Flight, December 1936

RECRUITS for the LIGHT BRIGADE
New Approaches to the "Ultra-light" Problem: "Pou" Influence on One Model

   FROM time to time Indicator has bewailed in these pages the shortcomings of certain types of ultra-light aircraft. That some designers are making conscientious efforts toward their general improvement will be agreed after a study of the following notes on four new models shortly to be flown.
   Produced, according to Luton Aircraft, Ltd., of Gerrards Cross, Bucks, to provide an essentially safe aeroplane which may take the place of the Pou-du-Ciel, the Luton Minor will eventually be available for amateur construction. Safety in flight has been the primary consideration in the design, but cheapness and simplicity have been kept very closely in view. The makers claim that the Minor is capable of cross-country flights, as opposed, presumably, to leisurely circuits of the aerodrome on a quiet summer day.
   It is difficult to decide whether the Minor should be described as a biplane with unusually pronounced stagger or as a tandem-wing machine. The forward wing is supported above the fuselage by centre-section struts and is provided with one pair of lift struts, but the rear, or lower, wing is attached directly to the fuselage top, behind the pilot, being also supported by a single pair of outer struts.
   Only the rear wing has ailerons, and it is claimed that, owing to the slot effect produced by the relative positions of the main planes, they remain effective up to, and beyond, the normal stalling attitude. A second advantage claimed for this peculiar wing arrangement is the elimination of the vicious stall and involuntary spin.
   An extra-large box-spar features in each wing and the fuselage is plywood-covered from the nose to the rear wing support, aft of which it consists of a spruce, fabric-covered girder structure
   The tail unit comprises a fixed tail plane, interconnected elevators and a balanced rudder.
   Of four-foot track, the simple undercarriage is said to incorporate a novel method of shock absorption; the tail skid, likewise, has a shock absorbing device.
   On one side of the fuselage is a small hinged door giving access to the pilot's cockpit, to the rear of which is a locker for tools or luggage. An air speed indicator, cross level and small compass are fitted as standard equipment, a tachometer being ?3 15s. extra on the provisional price of ?125.
   The exceptionally low landing speed of 22 m.p.h. has been obtained partly by the aid of the slot effect and partly by the light wing loading. With its low surface loading the Minor should not, of course, be left unattended in high winds.
   The main data relative to the Minor are: Span (front wing) 22 ft., span (rear wing) 20 ft., wing area 180 sq. ft., top speed 75 m.p.h., cruising speed 70 m.p.h. and landing speed 22 m.p.h.
   A 34 h.p. British Anzani engine is specified.
<...>

Flight, March 1937

LIVELY LIGHTWEIGHT
  
   THE accompanying illustrations show the Luton Minor, designed for construction by amateurs, in its latest form with a single parasol wing. It may be remembered that the original Minor had tandem wings and was described in this form in Flight of December 10, 1936. In production a Sprite flat twin will be fitted, but any engine of about 30 h.p. is an alternative.
   Seen at a demonstration last week with a 34 h.p. Anzani vee-twin, this prototype took off in about 12 seconds with a run of 100 yards. Top speed is in the region of 80 m.p.h., and the climb appears to be quite vigorous. In fairly choppy conditions the Minor seemed very steady, and as an aircraft should inspire considerable cross-country confidence. The makers are Luton Aircraft, Ltd., Gerrard’s Cross. Bucks.