COMPOSITE AIRCRAFT.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 November 1936, Page 2

COMPOSITE AIRCRAFT.

ECONOMICAL RUNNING. J 7 . —. VALUE OF SMALL PLANES. I Special advantages obtained by using composite aircraft include economy in first and operating costs, the ability to use small aerodromes or liaroours, and mobilty. The upper component, considering the load it is to uarry, is a relatively small size machinea and Is fitted with relatively low-powered engines. First cost is, therefore, less than for an aeroplane designed to carry the same load yet having to possess the extra power and wing area necessary for the take-off. Operating and maintenance posts are closely related to the dimensions and power of the aeroplane and consequently a reduction in these also becomes possible. The ability to use small aerodromes (s conferred upon the composite aircraft as a result of its power loading and wing loading. The wing loading at the take-off is light and the power high. The lower component furnishes a considerable additional wing area and also a group of high-powered engines. Take-off distances are expected to be so short that the smallest aerodrome will give a sufficient run. The distances will compare well with those of light aeroplanes. Mobility is partly the outcome of this ability to use small aerodromes. The composite aircraft could be used from any aerodrome and even from emergency landing grounds without difficulty. In addition the composite aircraft may well prove of value in high altitude flying for it enables a high degree of supercharge to be used in the engines of the upper component. Nor is the range increase confined to that obtainable by simply taking the upper component, off and flying it to its operating altitude. It may remain with the lower component while the pair of them move part of the distance towards their objective, whether that be a commercial airport or some military station.