Long-Range Flights With New British Aero Engine

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26514, 31 August 1951, Page 9

Long-Range Flights With New British Aero Engine

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, August 30. It was reported in London to-day that British scientists have developed a revolutionary aero-engine which can fly vast distances at high speed without refuelling.

Britain is planning to attempt a 12,000-miie non-stop flight to Australia with the engine in the international air race in 1953 between London and Christchurch.

The new engine, evolved after years of patient experimenting, will give Britain the lead in long-distance flying. The engine combines piston and turbine types to give low fuel consumption with a high performance. It is now ready for flying.

The engine is a Napier Nomad, developing at least 6000 horsepower.

The basic principle is that gases for driving the turbine are produced by a highly supercharged piston engine instead of by static combustion chambers. The exact combination of piston and turbine engines is still a closely-guarded secret, but its low fuel consumption means that the frequent refuelling stops which the gas turbine aircraft have had to make will not be necessary. Commercial aircraft, as well as bombers, will be able to carry bigger loads with an increased range. , The Nomad has been fitted into a standard four-engined Lincoln bomber.