BOEING CLIPPERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1938, Page 6

BOEING CLIPPERS

MODIFICATIONS NECESSARY DOUBLE TAIL REQUIRED. RESULTS OF RECENT TESTS. Modifications of the giant Boeing Clippers for Pan American 'Airways, the first of which was recently flighttested, are now being made as the outcome of the initial tests, according to the‘ English aviation journal “Flight.” It is stated that twin rudders have been found desirable, instead of the single type originally fitted, and that alterations are also being made to the sponsons, .or sea-wings. The Boeing was recently tested on Pug&t Sound. The fitting of twin rudders will remove much of the similarity in appearance between the new type and the British Empire flyingboat, the Boeing, in its new form, having a certain resemblance to the Lockheed Electras in use in New Zealand. Interesting details of the new ships, of which six have been ordered by Pan American Airways, are contained in “Flight.” The Boeings are intended for use on the Atlantic run, and also on the service to New Zealand, which is expected to be resumed before the end of the year. ADJUSTMENTS IN FLIGHT. “Among the many practical benefits conferred by the exceptional size of the machine is the accessibility of its four 1500 horse-power two-row Cyclone engines during' flight,” the article states. “Catwalks in the leading engine of the Wing lead to the semimonocoque engine nacelles, each of which is circular in section and roomy enough for several men to work erect. “The Hamilton Hydromatic full-fea-thering air-screws enable anj of the engines to be stopped during flight so that mechanics may work on engine accessories. Doors on either side of each nacelle fold down to form maintenance platforms. “Behind the main control room are the cargo rooms in the centre of the wing. They are divided with different compartments for mail, baggage and freight. Above the centre aisle in this section is a large loading hatch fitted with a glass-enclosed' turret for celestial observations. On each side of the cargo sections is a 600 : gallon fuel tank. The main tanks are iri the sea-wings, or sponsons. The passengers’ lounge and dining room are in the same region, on the main deck below. Thus all the weight variables, cargo, fuel and passengers, are located near the centre of gravity. Behind the cargo rooms on the top deck are the crew’s sleeping quarters. “Steps from the control room lead down to the mooring compartment in the bows, which contains an 801 b. stainless steel anchor, additional sleeping accommodation for the crew, and the further cargo space.

PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION. “The passenger deck is divided into nine separate sections. Five of these are standard passenger compartments accommodating ten passengers each. The sixth is a small compartment for four passengers. In the centre ,is a large room which may be furnished as a lounge or dining room. The rearmost section is a de luxe compartment, which may be used as a bridal suite. The galley and men’s dressing rooms are across the hall from z each other near the forward end of the passenger deck. The women’s room is at the back. “The ten-passenger compartments have Davenport seats. Two', of these ate triple seats facing each other on the starboard side, and the other two are double seats facing each other on the port side. The triple seats each make up into upper and lower berths running crossways in the cabin, while the two double seats make up into an upper and lower berth running lengthwise on the port side. The berths are 6ft. 3in. long and 32in. wide and give 35in. head room.

DINING ROOM FOR 14. “The de luxe compartment has a triple seat, Davenport type convertible into upper and lower berth, built-in settee, dressing table or desk, two end tables, glass mirrors, washstand and cabinet, and an overstuffed chair. The dining rom. which accommodates 14 persons at a time, has modern tables between casually arranged overstuffed chairs. When used as a lounge, without dining tables, it is furnished with seats for 14 people, convertible into berths. Between meals the galley may become a bar. “The Boeing 314 weighs 82,5001 b., and has a span of 152 ft. Length and height are 109 ft. and 28Jft. respectively. Seventy-four passengers are accommodated in the daytime and 40 at night, in addition to the crew of eight. The cargo holds will carry more than 10,0001 b. of mail and freight. With 40 passengers the boat has a range of 4000 miles. The top speed is about 200 miles an hour.”