VICKERS VIKING MAKING EMPIRE FLIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 26087, 29 April 1947, Page 4

VICKERS VIKING MAKING EMPIRE FLIGHT

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 28. The first of Britain’s post-war civil aircraft to visit New Zealand, a silver and blue Vickers Viking, landed at Whenuapai from Australia this afternoon in the course of a demonstration tour of Commonwealth countries. The monoplane, which bears some external resemblance to the famous Vickers Wellington, in which hundreds of New Zealanders - flew during the war, flew from England in 69h 35min, and crossed the Tasman in 71i smin. An official welcome to Auckland was tendered the visitors, headed by Mr B. W. A. Dickson, a director of Vickers-Armstrong, Ltd., by the Mayor, Mr J. A. C. Allum.

Mr Dickson said the party was looking forward to seeing New Zealand. The main object of the tour was to show the Viking to as many people as possible, and to show them what British industry had produced as a real post-war product and not a converted war-time type of plane. The Viking, a twin-engined monoplane, distinguished by its roomy fuselage and high single fin, is powered by Bristol Hercules engines. It represents the last word in passenger comforts, and its seats are adjustable to enable passengers either to sit upright _ or to recline. The visiting machine' lias been, specially fitted for tropical service, with such refinements as fans to circulate air while the aircraft is on the ground, and its interior finish is of a particularly high order. It can carry a maximum of 34 passengers, whose comfort has been further studied by the inclusion of a pantry from which a steward can serve meals in flight. Pilots who saw the Viking arrive were impressed by its silence in the air. There was only a fraction of the noise usually associated with a machine of its size and power, and in addition to its silence, the aircraft is fast, cruising •at up to 210 miles an hour. • The Viking is commanded by Squad-ron-leader P. G. (Roberts.