WW1 Flying question

snj5 · 14 September 2009, 02:44 PM

If you step on the ball, do you step away from the bubble?

Bookmaker · 15 September 2009, 05:58 PM

Is a bubble gauge a slip indicator or just a bank indicator?

Joe Perkel · 16 September 2009, 06:55 AM

Can't speak to WWI instrumentation as I've not spent any time looking at the issue. "Step on the ball", in modern parlance, is used to indicate which rudder deflection input is necessary to correct the skid or slip. Ball moves to the right, right rudder, left left rudder,..step on the ball.

I doubt that WWI a/c utilized a bank indicator, but an air bubble in a glass tube I could see as possibly having been used.

Turn coordinator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

snj5 · 16 September 2009, 09:01 AM

yes
they used a curved tube with a bubble

Lufbery · 16 September 2009, 10:04 AM

I think I've also seen a ball in a track.

I also think that a bubble in a tube would be the opposite of "stepping on the ball" because the bubble would go the opposite direction of the bank (e.g., a right bank would send the bubble to the left).

bristol scout · 16 September 2009, 10:32 AM

One R.F.C. wag put in a request for a new 'inclinometer' as they were called---on the grounds that his was worn out in the centre........

Dave.

bristol scout · 16 September 2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj5

yes
they used a curved tube with a bubble

That 'Camel' dash is commercially available---and the instrument faces individually---but beware--those in 1/3rd. scale are well undersized for some reason---I know 'cos I bought two sets over the years.

I should add that the complete dash is only available in 1/4 scale as far as I know.

The instrument faces are by propagteam---who, many years ago used to do the decals for Eduard.

Dave.

snj5 · 16 September 2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bristol

That 'Camel' dash is commercially available---and the instrument faces individually---but beware--those in 1/3rd. scale are well undersized for some reason---I know 'cos I bought two sets over the years.

I should add that the complete dash is only available in 1/4 scale as far as I know.

The instrument faces are by propagteam---who, many years ago used to do the decals for Eduard.

Dave.

Well, I'll let you know as I just ordered a complete dash from Cz. in what was advertised as 1:1. They said it would take 6 weeks to do.
See:
AEROTEAM - for pilots

Here's hoping for the best!

Bookmaker · 16 September 2009, 11:27 AM

I am curious it the bubble would act in the same manner as the ball. The ball in a turn coordinator instrument is thrown to one side or the other as a result of centrifugal forces due to skid or slip. I seriously doubt that an air bubble would do that. I think the bubble was for bank only and does not indicate to "step on the ball" at all.

Interesting questions.

snj5 · 16 September 2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bookmaker

I am curious it the bubble would act in the same manner as the ball. The ball in a turn coordinator instrument is thrown to one side or the other as a result of centrifugal forces due to skid or slip. I seriously doubt that an air bubble would do that. I think the bubble was for bank only and does not indicate to "step on the ball" at all.

Interesting questions.

I believe that the ball and bubble (or more accurately the water and bubble) are both acted on by the sum of accellerative forces acting on the aircraft. These sum gravity and any accellerations due to turning. It seems to me that the ball will always seek the direction of the force vector while the bubble will float to the top away from the force vector. So, to step on the ball would be step away from the bubble.

Then again, I am also told you can tell a slip or skid if you feel the wind on one side of your face...

It is pretty interesting.