Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 11.pdf/12

 



Tests with one of the fastest fighters of the skies were conducted at Mitchell field recently when pilots rode a diving bombing plane through varied maneuvers. This ship, which is equipped with a "Wasp" motor, is capable of a speed of 170 miles an hour and can dive at a rate of 300 miles an hour. Besides four machine guns, it carries a big bomb under the motor and is manned by a crew of two.

 

Accurately recording its position on the earth at the point where the picture was snapped, a sextant camera that has been included in Commander Byrd's equipment for the South Pole adventure, is expected to prove of great service to all navigators by sea, land or air. With one motion, the user can determine his position, whereas, for centuries, a number of instruments and more or less elaborate calculations have been required. It will function even when no ground markings are in sight, and the picture will also show the exact time at which it was taken, the day of the month and the angle at which the exposure was made. This remarkable camera was developed by Comm. M. R. Pierce of the United States navy in co-operation with the Eastman Kodak company. It takes pictures of the sun, and one of the secrets of its operation lies in its ability to "fold and wrap light into a small package." The finished photo is smaller than the hand, 100 pictures can be made on one roll of film, and as each exposure is made, it is cut out and deposited in a dark box. The various recording instruments are housed inside the camera, and the light beams are brought into focus on the film, where they record the data essential for determining the exact position of the camera at the time.

 

Practical use is claimed for a tiny phonograph that fits into a watch case and is operated by a small spring. Its records will hold about fifteen spoken words, and these can be reproduced by the owner to show the quality of her voice as reproduced for the talking films. The entire outfit can be carried in a vanity bag.



