Rochester's Varied Products Now Include
Cunningham-Hall Planes
Rochester was known for years as the Flour City. Later it was termed the Flower City and the Kodak City. As Rochester’s unusual power facilities were developed she earned the name of Power City. With the passing of time and the development of local industries, Rochester homes came into the limelight with an average of more than 60% of these homes owned by citizens. Then another characteristic phrase began to be used as a civic label, it was, The City of Homes. With the establishment in Rochester of the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation, Rochester takes her place in the flying world as a manufacturer of aircraft. And who knows, perhaps some day Rochester may add another industrial degree to her list and become the Flying City, or the City of Airplanes. The following articles describes the six—place all-metal biplane of the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation, the latest addition to Rochester’s line of varied and important products.
How perfectly reasonable and proper it is that a Rochester organization, which for over ninety years has been associated with products of transportation, should identify itself with the manufacture of airplanes, the most modern vehicle of transportation. This fact was much in the public mind some months since, when it became known that the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation was to occupy space in the well known factory buildings of the James Cunningham and Sons Company, 13 Canal Street. Through this arrangement, the facilities of the older plant and the ability and experience of its craftsmen will reflect itself in high-class aeroplanes as it always has in custom made automobiles, ambulances, and, at an earlier period carriages and coaches.
Added to this nucleus of expert industrial skill, is the engineering personnel of the Cunningham-Hall organization, men trained by years of experience as pioneers in the field of aircraft development and manufacture. It was the calibre of these engineers and the confidence which their product generated which, to a large degree, combined to interest in the Cunningham-Hall organization enough Rochester men of vision to make possible the establishment of this important activity in Rochester.
Aviation Committee of Chamber of Commerce Active
The Rochester Chamber of Commerce, also, deserves much credit for its good work in adding airplanes to Rochester’s already long list of varied products. The matter was first considered by Mr. Fred Cross, Chairman of the Chamber’s Aviation Committee; Mr. Ernest Veigel, then Manager of the New Industries Bureau, and Mr. F. W. Burton, Manager of the Transportation Bureau. These men became ardent boosters of this proposition at the very outset. Later, months were spent in studying, investigating and planning. Surveys were made and market possibilities analyzed, and the matter of airplane manufacture was thoroughly considered to determine its adaptability to Rochester’s industrial life.
This work was carried on with the co-operation of such men as Messrs. Roland B. Woodward, General Secretary of the Chamber; Herman Russell, who was then its President; Ernest Veigel, who was Manager of the New Industries Bureau; A. E. Scheibe, of the Bausch and Lomb Optical Company and J. E. McKelvy and John E. Clark, of the Rochester Industrial Development Corporation. Rochester is indeed fortunate that this proposition had the full support of these men, whose efforts combined to secure for Rochester this nw organization and its product, which is bound to carry “high” as well as afar the name of this City
Cunningham A Pioneering Name
The original James Cunningham, Son and Company, was established in 1838, and for nearly a century that firm has held the confidence of the coach and automobile users of this and other countries. Its products have ever been patterns for others to strive for. The Cunningham-Hall organization, therefore, at the very outset begins its industrial career with a legacy of good-will which the parent company has built up. Its first ‘planes are generally considered well qualified to maintain the confidence which the name of Cunningham has already earned.
The Cunninghams were producing coaches when the first railroad train was run between Rochester and Canandaigua, at a period when Rochester had but thirteen school districts. This was five years after Rochester’s first horse-drawn railway began transporting passengers from Aqueduct and South Water Streets, down St. Paul Street, to Carthage, where there was a steamboat landing in the lower Genesee. The Cunningham Company was founded the year following the beginning of construction on the historic Genesee Valley Canal, in 1837. Three years previous to this, in 1834, Rochester had a population of but 12,000 persons and had just obtained its first City Charter, about one year following the building of that old landmark, Reynolds Arcade. These brief notes will help to establish the industrial antiquity of the Cunningham Company, whose name, it appears, is to be still further popularized through out the country with the building of Cunningham-Hall aircraft.
With such an auspicious beginning, the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation is well started on its way to a success which the general confidence in its Management would seem to augur. We welcome this new company to Rochester and in the following paragraphs detail the high-spots in the development and manufacture of its first model, which has received the full sanction of the Department of Commerce following proof of compliance with technical requirements and the satisfactory completion of flight and performance tests. The results of the official tests, it may be said, were assured in the minds of thousands of Rochesterians who have been following the excellent performances accomplished by the Cunningham-Hall P-T 6, in over 15,000 miles of test and cross-country flying in the three months following the completion of the first plane.
