ENGINES OF THE R 33.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 17 October 1925, Page 10

ENGINES OF THE R 33.

BRITISH BEAT THE GERMAN. 1 RESULT OF 19-HOUR TEST. LONDON, Oct. 8. It is stated that a number of technical advisers, Who favoured German Maybach engines as the most reliable power units for airships, induced the Air Ministry to replace the British Sunbeam engine at the rear of the engine room on the dirigible R 33, prior to Monday’s flight, with a Maybach taken from the Zeppelin 277 * The technicians, it is asserted, were particularly anxious that R 33 should not he driven, helpless, overseas owing to engine trouble, and contended that, -in the event of the failure qf the three British Sunbeam engines fitted in the forward cars the “reliable” German engine, ’which' -was installed in the most effective position in the rear compartment, was certain to bring the airship home. Events showed that the only mechanical failure during the flight was in the Maybach’s reduction gearing. The three Sunbeams did not falter throughout the 19 hours’ test, G-ticl it is practically certain that all-British engines will be fitted in the Empire airships now being designed.