MOIR-OWEN FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 138, 7 March 1929, Page 11

MOIR-OWEN FLIGHT

MACHINE TO BE TESTED AT WEEK-END START FOR AUSTRALIA NEXT WEEK NO WIRELESS INSTALLATION ON BOARD (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. March 6, 7.5 p.m.) London, March 5. Lieutenants Moir and Owen, the Australian airmen, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, said the Jaguar engine had been installed in the Vickers-Vellore aeroplane, and a few finishing touches were necessary. They were now arranging their longdistance kit. Everything was in readiness for the flying tests at the weekend, and in the event of these being satisfactory they will leave Lympne aerodrome, weather permitting, during the middle of the coming week. Lieutenant Owen has returned from Coventry, where he was present at the exhaustive tests of the Jaguar engine, which is a recent production. These ex-, tended over a week, following long periods of slow running, also under twothirds full throttle. The engine was completely dismanted on no fewer than three occasions, and finally passed the Aircraft Inspection Board. Lieutenants Moir and Owen say they are delighted with the machine. They had hoped for a faster type in order to attempt the lowering of the record to Australia, but in view of the size of the Vellore, which was a freighter, designed to lift heavy loads, speed necessarily may have to be reduced. While they .were hopeful of a fast flight, they emphasised to-day that they were making no claim to attempt a record. The machine is the most up to date of any in use, but wireless will not be carried on the Australian flight. A WONDERFUL AEROPLANE NEW TYPE OF ENGINE As the outcome of lengthy negotiations, Messrs. Vickers, Ltd., placed at the disposal of Lieutenants Moir and Owen, the Australian airmen, a Vick-ers-Vellore biplane of all-metal construction, technically regarded as one of the most interesting aircraft produced in recent times (stated a London message published last month). lhe wing span is 76ft., the length 51ft., and the height over all 20ft. The machine weighs 45501 b., and has carried a load of 49501 b., making a total weight fully loaded of 95001 b. It was built as a freight-carrying machine and purchased by the Air Ministry. Messrs. Vickers are fitting a new Armstrong-Sldde-ley Jaguar engine of 460 li.p. This is of the same type as those about to be introduced on the Imperial Airways’ London-Paris route, and a considerable improvement on. the type used by Cobham' on his Australian flight. It has a ■ geared propeller, permitting the propeller to run slower than the engine. The machine has a speed of over a 100 miles an hour at a height of 5000 feet, and a cruising speed of 80 to 85 miles an, hour, consuming approximately 20 gallons of petrol an hour. Vickers are carrying out a few special alterations for the purpose of the Australian flight and installing three petrol tanks, two in the wings of 81 gallons each and a large one in the fuselage of 350 gallons, a total capacity of 512 gallons. There are also a bed with a pneumatic mattress, where the pilots will be able to rest while in the air; a brilliant electric light in the cabin ceiling, with electricity supplied in a’battery charged by the generator; also a six-gallon tank of drinking water and a spare propeller. Duralumin is employed throughout. The pilot’s seat! can be raised or lowered. When raised it affords a remarkable view, as the pilot is well above the engine. The Jaguar engine is considered one of the latest triumphs of Britisth aero engine development. Many important improvements have been incorporated. For instance, exposed metal parts are now specially treated to prevent. sea water corrosion. The new reduction gearing provides for greater propeller efficiency at higher. engine revolutions and a greater reServe power than was previously possible. The machine is equinped with every conceivable aid to navigation, with a Vickers-Reid turn indicato- in addition to a full -set of illuminated night-flying instruments and navigation lights. Should it be desired to occupy the whole available load with petrol, the machine has a flv’ny range of considerably over 2000 miles. | It will be one of the largest and most interesting machines seen in Australia. The action of Messrs. Vickers and Armstrong-Siddeley in placing the ma- ■

chine at the disposal of the airmen is regarded as a striking tribute to their faith in the ability of Lieutenants Moir and Owen. The Shell Company informed the Australian Press Association that it was laying down supplies of oil and petrol throughout the whole route.