MODERN AVIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 13

MODERN AVIATION

CIVIL AND MILITARY LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, " • LONDON, July 10 Revolutionary developments in civil and . military aircraft, which have occurred as the result of prolonged experiments, were disclosed to-day. In the first place, a decisive step has been taken toward the establishment of a transatlantic air service with the announcement of plans for the construction of an airport in Bermuda. Secondly,. Britain is confident. that she has solved the problem of equipping fighting machines with a "motor cannon," firing high-explosive shells. Tenders will be invited shortly for the construction of two slipways, a hangar, a landing-place and administrative buildings for a permanent airport in Bermuda, ostensibly as a base for the limited Bermuda-America service conducted by Imperial Airways and Pan-American Airways. Well-in-formed London aviation authorities, however, infer that Bermuda has been selected by the British and American Governments as one of the Chief bases for the transatlantic air route. "I expect that the service will be operating in three years, probably less," said an expert. " We ha.ve' nearly solved the problem of finding a machine able to carry a pay load across 2000 miles, of ocean.

" Tests are being carried out and an experimental composite air liner is being constructed for Imperial Airways/' The crossing would occupy 20 hours." The introduction of the " motor cannon " is expected to revolutionise air fighting and make aeroplanes not only defensive but offensive units.

The " motor cannon" fires 250 rounds a minute and is mounted on the engine, which absorbs the shock of the recoil. It will increase the fighting range from 200 to 500 yards.