This is a section of the fuselage from a DeHavilland Comet aircraft, which was the first passenger jet aircraft. But after a series of mysterious crashes they discovered that metal fatigue around windows.
They finally solved the problem by putting an entire aircraft into a water tank and moved the wings and pressurised the fuselage to simulate take-off and landings.
The skill of some of the early aviators never ceases to amaze me. The aircraft below is a Vickers Vimy which used to cross the Atlantic in 1919. It is mostly fuel tanks.
This is the last photo for today. The quiz question is
What is so special about this type of aircraft. It is a seaplane built in the 1930's but later had a very important influence. (Cheat)
My guess is that it influenced the design of the spitfire as it has that look about it. (I didn't look at the cheat - let me know if I'm on the right track). Looks like you're having fun! Cheers - JC
ReplyDeleteSpot on John. The Spitfire was derived from the Seaplane design that won a number of speed trials during the 1930's When you see the two aircraft (They have a spitfire next to the seaplane) together it is very clear.
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