Free Model Spinning Researches: Experiments in the Balloon Shed at Farnborough and a Description of the Vertical Wind Tunnel

Abstract

THE problem of the spinning nose dive has been the subject of much experimental work in recent years. These researches have been chiefly prompted by the fact that the spin has existed as a potential source of danger since the earliest days of flying. Innumerable accidents have been caused by machines getting into a spin near the ground, generally as a result of engine failure while climbing steeply. Modern tendencies in design have also led to certain types of aeroplane being unable to recover from prolonged spins under adverse conditions of loading. Accordingly, the immediate object of this work is to gain a sufficient knowledge of the principles underlying the motion to enable designers to produce aeroplanes which will not fall into an involuntary spin, however careless or inexperienced the pilot may be; and further, to ensure that an immediate recovery from any spinning motion will be possible without an undue loss of height. There is a growing body of opinion that the spin is no longer necessary as a tactical manoeuvre for fighting aircraft. The ultimate object of research on spinning may thus be the evolution of an aeroplane which will not be capable of spinning in any circumstances.

Citation

Stephens, A.V. (1931), "Free Model Spinning Researches: Experiments in the Balloon Shed at Farnborough and a Description of the Vertical Wind Tunnel", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 3 No. 9, pp. 213-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb029443