H. H. GROVES STEAM POWER PLANTS
Perhaps one of the most successful steam power plants to have been designed since the development of the Langley steam driven model, is the Groves type of steam power plant, designed by Mr. H. H. Groves, of England. On one occasion several flights were made with a model driven by a small steam engine of the Groves type weighing 3 lbs. The model proved itself capable of rising from the ground under its own power and when launched it flew a distance of 450 feet. This is not a long flight when compared with the flight made by Prof. Langley’s steam driven model on November 28, 1896, of three-quarters of a mile in 1 minute and 45 seconds, but the size of the models and also that Mr. Groves’ model only made a duration of 30 seconds, must be considered. The model was loaded 12 ounces to the square foot and had a soaring velocity of some 20 m.p.h. The total weight of the power plant was 1¹⁄₂ lbs. Propeller thrust 10 to 12 ounces. The total weight of the model was 48 ounces. The type of steam plant used in connection with this model was of the flash boiler, pressure fed type, with benzoline for fuel.
Mr. Groves has done considerable experimenting with the steam driven type power plant. Many of the designs used in the construction of steam plants for models are taken from his designs. A Groves steam power plant is employed in one of Mr. V. E. Johnson’s (Model Editor of Flight) model hydroaëroplanes, the first power-driven, or “mechanically driven” model hydroaëroplane (so far as can be learned) to rise from the surface of the water under its own power. This model has a total weight of 3 lbs. 4 ounces.