The American " A.S.C. AUL"
Page 17
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Increased Activities in Californian and American Circles—The Peculiar Situation of the Pacific Coast—American Subsidy Models.
The use of commercial vehicles as an aid to military operations, both in connection with the ordinary transport and supply departments of the Army, and also in regard to the facilities it affords for the rapid transport of troops, is at the present time attracting considerable attention in the United States. Its importance has only been realized over there during the last 12 months or so, because of its success as exem.piffled in the European War. America, on investigation, discovered that., practically speaking, it had no hnechanical transport for its Army, and this lack was the cause of very considerable concern throughout the 'country. During the past year, however, much has been done, particularly in the way of experimental Work, with a view to remedying the deficiency.
America Slow to Appreciate Military Motor.
In the course of the 1915 Army Mameuvres, advantage was taken of the offers from several manufacturers and motor clubs, who placed vehicles at the disposal of the authorities, to enable them to obtain first-hand knowledge, so far as they could be secured from manoeuvres, as to the actual value of motors in Warfare under American conditions and,on American roads and ground. In this manner, much information was cdllected, and, as a Matter of fact, the success of the new branch of the Army was much greater than had been expected. It had been anticipated that the poor roads and rough ground surfaces would operate adversely. During the past month, numerous important discussions of the subject have taken place up and down the country, in districts so far apart, for example, as Los Angeles and New York, and of all \ these, the most important was undoubtedly that one which took place in the former district.
Pacific Cowl Inhabitants Anticipate Raid Some Day.
In considering the attitude of inhabitants of that portion of the New World, it is as well fopus to state, first of all, that to Americans it has all the attributes of"The Promised Land" This applies particularly to California. The situation is rendered all the more peculiar, inasmuch as, atacertain periods of the year, owing to the fact that the passes are blocked with snow and that ordinary means of communication are frequently suspended owing to the effect of storms, the Pacific Coast is practically isolated from the rest of the Continent. It is therefore considered by the residents that it is subject to special risk, as much on account of its particular attractiveness as of its possibility of isolation. Therefore it is believed that if an enemy—and it should be remarked that America believes that it has a potential enemy on that side— were intent on an invasion, he would naturally choose for his attack an occasion such as the above, when ordinary means of communication were suspended.
Thorough Tests Recently Made and Reported to U.S. Authorities.
During the recent winter, just such an example of weather conditions prevailed as indicated, and of this advantage was taken by the National Guard of California for a demonstration showing the importance of motor transport in warfare generally, and particularly when ordinary means of communication were interrupted. Very thorough tests were made and exhaustive trials conducted. The results., which were very good indeed, have been communicated to the authorities, and pressure is being brought to bear to induce them to give adequate attention to the matter. It is pointed out that the natives of the extreme West regard it as being vital to their existence.
Congress Issues a Lorry Specification.
In the meantime, signs are not wanting that Congress itself is viewing the need for adequate military transport with concern, and the War Department has recently issued the following specification, which corresponds in a manner to our own subsidy model specification. It calls for four-wheel-driven chassis with locking differentials; the capacity to be 5000 lb.
Includes Radiator of Vertical Tubes.
A speed of 15 m.p.h. is required, and an engine h.p. of 30. The vehicles are expected to be capable of negotiating surfaces other than those of ordinary roads, and of Climbing grades of 1 in 7. Brakes are to be provided on all four wheels, in addition to a transmission brake : these are to be capable of holding a loaded vehicle on an incline of 1 in 4. The chassis is to be so constructed that it can satisfactorily sustain an overload of 20 per cent. on occasion.• The carburetter is to be water-jacketed, and fitted with hot air inlet ; 15 in. road clearance is asked for, and 8 ins, must be available underneath the brake drums. Spark and throttle levers must be separate from the steering column, and the accelerator pedal, if fitted, must be to the right of the brake pedals, as in the British subsidy model. The• radiator is to be mounted on springs, and preference will be given to those in which the cooler is built up of vertical tubes.
Pour-wheel Steering Preferred.
Three-point suspension is demanded for the engine. The engine is to be a four-cylinder one, of a normal vertical type and to be placed under a bonnet. The formula to be used for the calculation of the horse
power is as follows :—h.p. = .28N Rb — 1.18) s b] of which N is the number of cylinders, b the bore in inches, and s the stroke in inches. Spring-mounted towive hooks are to be fitted, and a spur or bevelgear type of differential is required. This last proviso is curious, and it is evidently an aim at eliminating the special self locking worm-gear differentials which are now on the market. A live axle is insisted upon, and preference given to the worm drive as a final means of transmission. Universal joints are to be enclosed, and reservoir capacity for 30 gallons of petrol is demanded, 25 to be in a main tank and five in a reserve tank. Dual ignition is insisted upon, and electric lighting. Three speeds forward and an engine governor set to operate with the wagon running at 15 miles per hour on top gear are scheduled. No bright metal parts are permitted. Four-wheel steering is preferred, but not insisted upon. Single tires, 36 ins. by 6 ins., are specified, and these must be mounted on cast steel wheels.