AUGUST I I ,

1938.

FLIGHT.

CAC. VANGUARD
Flying the First of the Production Tipsy Two - seaters : A Really Useful Performance
{Illustrated with "Flight" Photographs)

N the midst of all the hullabaloo about the shortage of suitable types for C.A.G. training and the suggestions that we shall have to turn to America for them, there are at least two or three firms which are getting ready to turn out the type of machine which is needed. Perhaps not immediately, indeed, in the quantities which are visualised by the more optimistic supporters of the new scheme, but at least in sufficient numbers to help to fill some of the gaps. For a long time the Tipsy Aircraft Company at Hanworth, for instance, have been working on the development of an improved version of the prototype two-seater, and in last week's issue it was mentioned that the first production model had passed through Martlesham and obtained its C. of A. in the normal category. In due course the machine, which has been stressed for aerobatic work, will go before the powers-that-be for an aerobatic certificate. In the meantime production is being speeded up, and within a relatively short time these two-seaters should be coming out from Hanworth at the rate of one a week. Since the original machine, which was designed by Mr. E. O. Tips, of Avions Fairey, in Belgium, and built at their factory, was demonstrated in this country, various minor changes have been made and the entire structure has been strengthened up for training and aerobatic work. The wing, for instance, now has increased dihedral and wash-out, and the ailerons have inset hinges and are statically balanced, with weights disposed and faired in along their leading edges. It will be remembered that the Tipsy has side-by-side seats. Actually, these seats are slightly staggered in relation to one another to give each occupant the maximum of elbow room. The control column is arranged between the two seats, where it is operated directly by the pilot or pupil, while there is an extension in '' tiller'' style for the use of the passenger or the instructor. The latter is provided with a dual throttle control on the port side and so disposed that it can be comfortably held in his hand. The first machines will be of the open type, and the screen is so designed that there is practically no draught and goggles are absolutely unnecessary. Later machines may be fitted, when required, with a cabin top extension to this already voluminous screen. In the course of the test flying, which has been carried out with a special eye to training simplicity and safety, it was decided to limit the elevator control. The effect of this is not only to remove the possibility of a really violent stall, but also to make it practically impossible to overdo

The general layout of the Tipsy two-seater is admirably shown in this photograph. The extensive and draught-free windscreen arrangement is noteworthy. For this and the other pictures the machine was flown by Fit. Lt. Staniland, the chief test pilot of the Fairey Aviation Company. the three-point effect whiie landing. In fact, this modification has taken most of the sting of the landing process. Provided that the hold-off speed is not in excess of 45 m.p.h. or so, even quite a sudden backward movement oi the stick produces a fairly good landing with little or no ballooning. Needless to say, at higher approach speeds it is possible to balloon in the ordinary way, so that, even though the landing process is simplified, the need for accuracy in holding a correct approach speed is still there. The production Tipsy is also fitted with split flaps which are, to all intents and purposes, simple air brakes and do not possess much of the lift-increasing properties of the more usual type. They can within reason, therefore, be used for glide adjustment without the risk of any sudden loss of height, and it is worth mentioning here' that the machine can also be flat-sideslipped sufficiently to give one a little additional variation in approach angle. The most effective slip is produced with full rudder and just enough aileron to prevent a turn. To the pilot who has been accustomed to flying more recently produced machines with really powerful flaps, those on the Tipsy may appear to be somewhat, limited in effect. An experimental a p p r o a c h This three-quarterrear view shows both the tail design with one-piece elevator, and the very small ground angle which, coupled with a limited elevator movement, gives something of a tricycle ease to the business of landing the machine.