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Dakota K.J. 874 was delivered as a standard R.A.F Mark IV
paratrooping aircraft. The undermentioned modifications
were called for in order, to convert it to an aircraft
suitable for the carrying out of flight tests & development
on the Type "D" Auto Pilot", bearing in mind the lessons
learned from previous operations of a Valetta on similar
work.
The requirement that the aircraft be placed in a civil
category for maintenance entailed the conversion being
carried out by a Firm approved by the Air Registration
Board for overhaul and maintenance, including Radio, also
approved for Design. After discussion, the contract was
placed with the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, whose
maintenance and design organization is fully A.R.B.
approved, the aircraft being delivered during February,
1953.
The first requirement was the removal of all surplus equipment
from the airframe. This included all the paratrooping
gear, the seating, which was unsuitable since it ran
the full length of the fuselage facing towards the centre
gangway, the glider towing attachment in the tail cone, the
Behdix W.T. radio gear and the A.3 Auto Pilot. The Bendix
Radio was not wanted because it was too bulky and would not
be used in connection with Type "D" trials, and it was
also intended to operate the Dakota without a wireless
operator. The A.3 Auto Pilot was to be removed complete,
including the Servo Motors which Were in series with the
main control cables, so that no servicing of these components
would be required under operating conditions ...[cont.]. |
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