Monday, February 16, 2015

Wings #3 - McDougle

1. What technological innovations in aircraft engine design occurred during the period between the wars and how did it affect the aircraft industry?

The only way to continue with the development of more advanced aircraft, was to increase the power and efficiency of engines.  The rotary style of engine that was being used throughout World War I had reached its maximum performance and size, so the creation of water-cooled engines began.  The problem with the water-cooled engines was that the water, pipes, and other parts added too much additional weight, which led to the development of air-cooled engines.  Engineers such as Sam D. Heron from England worked to design a special radial engine made of cylinders to help prevent overheating.  These engines were smaller and weighed less so airplanes were able to fly faster.  Radial engines were manufactured in small factories, like the Wright Aeronautical Company, that had decreased in size due to the decrease in the demand for aircraft following World War I.  The new engine design re-energized the aviation industry, and they led to the development of airplanes that flew across the Atlantic Ocean.  The majority of airplanes flown in World War II contained the radial engine developed during the period between the wars.  (pg. 242-245)

4. How did the science of meteorology relate to aviation?

The Guggenheim Fund had the desire to improve airlines so that they could not only carry mail, but also passengers.  In order to carry passengers comfortably and safely Daniel Guggenheim believed that airlines needed to improve their ability to predict the weather, radio communications, and aircraft.  In order to improve forecasting the weather or meteorology, Guggenheim hired a Swedish student, Carl-Gustaf Rossby.  With the support of the Guggenheim Fund, Rossby was able to create weather observation points for Western Air Express, an airmail company that had begun carrying passengers.  The weather forecasts provided by the meteorologists allowed pilots to prepare more thoroughly for flights and know what was ahead of them.  The ability to predict and monitor the weather through meteorology made flight more safe and therefore helped lead to the commercialization of airlines who carried both mail and passengers.  (pg. 251-252)

6. What influence did Charles Lindbergh have on aviation during his career?


Charles Lindbergh began his career in aviation as a barnstormer, a pilot who sold airplane rides.  He then joined the army and served as a pilot and eventually became an airmail pilot.  When Lindbergh decided to take on the challenge of flying across the Atlantic Ocean, a plane was developed that could hold over 400 hundred gallons of fuel, had extended wings, and a very accurate compass.  Following his successful flight to Paris, Lindbergh utilized his media attention for the betterment of the aviation industry.  One of his initiatives was to increase the construction of local airports.  Lindbergh also made great efforts towards increasing commercial aviation, and assisted in creating two companies, Transcontinental Air Transport and Pan American World Airways.  He helped to train new combat pilots throughout World War II in topics such as how to save fuel.  Lindbergh used his knowledge and esteem to encourage the development of rockets in what was called at the time “upper-atmosphere research.”  While some of Lindbergh’s were racist or controversial in nature, he had an incredible impact on the world of aviation throughout his career.  (Pg. 254, 261-264)

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