SPEED IN THE AIR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 248, 2 August 1932, Page 5

SPEED IN THE AIR.

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES. DANGERS AND DIFFICULTIES. LONDON, July 12. "We could fly at the speed of sound —approximately 740 miles an hour—if we wanted to," declared Mr H. E. Winperis, Director of Scientific Research, Air Ministry, in an article in the "News-Chronicle." "But no money is available," he adds. "Moreover, I do not know anybody who has such an inclination." Flight beyond the velocity of sound at ordinary heights is unlikely to be achieved, says the writer, because ballastics shows that the resistance is almost quadrupled,, necessitating horsepower entirely disproportionate to the results, while flying at enonnously increased heights in hermetically-sealed chambers would not appeal to passengers. Experts are now doubtful of the advantage of increasing present speeds. Civil aeroplanes are not likely to exceed 400 miles aft hour at any time..

"As practical people," the writer says, "we are aiming at safety and quiet, the former by streamlining, careful construction and increased engine efficiency, and the latter by insulating the cabin until the noise is to that in a trail* corridor, making possible easy conversation." The difficulty is to diminish the roar of the engine without increasing the weight,