A Six-Place All-Metal Cabin Biplane
The six-place cabin biplane of all- metal structure produced by the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation of Rochester, reflects in a marked degree the trend of the more extensive use of metal in airplane structures. This airplane has the conventional steel tubing fuselage of welded construction, but is distinguished by the fact that the forward part of the fuselage, or cabin, is covered with corrugated sheet duralumin.
The material of fuselage primary members is Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tubes. To facilitate production the longerons are locally squared at the joints, by means of special dies, thereby avoiding the usual curved bevel joints of the abutting members. The cabin is reinforced by corrugated Duralumin sheet, heat treated, .015” thick. This corrugated sheathing, though it is not a requisite of strength, does add considerable strength, lessens crash and fire hazards, and provides an excellent retaining wall for insulation and sound proofing purposes. The material used in the walls for insulation against temperature and noise is Balsam-wool.
Embodies Pasenger Comfort
The main cabin accommodates four people. The cabin arrangement and appointments evidence a determination to secure passenger comfort. The cabin is exceptionally roomy and there is complete absence of the feeling of restricted or cramped interior. The passengers may stand erect, changing seats in flight, with perfect ease. The chairs are comfortably upholstered and of sufficient height and generous in proportions to insure natural posture of passengers. The main cabin is trimmed in real leather matching the upholstery of the chairs. Large windows afford passengers full opportunity to enjoy the views unfolded beneath in flight.
The forward compartment accommodates the pilot and one other person. This compartment is separate from the main cabin to which access is had by means of an inter-communicating door. On either side of the pilot’s compartment is a door so that entry and exit may be made from either side without going through the main cabin. The pilot’s seat is adjustable enabling the pilot to suit the seat position to his stature or to quickly change his position while in flight The second seat in the forward compartment is folding and drops down below the floor when not in use. The arrangement of windows, of generous size, and the windows in the panels o the two doors afford the pilot exceptional vision. The seats in the forward compartment are made of sheet and tube Duralumin, and are equipped with seat and back cushions. Stick control is standard equipment. A dual set of controls, easily installed or removed, is provided for use of a relief pilot or for instruction purposes. The instrument board is equipped with complete set of flying and engine instruments, and is lighted by two sets of lights, one direct and the other indirect.
A large baggage or merchandise compartment is located in the fuselage to the rear of the main cabin.
All Metal Wings
An outstanding feature of the de1 sign is the all-metal wing structure. The wing ribs are Warren truss type of 3/8” O.D. .028” wall Duralumin Tube, heat treated, in which a special riveted joint is employed. The rib of this type are exceptionally strong, in static tests sustaining over 1100 lbs. The airfoil section is Clark-Y.
The upper wing beams are of the truss type, consisting of upper and lower longitudinals of 1 1/2” O.D. .049” wall Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tubes, heat treated to over 130,000 lbs. per sq. in., tensile strength. The upper longitudinals are reinforced for a considerable distance at the outer support by 1 5/8” O.D. .058” wall Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tubes, likewise heat treated. The main longitudinal members of the wing beam are spaced by double vertical and diagonal members. The vertical members are spaced 16 inches apart. To avoid welding, distortion and subsequent heat treatment, the vertical members and diagonals are bolted to the main longitudinals, inch, diameter nickel steel bolts and inch tube spacers are employed insuring excess shear and bearing strength. This type of construction is believed by the manufacturer to be superior to welded joints as it provides a very rigid beam and permits of repair with ordinary tools. Compression struts are made of 7/8g” O.D. .057” wall Duralumin Tube, Warren trusses. Aileron hinges are located at compression strut points and transfer aileron forces direct to the beam truss. The leading edge and aileron hinge beam are of heat treated Duralumin Sheet. The lower wing ribs are of the same design and material as the upper wing ribs. The beams in the lower wings are large diameter Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tubes, heat treated, single tubes used for front and rearbeams
Control surfaces—ailerons, stabilizers, fin and rudder—are all-metal structures. Ribs of control surfaces are made of WD1025 Carbon Steel Tubes, other members are of the same grade of Carbon Steel Tube and Strip and Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tube and Strip.
The conventional three member chassis supports the airplane. Careful design has avoided unnecessary universals and secondary members. Bendix Wheels with Brakes are used. Tires are size 32 )x6. The Axles are made from 2” O.D. .120” wall Chrome-Molybdenum Steel Tube, heat treated to 200,000 lbs. per sq. in., tensile strength. Aerol struts provide the shock absorbing medium.
