NORTH POLE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 April 1925, Page 5

NORTH POLE

AMUNDSEN’S PLANS.

USE OF FLYING BOATS.

ALL PREPARATIONS MADE

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

LONDON, April 9. Captain Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, in the first article detailing his plans for an aeroplane dash to tlie North Pole, reveals that he took his first lessons in aviation in 1913 with an eye to a Polar venture, which was governed by two main considerations, namely, the meteorological conditions and the possibility of being able to land. The weather was by no means as discouraging as was generally thought. In the first instance, there was little fog in the month of May, the wind was not a serious trouble, while the temperature averages 23 degrees .Fahrenheit. _ Moreover, the air is wanner at a height of 1000 metres, and in addition a. little glycerine will prevent the water in the engines freezing. A further help will he the establishment of a meteorological station at Spitsbergen, to which a wide area, including America and Russia, will supply wireless data daily. Captain Amundsen examines at length the landing prospects. Even should it be impossible to land, the mere fact of flying over the Pole making meteorological observations from an aeroplane will be an achievement of great geographical interest. Earlier expeditions proved the existence of large flat ice floes drifting along the Greenland coast, and all the indications point to the possibility of landing on Polar ice. This is no doubt snow-cover-ed, from which perhaps ice is protrud-

ing. . If the aeroplane is fitted with skis or floats there would he a risk of damage against the ice, but a flying boat with a duralimiriium hull is less likely to he injured, and would also be easier to repair. Consequently the Polar dash will-be made in two flying boats, with hulls designed to facilitate rising from the snow.

Each flying boat will have two engines, one behind the other, so that if one engine breaks down the other will maintain the machine in the air. The fact that two flying boats will make the dash simultaneously will be valuable in that; if one is forced down, the other will become a relief ship to assist to repair damage to its companion or take off its crew.

If the two flying boats become separated in a fog thev will drop smoke bombs to guide each other. Should both break down both crews will carry sufficient gear and' emergency rations for six weeks, and will make the journey on foot to Cape Columbia, 437 miles distant. However, all risks of breakdown are reduced to a minimum by experts attending at Spitsbergen to tune up the engines to the last minute. Captain Amundsen describes remarkable scientific instruments, the most notable of which is the Goerz sun compass, which is really a form of periscope reflecting the image of the sun on a measured screen. This will enable the pilot to steer a definite course from the base. Captain Amundsen pays a tribute to the generosity of Mr Lincoln Ellsworth, who is financing half the cost of the expedition, ‘‘in recognition of which,” he says, “the Norwegian’Aero Club has jointly named the expedition after him and myself.” In addition to Captain. Amundsen the narty will consist of Lieutenants Riiserlarsen, Dietrichseri and Orndnlil. Lieutenant Riiserlnrsen will he the second in command.