INTERPRETATION OF AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS [Main Title]
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- Title: INTERPRETATION OF AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS [Main Title]
- Film Number: AMY 141
- Other titles:
- Summary: A training film focusing on the management of an aeroplane engine in flight by the pilot monitoring seven basic instruments relating to the performance of the engine. Detailed explanations are given for each instrument, and the interpretation of the numerical data thus presented.
- Description: Reel one: The modern aero engine has a high standard of efficiency and can fly for hours on end due to good enginering by the manufacturer and careful maintenance by the ground mechanics. The skill of the pilot is essential to maximise engine performance. The pilot is informed of the condition of the engine by means of instrumentation, is able to note any deficiency, and if possible, correct the fault. To obtain this information, sensors are placed in the oil, induction and cooling elements of the engine. Seven gauges; radiator temperature, engine R P M, boost pressure, oil temperature in, oil temperature out, oil pressure and fuel pressure are provided, all related to the engine. A series of photographs of each gauge, showing a normal condition followed by a malfunction condition is presented; the pilot noting the normal conditions by memorising the patterns of the pointers alone. Thus a quick glance at the seven gauges will show all is well. Each gauge is explained separately, the potential fault/s and the implication/s of a fault condition. Remedial action/s for each of the seven malfunction/s are suggested by the narrator. Close up view of a Kestrel engine installed in a Hart biplane, the camera closes up to the seven instruments, showing the scales and pointers. Reel two: Views of Hawker Fury in flight (K8288). The importance of running an engine at its optimum temperature. Cut to engine test bed. The effect of heat on the engine components. The object is to get the fuel into a gaseous state when it reaches the cylinders, achieved by heating the induction pipe. Cut to an Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah engine showing a series of heated passages. Pilot maintains engine oil temperature at its optimal temperature by operating retractable air intake flaps. For air cooled radial engines, the main coolant is an adequate air supply, flowing over the cowling ring (with adjustable flaps) and the fins on the cylinders. Cut to Bristol Blenheim with Bristol 8 Mercury engines. In-line engines (cut to Merlin in a Fairey Battle) require a liquid coolant maintained at the optimum temperature by an adjustable flap in front of the radiator. Reel three: Oil temperature and pressure gauges must be considered together. Oil pressure is always greater than that needed by the engine. The oil pressure relief valve. Explained. The effect of temperature on the viscosity of the oil. The function of the boost gauge. Animated diagrams with explanation. Engine is at maximum efficiency at ground level. The super charger compensates for the decrease in air density with height. ‘Knocking’ is the explosion of too much petrol in the supply to the cylinders. Control of induction pressures, a complex process. Film closes with Hawker Hart performing aerobatics and a Blenheim in level flight. Cut to close up of the steady instrumental readings for both aircraft.
- Alternative Title:
- Colour: B&W
- Digitised:
- Object_Number: AMY 141
- Sound: Sound
- Access Conditions:
- Featured Period:
- Production Date: 1940
- Production Country: GB
- Production Details: ROYAL AIR FORCE (Production sponsor) Gee Films (Production company)
- Personalities, Units and Organisations:
- Keywords:
- Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Sound
- Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 3 Length: 3117ft
- HD Media:
- Link to IWM Collections page:
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