Abstract
IT is reported that 40 R.A.F. aerodromes are now to be equipped with blind-landing approach apparatus. This will presumably be the Lorenz system, already in use at Croydon, Heston and Manchester civil aerodromes, and extensively on the Continent, particularly in Germany. In principle, it consists of a wireless beam along and down which the machine flies as it approaches the radiating station, on or near to the aerodrome. The waves are picked up by the aircraft's apparatus, and turned into signals arranged so that they give warning to the pilot of any deviation of his from the line of approach, both in regard to his angle to the earth and in a horizontal plane. A further warning is given when it is necessary to flatten out preparatory to landing. The adoption of such a system will facilitate the operation of bomber squadrons in bad weather conditions. The presence of low cloud, mist or fog, is often an advantage to bombers when attacking, in that it helps to screen them from fighter and ground defences. It is obviously important that they should be independent of these conditions when operating from their home aerodromes. The fact that these facilities may be available in emergencies for civil aircraft, should encourage a more general adoption of the system in civil aviation, which will help to promote both safety and regularity in service in civil air transport.
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Blind Landing System at Aerodromes. Nature 142, 947 (1938). https://doi.org/10.1038/142947a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/142947a0