ARMY EQUIPMENT

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 34, 3 November 1933, Page 11

ARMY EQUIPMENT

Adoption of Autogiro FLYING STAFF CAR Loudon, November 1., Tlie “Daily Telegraph’s” military correspondent states that he believes the Army, is about to take two important steps: the revival of the Tank Brigade, and the adoption of the autogiro. Successful tests of the latter as a flying staff car at the recent manoeuvres have led to a decision to adopt.it as a regular part of Army equipment. It i? probable that autogiros will be attached to Army co-operation squad tons. During tlie manoeuvres they hovered close to the ground where they were difficult to detect by a hostile aeroplane flying above. They are suitable for both naval and army work, as they can take off from a warship needing neither a landing deck nor a cafa pult apparatus. Though they are nor a true helicopter, for which a prize of £50,000, offered in 1924, is still unclaimed, the autogiros possess essential qualities of the helicopter.

The “Daily Herald” states that tlie new Cierva autogiro has passed remarkable tests at Hanworth aerodrome. Its top speed is now actually higher than than of fixed wing aeroplanes of the same horse-power. The machine not only reached 120 miles an hour at Hanworth, but hung absolutely stationary for several seconds. It left the ground with a run of less than ten yards.

\Vhen the Air Ministry approves the machine production will start on a commercial basis, and the new autogiros should be ready in April.