Flight, June 1920

THE ORENCO TYPE "F" TOURISTER AEROPLANE

   THE Type "F" is the first commercial design of the Ordnance Engineering Corporation, and when it was exhibited at the New York Aero Show in March, some doubt was expressed as to whether the 150 h.p. engine would be sufficient for a 4-passenger plane with side-by-side seating. It is stated that when the plane was first tested with pilot alone it was found to possess marked stability, quick climb and plenty of reserve power. Further tests were then made with one, two and three passengers, and in each case the same even stability and sensitive response to controls was observable. In one test with four aboard, and full fuel load, the plane rose from the ground after a run of about 200 ft. On another test with three aboard, the plane was flown at full speed parallel to the ground at a height of only a few feet, and although a gusty wind was blowing at about 25 miles an hour, the plane kept an even, straight course, necessitating practically no movement of controls.
   There are no controls in the forward seat, and the two front passengers have ample room. In the rear cockpit the dual side-by-side controls allow either of the two occupants to handle the plane. Incidentally, this control arrangement is well suited for instruction, for the pilot is close to his pupil, who can see and hear just what the pilot does and says throughout the flight.
<...>
   Since the foregoing was written some particulars have come to hand of a test made recently at Mitchel Field, Mineola, N.Y., recently. Piloted by Mr. Clarence Coombs, formerly chief test pilot at the U.S. Testing Aerodrome, it carried three other passengers to a height of 16,200 ft., which is claimed as a new world's record, although the performance does not appear to have been officially observed. It is stated that the climb occupied 1 hr 10 mins.
   As a result of this test, the makers decided to put in hand a batch of twenty-five "Touristers," embodying one or two improvements on the first model. The chief difference will be the use of a 200 h.p. Hall-Scott "Liberty Six" motor, a type which has given very good results in the U.S. mail and army aeroplanes. It is felt that while the 150 h.p. engine has been found to give ample power for ordinary purposes, it will be an advantage to have the additional power available for flying in mountainous country, and also for improving the "take off," although it is claimed that the machine is already very good in this respect.
   It has also been found possible to improve the accommodation of the machine which should add considerably to its prospects from a commercial point of view. The front and rear cockpits have been enlarged to permit more freedom to the passengers, while a door fitted to the front cockpit allows of easier access to the interior for the passengers. Another alteration, which, if it is not altogether an improvement certainly, adds to the attractiveness of the machine, is the employment of a mahogany veneer fuselage.
  
   The main specifications of the "Orenco" Type F are :-
Span (both planes) 38 ft.
Chord 5 ft.
Gap 5 ft.
Stagger 1 ft.
Overall length 25 ft. 4 ins.
Overall height 9 ft.
Area of top plane 182 sq. ft.
Area of bottom plane 164 sq. ft.
Total area (including ailerons) 346 sq. ft.
Area of ailerons (4) 41-3 sq. ft.
Area of tail plane 26.7 sq. ft.
Area of elevators 21.6 sq.ft.
Area of fin 4.26 sq. ft.
Area of rudder 9.6 sq.ft.
Weight empty 1,477 lbs.
Weight fully loaded 2,432 lbs.
Useful load 955 lbs.
Fuel weight 200 lbs.
Loading per sq. ft. 7-15 lbs.
Loading per h.p. 16-2 lbs.
Speed, ground level 90 m.p.h.
Speed at 5,000 ft. 84 m.p.h.
Speed at 10,000 ft. 78 m.p.h.
Climb to 5,000 f t. 9 mins.
Climb to 10,000 ft. 24 mins.
Climb to 15,000 ft. 62 mins.
Endurance (250 miles) 2 1/2 hrs.