Giant New American Cargo-Carrying Plane

Northern Advocate, 26 February 1944, Page 4

Giant New American Cargo-Carrying Plane

(E.G.W., 1.45 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 25

Details of the new United States cargo plane, J.R.N. I, designed to fly weights up to 45,000 lbs, and capable of being instantly converted into a hospital ship, passenger transport or troop carrier, have been released by the United States navy. The new plane, termed a production version of the 70-ton Mars, is stated to be even larger and more efficient than its prototype which is already serving in the Pacific. Twenty JRN Is will be built for naval air transport service. As a cargo carrier the plane has arriplq space for seven jeeps and an even greater number of field guns or aircraft engines. A built-in fitting permits its conversion into a hospital ship with accommodation for 84 litter cases. 25 attendants, and passenger transport for 50 passengers in reclining chairs, all bn the lower deck, or a troop carrier capable of seating 132 persons.

The first aircraft of the new contract is expected to be readv early next year.

It will be powered with four 2200 horse-power Wright Cyclone engines, but the design pi’ovides for a switch fo larger and more powerful engines should the latter become available.