CENTENARY AIR RACE

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21090, 15 February 1934, Page 9

CENTENARY AIR RACE

SPECIAL BRITISH MACHINE SEVERAL LIKELY TO BE USED (Received February 14, 5.5 p.m.)' LONDON, February 13. The Society of British Aircraft Constructors says that five or six of the special de Havilland machines, now named the Comet, are likely to appear in the Melbourne centenary air race. Prospective competitors, studying conditions in order to take the best advantage of them, see in the rule stating that only the pilot in charge must travel in the machine throughout the race an opportunity to use relays of second pilots taken aboard at the checkingin points to assist the chief pilot over the next stage because of personal knowledge of particular sections of the route. When the de Havilland company offered to build special machines for the race, it issued the following statement: "The need for the utmost secrecy, from the point of view of both entrants and manufacturers, in regard to the form the aircraft will take, is obvious in view of the widespread interest of an international character in the contest. It is not proposed to issue, therefore, at any rate until the closing date for entries, any specification or details of the aircraft. Customers placing orders, however, will be protected by the following guarantee: (11 Aircraft will comply with the technical and other requirements as ruled by the promoters and bodies governing the promotion of the race; (2) the aircraft will have a top speed of not less than 200 miles an hour; (3) it will be equipped for a crew of two; (4) delivery will be made before the end of September; (5) the price of the aircraft complete and fully equipped will be £5000." A deposit of 20 per cent, of the cost will be required with the order, and customers will have the right to recover the deposit if the terms of the contract are not fulfilled. Mr and Mrs J. A. Mollison will fly one machine, and it is expected Uiat Mr C. W. A. Scott will fly another.