AID FOR ALLIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20151, 22 January 1940, Page 7

AID FOR ALLIES

U.S. AIR EQUIPMENT VAST SURPLUS OUTPUT LIMIT NOT REACHED MIGHT HELP FINLAND (Reed. Jan.. 22, 10 a.m.) NEW YORK, Jan. 21. The North American Newspaper Alliance says that the immediate solution of Finland’s need of fighting planes is seen by aeronautical experts in the fact that the United States’ production is approaching a point where military planes will far exceed pilots. It is pointed out that at present it is safe and desirable to release a large number of current models to the Allies, who could tranship them to Finland.

It is known that the Finns are currently pressing London to send Lockheed bombers and Curtis fighters, A British decision is expected shortly.

Although pilot training in the United States will be adequate within a year, it is not at present meeting the equipment totals. Due to the high requirements of the personnel, it is estimated that only 20 per cent of those enrolling have graduated. On the other hand, 45 factories are operating two shifts a day and are capable immediately of using three. Because of the speed of production, combined with the fact that the industry is well ahead of military orders, it is believed that the current Congress will not make large appropriations in an effort to obviate too rapid an expansion.

Meanwhile, the Allies are reported to be highly pleased with the planes already delivered and have placed further orders for hundreds of planes, notably Douglas, Martin and Lockheed bombers, North American trainers and Curtis fighters. Under a recent ruling, the newest models are also available and many are included in the orders for 8000 just announced.

It is conservatively estimated that the current annual capacity is 16,000 planes and 18,000 engines. If the factory space immediately available were utilised, these fighters would be stepped up by 23,000 to 35,000 planes and at least 25,000, the latter of the 1000 horse-power class.