January 1, 1947

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Research—Engineering—Production

...toward Better Cockpits An Engineering Approach

A GREAT DEAL HAS BEEN WRITTEN about the urgent need for more effective design of airplane cockpits. And though it is clearly recognized that controversies on this subject exist between designer and pilot, progress in converting meritorious ideas into practical cockpit designs has been painfully slow.

By STANLEY A. HALL15 min

128

Regular Features

What's New in Products and Practices

Developed to reduce fire hazard and lighten weight of planes, new aircraft wire, known as “Neolay”, announced by United States Rubber Co., New York City, is reported to be 30% lighter than conventional electrical wire. Insulation, said to be flameproof, consists of a layer of glass fiber to insure circuit integrity and a fire-resistant synthetic rubber applied by a special dipping process.

Special Articles

French Plane Industry Accents Variety

FRENCH PLANE MAKERS have developed a host of new types of large aircraft since the liberation, and quite a few of these have now progressed beyond the prototype stage and into production. With these new models, French aviation—knocked almost completely flat during the war—hopes to regain a place in the postwar world.

By MICHAEL MARSH11 min

The Aviation News

Production Report—Despite reconversion difficulties early in 1946 and chronic materials shortages since, the aircraft industry seems to have justified earlier predictions as to its expected 1946 output—in numbers if not in value. By the end of October, latest month for which Census Bureau official figures are available, planes produced totaled 31,013, as against a mid-year estimate that 1946 production would be about 35,000.

Research—Engineering—Production

Design Details of the Martin 202

AN OUTSTANDING FEATURE of the numerous engineering refinemente embodied in the Martin 202—new high-speed twin-engine transport—is the elaborate provision for low-cost maintenance. This consideration is not merely aimed to facilitate routine line service and major overhaul, but also to expedite nonscheduled repairs—a most important factor in airline operating economy.

By IRVING STONE7 min

Special Articles

In "Operation Turtle” Design Turned the Trick

NON-STOP FLIGHT of the Lockheed P2V Truculent Turtle, from Perth, Australia, to Columbus, Ohio, demonstrated that attention to design details will pay real dividends with respect to performance. A twin-engine aircraft, the P2V has a greater actual and potential range than any airplane of its type.

By COMDR. THOMAS D. DAVIES,LT. HUGH L. HANSON7 min

Aviation Electronics

New Instrument System Proposed for Flight and Landing Safety

THE FOLLOWING proposed aircraft navigation system* provides three forms of aid required for safe operation of commercial and private aircraft under adverse weather conditions. Installation of a relatively simple instrument in the aircraft, together with radio beacon transmitters on the ground and aircraft, provides the pilot with visual indications enabling him to make an instrument landing, to avigate his aircraft cross-country, and to know the disposition of adjacent planes in the air in order to proceed with safety.

By HAGAN L. JACKSON6 min

Research—Engineering—Production

Rmi's Rocket Engine Which Powers Supersonic Xs-1

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to propel piloted aircraft at velocities greater than the speed of sound, Reaction Motors’ Model 6000C4 rocket engine was developed through close cooperation of the company with the Services, and it is the first all-American attempt along these lines.

By JOHN SHESTA6 min

December 301946

February 11947

January 1, 1947

January 1, 1947