THE AMERICAN ORDER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 44, 20 August 1938, Page 8

THE AMERICAN ORDER

PLANES FOR R.A.F.

BOMBERS AND TRAINERS

According to a writer in the "New York Times," the order for 400 American military craft for the Royal Air Force has been divided between the Lockheed Corporation and North American" Aviation ,a subsidiary of General Motors. The Lockheed Corporation will build 200 bombardment ships, an armed modification of its mid-winged Model '14-H, for something in excess of £16,000 apiece—or approximately £3,500,000. The second company will construct 200 basic combat ships, similar to those in use ■by the United States Army Air Corps, at about £8000 each. The total order will exceed £5,000,000. Though unwilling to make known details of the" contract, officials of the Lockheed Corporation stated that tlie order would necessitate the enlargement of the factory, which has 240,000 square feet of floor space, and a pay roll-of 2000 men. They also indicated that an assembly plant would be built in England and that the eight-and-a-half-ton bombers would be fashioned at Burbank and shipped abroad. This would expedite production and soothe British feelings by providing employment for English workmen. The combat plane to be supplied I by the North American Aviation Cor-; poration is a two-seater low-winged monoplane, all-metal,- and capable of 235 miles per hour on a 550-horse-power engine. It was not disclosed that Great Britain will use the type of power plant favoured by the American Army—Pratt and Whitney. These ships are used primarily for training, observation work, and courier work. Lockheed's successful entry in the bidding for British orders marks the first- time its 250-mile-an-hour Model 14-H has been accepted as a bombardment weapon. Lockheed will probably build the 14-H for England as a straight bomber, minus the armament, which 'will be installed abroad. Published specifications show its gross load as 17,000 pounds, its useful load as 7200 pounds (including a 3620----pound cargo of T. N. T.), four .30 calibre flexible* machine-guns, and 2000 rounds of ammunition, and a crew [of four. As a medium bomber, the j Lockheed will cruise 1745 miles; as a ! long-range mission craft, 2120 miles. |By installing 1000 horse-power engines, Lockheed engineers have re- ! ported, the 14-H can fly 300 miles an jhoi\r. Ordinarily, the transport uses [twin 850 horse-power motors.