FAST BOMBERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 192, 15 August 1941, Page 6

FAST BOMBERS

AUSTRALIAN RECORD

900 MILES IN 3J HOURS

(0.C.) SYDNEY. August 12. The remarkable progress made by the Australian aircraft industry since it was established in a small way three years ago was revealed in a Millions' Club luncheon talk by the Commissioner for Aircraft Production, Mr. John Storey, who went to England with the Prime Minister recently to bring himself abreast of the latest developments in plane building.

Mr. Storey said that in these three years Australia had produced 1000 planes, most of them of the trainer type, but many of them able to do very useful service if the need should arise. Next year Australia would produce far more than 1000 planes, and a large percentage would be Beaufort bombers, the fastest medium torpedo bomber in the world. The first twin-row 1250 h.p. air engine, the type with which the Beauforts are powered, would be produced in Sydney next month. Next year Australia would export aircraft and parts exceeding £12,000,000 in value, and the total production in Australia would exceed £20,000,000.

Some further remarks concerning the Beauforts were made by the Minister for Aircraft Production. Senator Leckie, yesterday when announcing the flight of an Austra-lian-built Beaufort from Melbourne to Brisbane to aid R.A.A.F. recruiting. On July 1 a Beaufort created a new record for the trip from Melbourne to Sydney. The plane s*esterday set a Melbourne-Brisbane record covering the 900 miles in 3J hours! in a strong cross-wind and carrying ™ pe £ ple '. Senator Leckie said: Ihe Beaufort was originally designed for the British Taurus engine, export of which has been prohibited It is now fitted with Pratt and Whitney twin-row Wasp engines, which give it a speed of more than 300 miles per hour. It is the most modern torpedo-carrying medium bomber in the world, and is destined to be Australia's first line of defence. It can be operated with great effect in discharging torpedoes against enemy ships. and its jong range and armament, make it ideal for reconnaissance. Having regard to Australia's extensive coastline and geographical position, it will enable Australia from an advanced base to challenge an enemy long before he reaches our shores."

Returning to Mr. Storev's talk he said Britain's new Stirling. Halifax and Manchester bombers were amazing. One Stirling could carrv four times the bomb load of previous types, and a Beaufort could be placed under one wing. Britain was producing all the interceptor fighters she needed and would be able to supply Australia with these as soon as the shipping position improved

(See picture on Page 5.)