New Launching Device for Heavy Aeroplanes

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 2

New Launching Device for Heavy Aeroplanes

A new method of launching heavily- . loaded aeroplanes is to be the subject of negotiations between Captu. Frank I Courtney and tho Air Ministry. Captain Courtney at one time was one of tho leading British teßt pilots, I but. during tho past few years he lias been, engaged in aircraft manufacture in tho United States. Ho has just returned to England to discuss important projects, writes to Major C. C. Turner, iu tho Daily Telegraph. By moans of the new method of launching, greater rango or much increase in military and pay loads become possible. A rail runway is used, but of a different kind from those suggested hitherto. In previous projects it has been necessary to provide for take-off into tho wind either by runways in different directions or by the cumbrous method of a gigantic turntable. Captain Courtney’s patent overcomes these objections, and has solved the problem of tho single fixed railway track for the talte-off by applying ia a new way one of the fundamental principles of flight. Tho aeroplane, or flying-boat, is earned on top of a cradle, which travels along the railway runway. The cradlo is free to swivel on a carriage, and is able to take-off oveu iu a cross-wind. In taking off with tho wind across the path tho aeroplane heads to some extent towards the wind, its angle to the runway depending upon the direction and strength of tho wind. The angle ‘ changes automatically as tho machine gathers speed, until, even in very strong cross-winds, it is headed very nearly, or quite directly, ahead. Captain Courtney states that the range of a flying-boat of 25 tons all-on weight, carrying 501 b per square foot of wing area, would be increased by tho uso of the rail runway from 1,250 miles to 3,500. Power for the take-off would be provided partly by the aeroplane itself and partly from the rail carriage. to prison for two months. “After being before a colleague on Jctober 16 ana being fined £27, she was again before the Marlborough street : magistrate in tho same month. To my • mind she ought not to be driving any car whatever,”