Chapter I: Preface

The articles embodied with other matter in this book, were intended as a broad survey of the principles and details of modern aeroplane construction, concerning which there is a noticeable deficit amongst existing aeronautical literature.

They were written at a time when specific references to modern British aircraft were forbidden, and although from a comparative point of view this is to be regretted, the details and methods dealt with are, in the author’s opinion, representative of those most generally used in machines of present-day design. It is hoped that the book will appeal not only to those engaged on the manufacture, but also to those concerned with the uses of aircraft.

S. C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.
PAGE
INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER II.

MATERIALS 6

CHAPTER III.

SPARS AND STRUTS 18

CHAPTER IV.

PLANE CONSTRUCTION 30

CHAPTER V.

DETAILS OF PLANE CONSTRUCTION 40

CHAPTER VI.

INTERPLANE STRUT CONNECTIONS 51

CHAPTER VII.

WING-TRUSSING SYSTEMS 59

CHAPTER VIII.

FUSELAGE CONSTRUCTION 67

CHAPTER IX.

FUSELAGE FITTINGS 77

CHAPTER X.

UNDERCARRIAGE TYPES 86

CHAPTER XI.

UNDERCARRIAGE DETAILS 93

CHAPTER XII.

CONTROL SYSTEMS 101

CHAPTER XIII.

WIRES AND CONNECTIONS 108

CHAPTER XIV.

ENGINE MOUNTINGS 116

CHAPTER XV.

ERECTION AND ALIGNMENT 123

INDEX 135

AEROPLANE CONSTRUCTION