Beacon for Aircraft

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 234, 3 October 1936, Page 3

Beacon for Aircraft

ERECTION AT HAMILTON Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Oct. 1. Through tho enterprises of Mr H. D. Caro, dcputy-Mayor of Hamilton, tho first aerial beacon imported into New Zealand is in the course of erection at Hamilton. Possessing n power of three bullion candlcpower, the light will be visible to aircraft flying at 2000 ft. for a distance of 25 miles in any direction, intricate mechanism revolving the lamp three times a minute.' The beacon, which is erected in a steel welded tower 70 ft. above the ground, possesses dual lamps, aud an ingenious automatic device provides a 100 per cent, safety factor, Should one lamp be blown out the voltage is slightly raised and heats a strip of metal, which expands and swings a second emergency lamp of similar type into position inside the projector, and within a few seconds the lamp is again functioning normally. At the same time a circuit is established to a red signal lamp which lights to reveal to the serviceman that tho beacon is operating on the second lamp. The beacon, designed and constructed by an American lira), is tho lirst of a chain to be erected throughout New Zealand. The expenses are stated to be borno by private firms and individuals, but it is later anticipated that they will be chartered by the Government. Tho beacons are of tho standard type employed thoughout tho American trans-continental airways.