DETAILS OF PLANS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 12, 16 January 1933, Page 7

DETAILS OF PLANS

It is "estimated that the aeroplane for the Everest Expedition can rise to 36,000 feet and cruise over the summit, 29,000 feet above the sea and the highest point on the surface of the earth in 80 minutes. There will be fuel for cruising at that height for two hours, in Addition to the return flight. The aeroplane will carry a cinematograph camera and operator, with necessary auxiliary apparatus, over and around the summit of Mount Everest. The object is to secure photographs, a film, and data of supreme geological and scientific interest.

Tho fact that both the North and South Poles have been reached by aircraft of foreign, manufacture makes it the more important that the greatest geographical objective still remaining should be attained by British endeavour. The India Office and the Government of India, in giving their approval, have afforded the expedition invaluable assistance. The Air Ministry, having considered the technical data supplied and compared them, "with aeeurate maps, is according its active support and cooperation. The Viceroy of India has secured the consent" of the Maharajah o£ Nepal for the aeroplane to fly over the Nepalose territory to Mount Everest. The xesourees and hospitality of Kueh Behar State, adjacent to the field of operations, have been placed at the disposal of the expedition. ■ The Marquis of Clydesdale, M.P., is chief pilot, whilst another, officer with special- altitude , experience was to bo nominated as second pilot. . THE MACHINE. Tho aeroplane used was to be' a twoseated Vickers Vespa army co-operation machine, the same machine that recently established the world's height record. The engine is a modified Pegasus 11, S III; special oxygen breathing apparatus and electrical heating sets have been tested by the Bristol Aeroplane Company in., the recent trial altitude flights. The aeroplane with- the Pegasus engine is capable of taking pilot and air photographer, ■ together with two laTge cinematograph cameras, two fcygon sets, each in duplJiAtfi, and duplicated heating sets, to 36,000 feet. The climb to 36,000 feet occupies 43J minutes. In the event of a possible forced landing the machine would be within gliding distance of level country during two-thirds of its course. It should, however, be noted that the engine will, at all times, be run well under full throttle. A suitable, landing ground, maintained by the Boyal Air Force, exists at Purnea, on the broad gauge railway, and 160 miles from Mount • Everest. This will be the base.