BIG U.S. AIRCRAFT DUE TOMORROW NIGHT

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29335, 14 October 1960, Page 12

BIG U.S. AIRCRAFT DUE TOMORROW NIGHT

A United States Air Force Cargomaster, the largest operational aircraft in the world, is expected to arrive at Christchurch between 11.30 p.m. and midnight tomorrow. The Cargomaster is bringing from France a huge snowmoving machine which will be used in the Antarctic to build Byrd station in Marie Byrd Land completely underground. Another machine will be brought in . a ’ second Cargomaster which is expected' later. Arrangements have been made jointly by the Christchurch Airport Authority with United States Navy and Air Force headquarters for the Cargomaster and other Antarctic aircraft which

may be at the airport to be on display to the public on Sunday afternoon.

The snow machine will be unloaded from the Cargomaster, dismantled, and flown to MeMurdo Sound in a Hercules ski aircraft or a Globemaster.

Used by the Military Air Transport Service, the Cargomaster, which is valued at more than £3.000.000 and costs £O5O an hour to operate. w*as specially designed for military use in the guided missile age. Cargomasters have already flown Thor guided missiles and equipment to Britain. Although primarily a freight carrier, the aircraft can be converted to carry more than 200 fully armed troops or to be used as an ambulance. Arrangements for Public

The Christchurch airport manager (Mr A. I. R. Jamieson) said last evening that to make the aircraft display a success, the full co-operation of the public was sought. The airport authority had a considerable works programme in progress at the moment as also did the : National Airways Corporation and the Ministry of Works.

"This, together with other factors, such as the limited car parking areas within the airport, will make it necessary to conform carefully to the instructions they will receive through the newspapers, the traffic officers, police, and others on duty on Sunday,” said Mr Jamieson. “A parking plan and description of the disp'ay area will snpear In The Press’ tomorrow No cars other than those directly eoncerned with the airport operation .the travelling public and their friends, will be permitted to enter th» airport during the hours of 1.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. “Visitors will use parking areas off Orchard road and on Gravs road All visitors will then walk to the displav area, either throurh the airport entrance or if parked in Grays road. th-ou'Th the- 1 crash gates which will be open there.

“A large roped area will be available from which to view the aircraft on display, but visitors will not be permitted through them. There will be no access f rom the airfield to the tc-minal area. Refreshments w’ll be available, however, in the display area.

“Tn view of the busy season still ahead of the United States Antarctic forces and the present large works programme, this will be the only occasion this rear that the public will b“ able ♦o view closely these United states aircraft.” said Mr Jamieson “No visitors will be permitted into the display area before 1 p.m.”