HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 97, 21 October 1935, Page 10

HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL

AUCKLAND-DUNEDIN

AVRO 652 MACHINES

.Three Avro 652 low-wing monoplanes will be commissioned at the outset by Great Pacific Airways (N.Z.), Ltd., on its trunk service between Auckland and Dunedin next year, states the Auckland "Star," but it is the intention of the company to increase its fleet almost immediately and then to introduce a last Auckland-Rotorua service, the need for which has been stressed by overseas visitors. When this service is introduced it will be possible to make the trip between Auckland and Rotorua in less than an hour. When both the trunk and Rotorua services are established it is proposed to start a fast direct express service between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The Avro 652 is the first low-\ving commercial monoplane to bear the Avro name, and in it it will be possible under "still air" flying conditions to travel from Auckland to Dunedin, via New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Timaru in 4£ hours' flying time. The machine is the result of an endeavour on the part of the aircraft industry in England to produce a fast and comfortable passenger machine which can readily be converted for defence purposes. In appearance it resembles a Douglas Airliner in miniature. It has a top speed of from 195 to 198 m.p.h. and a cruising speed of 165 m.p.h., and is the fastest commercial aeroplane produced in England.

The Avro 652 was made for Imperial Airways, end since the order was fulfilled the makers have received heavy orders, including one for 174 machines from the British Air Ministry: The aeroplanes are luxuriously equipped, and carry six passengers in addition to a crew of two. Provision is also made for the carrying of luggage, mail, and freight. The Avro 652 is fitted with a«retractable undercarriage. It is remarkably silent from the passengers' point of view, and in the cabin it is possible to talk in normal tones.

The machines to be used in New Zealand are to be provided with the most modern flying and navigation equipment, including short-wave telegraphic and telephonic communication, and probably the newest directional apparatus.

"Flight" states that the military development of the 652 has been named the Anson. It is fitted with Siddeley radial engines and possibly trailing edge flaps and variable-pitch propellers will be fitted. The Ansons will be used for coastal reconnaissance.

It appears very probable that there may be greater delay than was anticipated in securing delivery of the 652's for the Auckland-Dunedin service for so large an order as that placed by the military at Home places a considerable strain upon factory organisation, and naturally military orders have preference.