Under test at sea, upon the deck of a ship, a range of
250 miles has been obtained. The British Government carried out
a series of experiments with this system, using a small plant
weighing about 30 pounds, with which communication was maintained
up to about 20 miles.
In the French system the Reuget transmitter is employed. The
apparatus, including the dynamo, which is extremely small, weighs
in all 70 pounds. A small alternator of 200 watts and 100 volts
is coupled direct to the aeroplane motor, a new clutch coupler
being employed for this purpose. By means of a small transformer
the voltage is raised to 30,000 volts, at which the condenser is
charged. In this instance the musical spark method is employed.
The whole of the high tension wiring is placed within a small
space so as not to endanger the pilot, while the transformer is
hermetically sealed in a box with paraffin. The aerial comprises
a trailing wire 100 feet in length, which, however, can be
wound in upon its reel within 15 seconds. This reeled antenna,
moreover, is fitted with a safety device whereby the wire can be
cut adrift in the event of an accident befalling the aeroplane
and necessitating an abrupt descent.
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