AEROPLANES, AT THE COUNTER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 225, 17 June 1919, Page 5

AEROPLANES, AT THE COUNTER

. » : USEFUL BUILDS IN STOCK AT LONDON ' STORES HANSOM OF THE FUTURE "Aoroplanes? Certainly,'sir, Aeroplanes, forward, please." Harrods . (London), says the "Daily News," have 'an ' aeroplane depait ment and a flying boat department, and anyone requiring a nice two-seater monoplane at ,£'lso, the cheapest in tlio country, can be accommodated. The flying boat, which costs ,£ISOO, is already in stock, and one may inspect a good assortment of flight costumes. Its not an exhibition, but a real commercial proposition, to sell aeroplanes over the counter, as it were. Hai-rods will not only sell you an aeroplane, but will teach you to become an efficient pilot, and fit you out for the work. The monoplane- is a two-seater of Black, burn manufacture. ''It has been designed/' said an. official,, "with the object of providing a safe machine of stout construction at it reasonable price. It embodies all the accepted features of strength, stability, soundness of construction, and ease of control. The factor of safety is equal to, and in some cases sueprior to, that obtained on fighting and service machines. We can deliver only ten the first month. The machines cost no more to keep up than a 20 h.p. motor-car." The monoplane is '20ft.' Gin. long, with a height of 6ft: 3in. and a span of 27ft. 3in—small enough to land in Piccadilly or Oxford Street. The engine is a 45 h.p. 2-cylinder Gnat, of the A.B.C. or aircooled type. It is -mounted in the nose of the fuselage and the petrol tank is under the seat. The engine can be started from' the cockpit and t4ie control is by two joy-sticks, and a nidder bar; and tlio machine can be flown long distances with, out muscular fatigue. It can also bo directed, with the hands and feet off tlio control for long periods. Control cables and fittings are duplicated in accordance with Admiralty practice. .With two people and 561b. of luggage,a speed of 83 miles can. b© attained, and a four hours' supply of petrol is carried. The "Norman Thompson" flying boat has side-by-side seats for two and a little cabin with triplex glass windows, to be opened or closed at pleasure. There is no need for flying costumes, and one may ascend in. a top-hat and morning.coat if desired. The machine has dual control; its length, is 27ft. 4in., height 10ft.'Sin., and span- 48ft. 4in., with a weight of 30001b: It carries petrol'and oil for two and a half hours, and a third passenger may be taken if the fuel is reduced by half, Its minimum 6peed is 40 knots and its maximum 72.