AVIATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 219, 2 September 1929, Page 5

AVIATION

GRAF ZEPPELIN’S DEPARTURE RETURN TRIP TO GERMANY. ALL GOING WELL. [United Preu Annotation—By CableCopynght.l [Australian and N-Z Presa Association.) (Received 2, 9.20 am.) New Yorfc, September 1. The Graf Zeppelin, which was forced to postpone its midnight start for Friedrichshaven on account ut cross winds, finally left Lakehurst at 8.20 o’clock this morning. Three thousand onlookers remained all tn gift, and cheered its departure. The officers still believed that they could make a round-the-world record between Germany and back. Dr. Eckener witnessed the departure. The weather was favourable.' The British steamer Carlton at 15.39 (G.M.T.) reported the dirigible flying low and everything apparently I going well when 39 degrees north 69.15 west AVERAGE SPEED OF 34 MILES AN HOUR. [Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 2, 12.20 p m.) Washington, September I. l The Graf Zeppelin has advised the I Navy Department that she was 630 \ miles due east of Cape Henlopen, New Jersey, at 3 o'clock this afteri noon. Her average speed since the t start has been 84 miles an hour. The dirigible gave no further information, ;.nd will continue while within range of the Arlington radio station to communicate once every four hours.

PASSENGERS, CARGO AND MAIL. [Australian and V.Z. Press Association.l (Received 2, 1.20 p.m.) New York, September 1. The Graf Zeppelin carried 44 of a crew and 22 passengers, of whom two are women. There were 15931 b of cargo. 4001 b of mail and 14001 b of food. The cargo included a consignment of lawn-mowers, women's pyjamas, and other goods from Philadelphia department stores. Officials stated that in order to make a new record for a round-the-world flight the Graf Zeppelin need only arrive at Friedrichshaven any time before 6 o'clock on Thursday morning. If it arrived at that time it would equal the record from Lakehurst to Lakehurst. When it departed. the officers hoped to arrive by Tuesday night, and were certain of arriving by Wednesday. Two youths attempting to stow away were removed before departure and taken by the police. The crew discovered upon arrival at Lakehurst that someone had fired a rifle shot through the rear gas compartment on the trans-Continental trip, but the damage was slight. Lakehurst officials compared the incident with the arrest a short time ago of a man who fired a rifle at the dirigible at Los Angeles. . . ANOTHER BRITISH SCHNEIDER CUP COMPETITOR. (AnstraUan and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 2, 9.20 a m.) London, September 1. Another of Britain’s Schneider Cup hopes, the Gloster-Napier 86, Golden Racer, was given its maiden flight during the week-end by SquadronLeader Orelbar. Though firing on only half-throttle she showed amazing control in a series of hair-raising dashes. Simultaneously Lieutenant Monti took up Italy’s 1927 ’plane, Moor of Venice, which was slow by comparison with the Golden Racer, with which the British observers are fully satisfied.

ITALY’S FIVE MACHINES. [Australian and N.Z Press Association.) (Received 2, 11.30 a.m.) London, September 1. The Italians' five machines at Cal shot ere all painted red—one, a Fiat, known as the Red Devil, is an uncanny mystery, as it has never been flown. It is the smallest monoplane to be seen in the Schneider Cup circles. It has a 1500 horse-power engine. The Italians themselves do trot know the machine’s speed—they merely guess it to be 370 or 380 miles per hour. There is doubt if it will participate in the race. Italy’s other mystery two-engined Sevoin is also unlikely to participate. Meanwhile the British team continues it preparations with undiminished confidence.