Adequate Air Arm Aimed At

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 66, 19 March 1936, Page 7

Adequate Air Arm Aimed At

Britain Has World's Fastest Fighter FIRST-LINE STRENGTH DOUBLED IN TWO YEARS (British Official Wireless.; Received Wednesday, 7 p.na. RUGBY, Mar. 17. In his Commons’ speech on the air estimates totalling £39,000,000, an increase of £13,013,000 over last year’s estimates and the largest which Parliament has been asked to \ otc since the war, the Under-Sccretary for Air, Sir Philip Sassoon revealed that the Roya. Air Force had a single-seater lighter which has achieved a speed of well ovci 300 miles per hour. Another which has just begun its flying trials, was confidently expected to give at least the same speed. The former type would now go straight into production and would ho the fastest aircraft of this category in service in the world. He explained that as a result of a modification of the programme announced last May and in the light of developments abroad, the Metropolitan squadrons would ultimately ho increased to 129 with a firstlinc strength of approximately 1750 aircraft and a further 12 squadrons v'ould bo formed for duties overseas. By the end of next financial year, the first • line strength of the Royal Air Force would have been doubled in the short space of two years. He did not think any fighting service had ever been set a comparable task ir a time of peace! In a review of civil aviation, Si; Philip Sassoon stated that, in connection with plans for the trans-Atlantic service, the aim was to make an experimental beginning this year if possible and at the latest, early next year. Private Assistance Co opted Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 17. Sir Philip Sassoon disclosed that another key type was a medium bombei of which several outstandingly promising types were about to enter iargeecalo production. Out of 50 essential new aerodromes, the sites for 29 had been acquired or were in the process of acquisition. A total Of 15,700 out of the 25,000 personnel required within the two years had been obtained. s Britain’s fighting strength was adequate and very efficient on present calculations, while adequate reserves of machines were forthcoming. Plans had been prepared for a large turn out of air frames, engines and components from civil industry. The .two motor firms of Austin and Rootes, the latter controlling tho Humbor and Hillman car production, were giving the Government the benefit of their production experience and tho Air Force in general would be second to none in equipment. Nevertheless, the Government was not abandoning the hope of a Western Europo air pact with eventually a.wider scope. Air forces balanced by international agreement may be the most powerful guardians of law and order, proving the nearest approach to the international air polieo which some members desired. Regarding civil aviation, he said negotiations were still proceeding with Australia. Britain was hopeful of a mutually satisfactory agreement. The Imperial air routes’ mileago had increased from 8320 four years ago tc 21,243. When the projected services were operating there would be 51,400 miles covered exclusive of the Dominions’ internal routes.