Attempt on Long-distance Record

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 264, 7 November 1938, Page 7

Attempt on Long-distance Record

R.A.F. Flight From Egypt to Australia HOPE TO REACH DARWIN United Press Association.—By Electrlo Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Sunday, 7.5 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 5. Three Vickers Wellesley planes took off from Ismailia on a non-stop flight to Australia in formatiou at 3.55 a.m. G.M.T. in an attempt on the long distance record. They were reported south-west of Karachi at 5.50 p.m. G.M.T. Ail were on the true course. The speed of No. 1 plane was 173 miles per hour, No. 3 167 and No. 2 105. The three machines, says & British Official Wireless message, are under the flight leadership of Squadron-Leader R. Kellett. The fourth machine which flew with the others to Ismailia from Cranwell is following the other three by easy -tages, carrying Wing-Commander R. Gayford, who has been in charge of the unit since its formation. To break the present world record of 6306 miles, one or more of the aircraft must cover 6368 miles, but if, as they hope, one or more reaches Port Darwin non-stop, a distance of 7162 statute miles on the Great Circle will have been flown and a new world record created. The plans provide for the aircraft to fly in loose formation or independently at the discretion of the leader. Tho planes are fitted with autoi eont rol. PLANES PASS OVER MALAYA j EXPECTED AT DARWIN 2.30 G.M.T. Received Sunday, Midnight SINGAPORE, Nov. 6. The leading Wellesley plane passed over Malaya with the second close behind though the third had not entered iho Singapore zone. Tho machines are expected to reach Darwin at 2.30 G.M.T. The third plane passed Malaya shortly afterwards.