HIGH-ALTITUDE RESEARCH

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27097, 21 July 1953, Page 9

HIGH-ALTITUDE RESEARCH

JET BOMBER OFFERED TO N.Z.

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, July 19. Among the subjects considered by the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Holland) during his recent visit to London was the offer by the Ministry of Supply to lend a Canberra jet bomber for research on meteorological and high-altitude flying problems • in New Zealand and the South-west Pacific.

So far, the main research into this subject is being carried out over Britain and Western Europe. It appears that New Zealand has been offered a valuable opportunity to contribute knowledge that would be of value to aviation and meteorological circles throughout the world. New Zealanders are among the very few specialist airmen in Britain who have been making research flights into what is loosely described as ‘ ‘the upper air.” They have flown at heights up to 40,000 ft in Meteor aircraft, recording temperatures and measuring “bumps” caused by jet streams and gusts. The information they have gained is helping to build up a pattern of weather conditions over Europe and the Eastern Atlantic. This information is of Value and importance to pilots in making their flight plans. It helps them to avoid areas where air turbulence may be expected, and thus to provide passengers with the maximum comfort at high altitudes, as well as prevent the aircraft from being subjected to sudden and considerable stress.

The information also aids pilots to avoid strong head and side wind?, and to take advantage of tail winds. Though the knowledge of upper air conditions in the Northern Hemisphere is steadily increasing, little or practically nothing is known of conditions high above the South-west Pacific area. But aviation, as well as meteorological, circles hope to secure information, particularly because of plans to develop a round-the-world civil jet air service. Hence the offer by the Ministry of Supply to lend a Canberra bomber to New Zealand, and consideration of it by Mr Holland in London.

“Mv understanding of the position is that the Prime Minister, when he returns to Wellington, will raise the question of the offer at a meeting of the Cabinet.” said the Minister of Defence (Mr T. L. Macdonald) in Wellington, when the cablegram was referred to ’him. Mr Macdonald said the Prime Minister had had talks with officials in Britain about the suggested use of the Canberra in high-altitude research in New Zealand. “It will be for the Cabinet to make the final decision on the offer,” said the Minister. Raneitane Leaves for N.Z.— The liner Rangitane left Tilbury today for the third time within 10 days on her voyage to New Zealand. She sailed for Auckland originally on July 10, but returned for engine repairs. She sailed again on July 12, but had to turn back again on July 13.—London, July 19.