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No Improvements in War-time.

22nd April 1915, Page 2
22nd April 1915
Page 2
Page 3
Page 2, 22nd April 1915 — No Improvements in War-time.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

We wonder if many of our readers have realized that, during such a period as the present-, not only is new production difficult, but that improved and altered design, unless in response to exceptional demand, or to meet some newly-found peril, is practically non-existent. Do we generally realize, for instance, that in the case of aircraft all these wonderful raids and other operations are being conducted with machines which were accepted . as standard as to type months before war commenced? Although achievements with these aeroplanes—we say nothing of the dirigibles—have proved that advance in respect of design will be tremendous after peace is declared, no attempt to experiment in that way, with the few exceptions .of the kind indicated above, has been possible so far.

Similarly, there is no time either for Government or manufacturer to consider modifications to accepted commercial-vehicle chassis design. For instance, there is very little doubt indeed that one of the components which, could it-have been fitted to existing machines, or to new . deliveries, of existing types, would have been most valuable, would have been the differential lock. From the point of view of practical production, and in spite of the fact that enormous" operating " difficulties would have been avoided had such provision been made, no attempt to embody this additional mechanical contrivancecbuld be undertaken in respect of the productions which have been, and still are, coming through in such large quantities from the factories.

This is no time for experimenting, nor is there time for it. All the " trial and error " necessary is carried out on the Continent—to a far greater extent than some makers would wish. Were it possible to conduct experiments now to decide as to the possibility of embodying improvements of any far reaching nature; it would be next to impossible to give effect to any results which might be achieved. Change of pattern and change of design could not be undertaken at the present time without serious hindrance, and for that reason alone we must make do with the best we have at hand. This is as true of the commercial vehicle aS it is of the aeroplane or of the submarine or the torpedo.

It has been said by one famous general that you cannot improvise in war. This is so far correct in that, with very few exceptions, we must make do with the class of equipment With which an outbreak of war finds us provided, or ready to manufacture. What an overhauling when peace dawns!

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