NEW AEROPLANES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 62, 10 September 1937, Page 18

NEW AEROPLANES

FOR AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE

During the.annual inspection of ths Royal Australian Air Force station at Laver'ton. recently, Air .Vice-Marshal R. Williams and other senior officers of the service paid close attention to units of bombing squadrons which were assembled on the landing ground, says the Melbourne "Age.'! Particular interest was taken in, the new Avro Anson bombers. Among the latest types of. war planes manufactured, in Britain, the machines are the most modern additions ■to the Royal Australian Air Force, and represent a fine addition to the vastly-improved fleet. They, are capable of a top speed of 180 miles an hour and have a flying range of approximately 500 miles. One of the most noticeable features of the machines is the circular glass gun turret which is situated immediately behind the closed-in cockpits. The turret has been provided to allow the gunner to operate the specially-fitted machine-guns without his attention being distracted by the wind pressure. Under service conditions the planes carry two pilots, a wireless operator, and two air gunners. The Avro Ansons are the latest types of war planes in Australia, but orders have been placed in England for improved Bristol Blenheim bombers, which are said to have a speed of 300 miles an hour. Serious delays have occurred in England in fulfilling the orders, but when the planes eventually arrive they will greatly augr ment the bombing «nd reconnaissance squadrons. Under the development plan it is likely that a number of Avro Ansons will be sent to equip the new R.A.A.F. station in Western- Australia and the Blenheims will be used to cover the long distances at Darwin.