AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27874, 24 January 1956, Page 12

AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT

SUCCESSFUL TESTS WITH NEW PLANE A new agricultural aircraft, specially designed to meet New Zealand conditions, has been flown by Edgar Percival Aircraft, Ltd., in the United Kingdom. Since the aircraft, known as the P 9, was first flown on December 21, an intensive programme of development flying has been carried out. Some features of the aeroplane's design are its ability to carry a load of about three-quarters of a ton from small fields, easy handling and pilot safety. Besides dusting, dropping fertiliser and seeds, the machine is suitable for supply dropping, fire patrol and firefighting, and rescue ambulance and photographic work. If used as a passenger aircraft six seats can be provided in the P 9. There is ample luggage space: As a freighter, the aircraft can haye a cargo hold of 185 cubic feet, with large loading doors. Mr Edgar Percival, a director of the manufacturing firm, made a world tour lasting six months to see and take part in agricultural operations by air before the new plane was built. Visits were made to three major operating countries—Australia, the United States and New Zealand—to study design and construction, operational methods and economics. Discussions were held with owners, operators, pilots, ground crews and repair men to find what was required in all departments of the work.