TERRITORIAL AIR FORCE

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22182, 27 August 1937, Page 10

TERRITORIAL AIR FORCE

TWELVE AEROPLANI| ORDERED * *

REORGANISATION PLAN

ANNOUNCED

BAFFIN TORPEDO-BOMBEBS

FOR PATROL WORK

(PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON

TKUEGKAII.'i

August 2*.

Plans for the reorganisation of the territorial air force to place it ob a more satisfactory footing were announced to-night by the Mjnister fat Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). "The territorial air force, formed in 1923 as a part-time volunteer organisation, comprises the headquarters and four squadrons, allocate* respectively to Auckland, Welluujton, Christchurch, and Otago." said Mr Jones. "At present these squadrons consist of pilot* only, who in the past have undcigone 10 days' annual training at Wigram, without either ground staff or aircraft. With limited annual training muea useful time would be required it an emergency before these squadrons could take an effective part ift local defence. The Government hat t therefore decided to place the territorial air force on a proper footEjf, and a start will be made this year with the Wellington squadron. "An order has been placed fox ML Baffin aircraft for delivery during the next few months. These aircraft, designed as torpedo-bombers for use in the fleet air arm. are now being replaced by later types, and! thus become available frr other uses. Their performance, although below that necessary for modenj European conditions, is adequate far reconnaissance and patrol work ig the Cook Strait area, which be their task in New Zealand. .1 "It is proposed to start recruitißf, for headquarters and two flights m-] ; October 15, but no application!if should be made until a notice out the requirements appears in tt|; press. The squadron will be «j* vided with city headquarters aa*> premises in Sturdee street haw been rented for this purpose. Hans evening and week-end instnaag. in aero engines, rigging, wirelßt telegraphy, navigation, and pw% graphy will be given. Aircraftwg be available at Rongotai to pnwffle , practical experience in maintenance, J and will afford opportunities IK «T- 1 ing training. "Squadron Leader E. A. Gaeeio, aerodrome engineer of the FdHH Works Department, has beenan*. pointed to command the squadron* and will be assisted by Flight. Liea» tenant H. B. Burrell as adjafttj; and by warrant and non-camag? sioned officers from the reguiax|»| force, wtio will act as instractneE? [The Baffin aeroplanes mentioaat;, in the Minister's statement are nana-,; factured by the Blackburn AeroPiwif; and Motor Company. Ltd, ffntf»*g,',x.; The machine is a two-seater bipaaft.: powered with a Bristol FegnWS 1 '" engine (type 1. mil. 565 horse-powenfc ; or other radial engines of suaMty,

power and weight. Two machinei are fitted, one fixed, firing fan through the airscrew, and mounted on a Pairey patent 1 speed gun -mounting over the cockpit. The torpedo is carried, trally. under the fuselage. For hj ing, a load of about 15001b is can under the bottom wing. With

Pegasus engine the maximum 3 is 136 miles an hour, and the en ance four and a half hours at

miles an hour.]