In the control system push pull rods of steel tubes, with nickel steel jaw bolts, pins and hex. head bolts, are used extensively. Aircraft Steel Cables and Turnbuckles are also used in the control system. Cables run through individual aluminum tubes in the cabin walls eliminating all possibility of fouling. Brake pedals, mounting brackets and fittings are high strength aluminum alloy castings. Bolts and pins subject to wear have been chromium plated to prevent trouble in service due to the wearing undersize of such parts.
High Standards of Contruction
High standards and rigid specifications govern the selection of all materials. Physical and chemical reports are required from all sources of supply covering each and every lot of material furnished U. S. Army Corps specification materials are used throughout, and standard parts conform to the Army-Navy Standards.
High factors of safety have been secured in this design, at the same time the weight of the structure has been held at a low figure. Metal structure as provided in this design permits of economical production and insures greater durability and safety, with lower maintenance. Attention has been given to secure accessibility for purposes of inspection and service.
The Cunningham-Hall Six-place cabin airplane is powered with the Wright Whirlwind Nine 300 H.P. Engine. Standard Steel Propeller is regular equipment.
General Data
Ample control—without heaviness —provides unusual maneuverability. The ship can be perfectly balanced by means of the adjustable stabilizer. The plane is stable with power on and off. An outstanding feature is exceptional control at landing speed. Flight characteristics of this airplane are splendid. This plane has marked non-spinning characteristics.
The Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corp’n as a business organization is a new company, but actually it has a background of years of experience in the aeronautical and automotive fields. The corporation is a combination of two groups.
In the first group are men who have been actively engaged in the design, manufacture and operation of airplanes for many years. Randolph F. Hall, chief engineer, has been in aeronautical engineering work during the past fourteen years. He is a competent designer and engineer, and a stress analysis expert of high standing. Paul Wilson, chief test pilot, has hundreds of flying hours to his credit and considerable manufacturing experience. Wilber R. R. Winans, Secretary of the corporation, has been associated with engine and airplane manufacturers for the past thirteen years. The consulting engineer and a director of the corporation is William T. Thomas, one of the pioneers in American aeronautics, whose activities in this field date back to 1908. In the second group are men long identified with the automobile induFtry. Francis E. Cunningham, president, is also secretary of the James Cunningham, Son & Company; Jas. C. Dryer, vice-president, is vice-president of the James Cunningham, Son & Company; John W. Fulreader, treasurer, is also treasurer of the Jas. Cunningham, Son & Company; and Augustine J. Cunningham, a director, is president of the Cunningham Company. The Jas. Cunningham & Company has been manufacturing transportation vehicles for more than ninety years. First,it produced fine carriages and coaches, today the company is internationally known as the manufacturer of the superior Cunningham motor cars.
Through an arrangement between the Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation and the James Cunningham, Son & Company, the extensive plant facilities and the assistance and cooperation of the automotive experts and craftsmen of the motor car company are available to the airplane corporation. This arrangement combines extensive aeronautical engineering and construction experience with adequate manufacturing facilities and automotive experience. The result is that Cunningham-Hall airplanes are produced under favorable circumstances by an organization capably managed and directed by experienced men.
Specifications of Cunningham-Hall Six-Place Cabin Airplane
Manufacturer: Cunningham-Hall Aircraft Corporation Designation: Model PT-6 Type: Closed, Biplane, Land Number of Seats: 6 Engine: Wright Whirlwind Nine Total Rated h.p.: 320 Propeller: Standard Steel Span: 41' 8" Wing Area: 370 Square Feet Length Overall: 29' 8" Height Overall: 9' 11" Weight Empty: 2680 lbs. Pay load: 910 lbs. Disposable load: 1076 lbs. Normal Gross Weight: 4350 lbs. Wing Loading: 11.7 lbs per square ft. Power Loading: 13.5 lbs. per h.p. High Speed: 136 MPH Cruising Speed: 115 MPH Landing Speed: 45 MPH Climb at Sea Level: 1050 ft. per M. Climb to 10,000 ft: 16 Min. Service Ceiling: 17,500 ft. Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons Normal Range: 700 miles Fuel Consupmtion: 15 Gallons per hour at cruising speed. Fuselage Construction: Welded steel tube, Corragated Duraliminum cabin. Wing Construction: Spars: Heat treated Chrom-Moly steel tubes; Ribs: Heat treated Duraliminum tubes; Covering: Fabric. Lighting: Wings are wired for lighting Type of Control: Stick, push Rods, Cables; Dual Optional Brakes: Bendix Shock Absorber: Aerol Struts ATC: No. 177
Article originally published in the "Gas and Electric News", Rochester , NY. August, 1929.