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Man-Made Lightning Hits Planes In Experiments To Reduce HazardBy H. P., CItONTN* JR.AKRON, March 13 (R1) — Man. made lightning has convinced one engineer that an airplane may be struck in flight but, that lightning hazards may bo eliminated by in-t illation.Arthur O. Austin of Barberton, O., says his •experiments show lightning will strike protruding parts of t plane. 'flSpse, he soys, may be protected.The radio aerial and air speed indicator tube were shown to be the most Jikely parts to be struck. Under certain conditions ightnlng striking a speeding plane might cripple the ignition system or burn Out a bearing, Austin found.In his outdoor laboratory Austin explodes synthetic bolts on model planes, wing sections, fuel tanks motors, ignition systems, and one full-sized plane. *lightning shot at a pooden propeller, id motion, followed to the base of a metal sheath and jumped across to the top cylinder. The motor, however, continued to function.Bolts of 3.000.000 volts are shot In the aboratory and Austin pane to double the voltage. The laboratory, a maze of electrical machinery, Includes three of the largest transformers in the world, eaet rated at 900,000 volts.The transformers feed into each other to create the high voltage used. Overhead are transmission towers, Insuator strings, oscillators, and a largo cage aerial In which the electrical charge is stored.Austin became interested In the research after the crash last fat! of a Transcontinental Air Transport plane. Aviators and scientists generally have contended that lightning is no hazard to planes in flight and that metal planes, even if struck would 'carry away the charge without damage.The engineer plans a public demonstration of his experiments in the summer.Arthur (). Austin (lower right), Ohio engineer, experiment* in outdoor laboratory (upper left) to learn the dangers of lightning to airplanes. How synthetic lightning strikes a model plane Is shown (center.)
Newspaper Details
Sandusky Register
Sandusky, Ohio, US
Fri, Mar 14, 1930
Page 9
Full Page
Clipped by
Roy S.
USA 25 Mar 2024
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