500 M.P.H. AIRCRAFT POSSIBLE

Northern Advocate, 5 January 1938, Page 3

500 M.P.H. AIRCRAFT POSSIBLE

Machines can be built to regain the world air speed record for Britain and, at a conservative estimate, reach 500 miles an hour.

This opinion was recently expressed by prominent aircraft manufacturers.

They were talking with a “News Chronicle’’ reporter of Sir Malcolm Campbell's recent statement that “the engines and the men are available, if only the Government will back the enterprise." An official of the Aero Department of Rolls Rcyce. Ltd., said: “We agree with Sir Malcolm, and would like to see the record held in this country. But it is too big a thing for a private firm. It is a question for the Air Ministry,

“Each extra mile an hour on top of the existing Italian record of 440 miles an hour needs enormous extra horse-power, but we could beat that figure.

“It is simply a question of getting the people together.”

“Too Busy.”

Mr J. H. Barringer, of Percival Aircraft. said: “I think we could beat the record, but the attempt depends upon the Government’s policy. If somebody would start something like the Schneider Trophy, that would give the necessary encouragement. "At the moment, the majority of aircraft manufacturers are turning out material for the expansion scheme, and have no time to take up recordbreaking.”