TRANS-ATLANTIC AIRCRAFT

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22109, 3 June 1937, Page 12

TRANS-ATLANTIC AIRCRAFT

PLANS OP BRITISH MINISTRY CIVIL AND MILITARY FLYING DEVELOPMENTS (ifROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) LONDON, May 8. Sir Philip- Sassoon, Undersecretary of Stale for Air. revealed in the House of Commons that a fleet of British flying-boats, specially designed for trans-Atlantic services, should be available in 1938. That, is the first official intimation of progress in development of the long-range marine air liners, considerably larger than the 18-ton “Empire” class fourengined monoplanes which are now going into service, which British designers consider essential for regular operation with reasonable pay load on long sea routes. No details of these new craft may yet be published, but Mr Gouge, chief designer of the Short Company, which is building the fleet of 28 Empireboats for Imperial Airways, has recently declared that no problems remain for solution in proauciion of a boat of double the weight of the Empire boat—in round figures, 80,0001 b against 40,0001 b. He emphasised that in many respects the bigger craft would be superior. Its operational cruising speed would be higher—some 18C m.p.h.. compared with the 165 m.p.h. of the Empire boats. Its range would be greater, and the proportion of pay lead to gross weight transportable on a long non-stop journey, very much higher. The increase in size made possible a further increase in wing-loading which, in addition to improved speed, range and pay load, meant that the bigger craft would be even less susceptible to heavy seas when riding to moorings. Take-off speeds might be as much as 100 miles an hour. Mr Gouge, on the basis of practical experience, believes that there is no difficulty involved in taking off the water, given reasonably, calm conditions, at this terrific speed. Directions of Research Sir Philip Sassoon said that the possibilities of catapulting long-range flying boats on commercial services were being carefully investigated. Another main line of trans-Atlantic development had engaged four-engined high-speed land machines (the de Havilland Albatross), which were on the point of completion. With them, said the Minister, "we hope to operate an experimental trans-Atlantic service before the end of this year.” The Mayo composite aircraft, and refuelling in the air. he termed two subsidiary lines of research, “directed to finding the best solution of long-range problems.” He commented that each of the five methods indicated had its own particular advantages and disadvantages. “All will be actively pursued to determine their possibilities. Meanwhile, long-range training flights have begun with two flying-boats of the Empire type, specially fitted for longrange operation.” With the two recent non-stop flights of 2300 miles between Southampton and Alexandria in mind, the Minister declared: “We have every reason to be proud of the achievements of these aircraft.” _ Air Force Expansion Sir Philip dealt comprehensively with various aspects of the Royal Air Force expansion programme in an endeavour to bring home to members of Parliament the immensity of the task undertaken by industry and the State. He emphasised that the expansion was not merely a question of making good deficiencies. It meant practically the trebling of the force as well as rearming it with modern equipment. "Aircraft and aero engines can be produced with increasing speed, as experience of production is gained and as new plant comes into operation. It is a mechanical problem. It is a problem of production. Not so with personnel. Training cannot be improvised. A considerable period is absolutely necessary to train really skilled pilots, navigators, and so forth. “Our programme for last year envisaged the entry of some 1200 short service officers and 235 airmen for training as pilots. Those figures have been surpassed. We are continuing to recruit in anticipation of our future requirements. During the coming financial year we intend to train 1175 pilots. During 1936 we planned to recruit more than 11,000 airmen, including 2656 apprentices and boy entrants. Present figures indicate that our hopes will be fully realised. We hope to recruit a slightly larger number during the coming year.”