THE AEROPLANE

(May 21^st 1954)

Front cover:

Advert:  De Havilland Heron Series 2

In this issue:

The Royal Progress  (Editorial)

Matters Of Moment  (Her Majesty’s return, The Wilbur Wright Memorial Lecture, Altitude exploration, Helicopter AGM, The Sparrow guided missile, BOAC’s best year, London Aeroplane Club changes hands, The Comet accident inquiries, Air affairs in Parliament, News from all sources.  Includes photographs of formations of jet aircraft [x2] of the FAA, RAF and RCAF saluting the Queen on her return to England, Sea Venoms of No. 890 Squadron at RNAS Ford, a Douglas F3D Skynight carrying 4 Sparrow guided missiles plus a small 3-view outline drawing of the Avro Shckleton M.R. Mk. 3)

America’s J57 Turbojet  (A one-page photo-montage of the Pratt and Whitney J57 with descriptive text)

The Fighting Services  (RAF appointments, Bomber Command small arms meeting, Meteor 11s at Coventry, ROC exercises, Air firing trophy award, “nd TAF Gliding Championships)

U.S. Helicopters Year In Korea  (A 3-page report on the activities of the US Army’s Helicopter Unit on their first year’s anniversary of operations in Korea.  How it began, Emulating the lorry, Moving 6,000 men, Operating costs.  Includes photographs of a US helicopter delivering supplies to the 61^st Light Regiment R.A. and mortars from the same regiment being prepared for movement by air)

Something New In Fire Detection  (A one-page illustrated review of Graviner’s Firewire warning system for aircraft)

Assembling The Britannias  (A double-page photo-montage of scenes from Filton’s assembly hall)

Boeing Jet Thrust Reverser  (Model reverser experiments, Clamshell reverser.  A 3-page report illustrated with charts and diagrams)

A.G.A.R.D.’s Fourth Assembly  (This year’s meeting, Adapting the aeroplane to the pilot, Instrument layout and cockpit design, Keeping the lines open)

Air Transport – B.O.A.C.’s Best Year  (A corporation’s dilemma.  A 2-page report including lovely photographs of the prototype Comet 3, a Trans-Canada Airlines Super-Constellation at London Airport and an Air India Super-Constellation at London Airport)

Air Transport  (Viscounts for Central African Airways, Britavia and BOAC, New South African services, Asymmetric test-bed, A US view of future transports, The end of an air line, No more Northolt, CAA’s year, First for TCA, News in brief, Danish Air Force difficulties, Atomic shrewdness, Good work at Hendon, Gliding appeal plus a photograph of the Boeing Stratoliner)

Diversity At Godalming  (A 2-page report on a visit to the RFD works at Godalming discussing the varied activities of the company.  Towed targets, Gunnery training.  Includes a photograph of a Zodiac reconnaissance boat, an outline drawing of the RFD Winged Target MK. 1 with landing parachute and a small 3-view outline drawing of the RFD Winged Target Mk. 1 with radar reflectors)

Private Flying

Gliding Notes

Adverts include:  British Insulated Callender’s Cables Ltd., Martin-Baker Ejection Seats, Vernons Industries Ground Power Generators, the Short Seamew, ‘Redux’ Bonding Process, GKN ‘Aerotight’ Stiff Nut, Blackburn & General Aircraft Universal FreighterTitanine Aircraft Finishes, Thompson Brothers Aircraft Refuelling Equipment, Zwicky Trolleys, Venner Aircraft Equipment, the Fairey Ganet, the Vickers Viscount, Cellon Aircraft Finishes, the Alvis Leonides, Marconi Airport and Airborne Radio Systems, Terry’s Springs & Presswork, Ransome & Marles Ball & Roller Bearings, the DHC Beaver, Lodge Aviation Plugs & Igniters and the Bristol Sycamore

Apart from some rusting to the staples, which remain sound, and some minor wear to the cover page edges and corners (see photograph) this magazine is in very good overall condition considering its age.  All pages are present, secure and free from any tears, creases or marks other than some very minor age discolouration to the page edges.