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| Designs of Tomorrow
June 1957 American Modeler |
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Aircraft modeling has undergone significant changes over the decades - both in technology and preferences.
Magazines like American Aircraft Modeler, and American Modeler before that,
were the best venues for capturing snapshots of the status quo of the day.
I have been
scanning and posting excerpts
from my collection of AAM and AM, concentrating on model
building articles and old advertisements. Whether
you are here to wax nostalgic, or are just interested in learning history, hopefully
you will find what you are seeking. As time permits, I will be glad to scan articles for you. All
copyrights (if any) are hereby acknowledged.
Keep in mind when reading this featured article titled "Designs for Tomorrow," that it appeared in the June 1957 edition of American Modeler. The designer, Mr. Bill Martin (Ashland KY), was was ahead of his time. Every aspect of the airplane is well-thought-out and is utterly ingenuous. So, the question is, "Why are almost none of the features incorporated into today's commercial aircraft?" Did Mr. Martin never have the opportunity to pursue his dreams? If anybody knows what happened to Bill Martin, please write to let me know and I will publish it here.
DESIGNS OF TOMORROW
BY AMERICAN MODELER READERS
"The loss of so many lives in recent plane crashes has led me to design a transport which I think would be safer," declares Bill Martin of Ashland, Ky.
"Design is based upon a theory of mine that if the passenger compartment was located in the rear of the plane, the chances of lives lost would be lessened. Although I have never seen a plane crash, I have collected a number of pictures and in most cases only the tail section remained.
"Another safety feature about this plane is the wings are located on the tail. Engines and fuel tanks are located a fair distance from the fuselage so that in the event of a crack-up they would be ripped clear of the passenger section.
"I plan to make airplane designing my future. I am 19 years old and have not as yet had any training in aircraft design or engineering. but I expect: to start college in about a year."'
Details: (1) TV camera in nose for taxiing, parking; (2) Cargo compartment; (3) Rigidly braced section; (4) Galley and lavatories; (5) 48-seat passenger compartment, seats mounted backwards for added safety; (6) Cockpit; (7) Stairwell inside fin from cockpit to passenger section; (8) Observation window.
Specifications: Length, 110'; span, 120'; Crew, 4-5; Speed, approx. 650 mph; Power, 4 turbojet engines each developing 7,500-lb thrust. (Plans and sketch by Mr. Martin.)
Webmaster: Kirt Blattenberger, BSEE, UVM 1989 |
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