NAVAL AIRCRAFT EXPERIMENT

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21034, 9 December 1933, Page 15

NAVAL AIRCRAFT EXPERIMENT

CATAPULTING A FI.YING-BOAT LONDON, December 7. Hitherto aircraft fitted with hulls have never been catapulted, but the firing from a catapult oi a Vickcrs amphibian "Five" with a single Pegasus engine will soon be carried out at the Royal Air Force experimental station at Hartlesham. The catapult is similar to those soon to be installed on the ships Canberra, Australia, and Albatross, of the Royal Australian Navy. The crew of four on the first experimental catapulting will include Wing Commander Marsden and Flight Lieutenant Swinbourne, of the Royal Australian Air Force. The machine must develop a speed of 05 miles an hour from a stationary position within 24 feet, imposing great strain on the machine and its crew. If the tests arc satisfactory the type will probably be ordered to equip the air arm of the Australian fleet.

ON ROAD TO RECOVERY .MINISTER'S TELE PHONED ASSURANCE LONDON, December 7. During a dinner given by R. A. Lister and Company, of Dursiey, the managing director, Mr Percy Lister, who is now on his way to Australia and New Zealand, telephoned his greetings to the assembly from Chicago. The message was received at the table by Mr J. H. Thomas, Secretary of State for the Dominions, who declared that Great Britain could claim that the worst was definitely over and that they were now on the certain road to recovery.