AERONAUTIC ADVANCES

by ALEXANDER KLEMIN, Sc.M.

Professor of Aeronautics,
New York University

ONE  of  the most striking developments of the year in aeronautics has been the use of ethylene glycol in the cooling of aircraft engines. Since water boils at 212 degrees F., operating temperatures must be kept down to 180 degrees. With ethylene glycol an operating temperature of 300 degrees is possible. Therefore the radiator becomes much more effective and it is possible to cut its size to one third. This development will vastly improve the performance of large airplanes, to which liquid-cooled engines are especially applicable.

Airship engineers have much to congratulate themselves on in the round-the-world flight of the Graf Zeppelin in some-thing over twenty-four days. It is significant that nationally known banking interests are discussing with airship and steamship companies the formation of transoceanic airship lines.

At the time of writing, tests of the Guggenheim Safe Aircraft Competition are proceeding. This competition has focused interest on aerodynamic safety, particularly with regard to slow landing and quick getaway.

While for the time being the aviation industry is a little burdened by overproduction, the future of commercial aviation remains as sound as ever.

Popular Science Monthly – January 1930