AIR ESTIMATES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 123, 9 March 1950, Page 5

AIR ESTIMATES

BIG INCREASE SHOWN MORE MODERN MACHINES (N.Z.P.A.—Copyright) . (Rec. 10.35), LONDON, March 8. The Air Estimates, published to-day, total £223,000,000 sterling, an increase of 15,550,000 sterling. The Air Minister, Mr Arthur Hen-' derson, says in a memorandum that the main increase is due to the introduction of more modern types of aircraft and equipment, including radar, and to the gradual exhaustion of wartime stocks of equipment. There is also increased provision for the development of airfields to meet modern requirements and for the building of additional domestic and technical accommodation. The uniformed strength will fall to 198,000 by .the end of 1950-51 compared with 225,000 a year ago, and . 202,000 to-day, a decrease in two years of 12 per cent. The fighting strength >of the force shows a rising curve, and the expansion of the front line is being continued in 1950-51. The new jetbomber, the Canberra, which promises to be an outstanding aircraft, has been ordered in quantity, and deliveries should begin during the year, says the memorandum. Greatly improved modern types will be used for training. The production programme in'cludes the manufacture of a substantial number of jet aircraft for use in the Western Union defence.

The memorandum said that through a general “pruning of establishments,” the necessary manpower was being found to complete the doubling of the nation’s jet-fighter strength, and to make a “considerable increase” in bomber strikihg. power with new squadrons equipped with American B 29 Super-Fortress aircraft supplied' under the-mutual defence assistance programme.

The new type of jet-fighter—the Venom—-will take pride of place in Royal Air Force squadrons from the Vampire. In. heavy transport aircraft a new type known as the Hastings and Valettas are to replace the well-used four-engined York aircraft and, - the famous Dakota.

The Royal Air Force, like the British army, is having post-war recruiting problems. “Regular recruiting for the Royal Air Force is still far from satisfactory,” says the memorandum. Britain’s radar system—a vital • element in air defence—is also to he materially increased.