicko, powered with a Gipsy Major 130 horses-power engine, is in production. It is the fourth design of Mr G. N. Wikner, of Brisbane. The Cygnet is the only all-metal light aeroplane which uses "stressed-skin" methods of construction. Production of this side-by-side two-seat cabin monoplane, which will have a tricycle undercarriage, will soon be in full swing. The range is 450 miles, and the top speed is 150 miles an hour, when fitted with a Gipsy Major engine. An alternative power plant is the Cir-rus-Major 150 horse-power unit, which slightly improves the performance. light Aircraft ; In c the lighter category many different kinds of aircraft are going into production. They include open cockpit and cabin aeroplanes, power with engines of between 30 and 60 horsepower. The Arpin two-seat monoplane and the G-A.L. 33 have "pusher" engines!. with the air-screw astern of the engine installation, and tricycle undercarriages. Just under the 12001b limit is the Tipsy-low-wing monoplane of elegant lines and side-by-side seating. It is in production, and substantial numbers can be, available for clubs before the end of this year. Another* "ultra-light" craft of which many can be delivered at short notice is the Hillson Praga, a two-seat, high-wing] cabin monoplane equipped with a 26-40 horse-power engine. Other promising new aircraft are in an advanced stage of design and construction. British engines to power-the new machines may be drawn from a wide I range. The Pixit unit, formerly the Weir engine, develops 45-50 norsepower,- and is now in production at the factory of Aeroengines, Ltd. Cir-

rus Minor and Major engines, respeetively of 90 horse-power and ISO honepower, and the renowned -Gipsy-Major are in full production. The new GipsyMinor is scheduled to undergo official tests soon, and large batches are being laid down.