EXPERIMENTS WITH OUTBOARD ENGINES.

JUST lately news has come to hand of a number of unusual experiments with outboard engines in America, adapted for purposes other than those for which this type of power unit was intended.

For example, a standard type outboard has already appeared in a light aeroplane, and it is reported that the machine flies successfully, though the added weight brought about by the watercooling, and the necessity of having a radiator would seem to make the installation hardly worth while.

Another interesting experiment has been conducted by an American with an outboard hydroplane with the engine placed inboard, and the screw acting as a tractor. Owing to the C. of G. being close to the turning centre, by this arrangement, the centrifugal force in quick turns is said to be considerably lessened, while ” pounding ” is eliminated.