CENTRAL CONTROL

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 55, 8 March 1929, Page 9

CENTRAL CONTROL

BRITAIN'S AIR DEFENCES

SUBTERRANEAN CHAMBER

United Serrlc*. LONDON, 7th March. A secret mechanical "brain," containing electrical and other apparatus of extraordinary ingenuity, will act as the central controlling point of Britain's air defences. Only thoso intimately concerned will know where the mystery room is situated. It will be deep below tho ground, and protected by bomb-proof armour, says the "Daily, Mail." It will alsojb&.gast]»oofj

and sound proof, and can be complete ]y isolated from the world above merely by tho movement of a switch.

Those inside, who will bo grouped around a great illuminated map, will be able to send commands to a network of land stations, from whence they will be sent by wireless to pilots ilying at great heights. The map will be the visible, ever-changing centre of a, vast spider's web of aerial intelligence. Every gun position and searchlight in the hugo network of ground defences will bo shown by tiny pinpoints ,of light. Also, tidings will be flashed from a widespread system of listening-posts, whose sensitive sound locating instruments will trace the movement of aerial raiders whoso convergence on objectives will bo indicated on the map by gradually advancing waves of light, upon which orders will be flashed to defending squadrons, whoso movements the wonder map will similarly reveal.

Thus the hidden headquarters staff will have a full knowledge of what is occurring at vast heights in tho night sky. They will be no ordinary men, but veritable- wizards of science, as from the subterranean chamber they will control the searchlights, guns, and aeroplanes, and operate smoke-screens and other obstructions. They will wield almost superhuman powers.