AMERICA'S AIR PLANS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 55, 5 March 1918, Page 4

AMERICA'S AIR PLANS.

IT is interesting to recall that more than 20,000 aeroplanes were in course of construction in America a few weeks ago. She has the largest aviation training ground in the world, and. it may be concluded that before very long rica's air plans will be in course of I operation on the Western front. "While it is inexpedient," .said Mr Newton j Baker, the Secretary for War, "to im- i part information of military value, it is permiss'fble to make a partial announcement of the progress of the American aviation programme. The work is progressing on the entire nunvber of aeroplanes, and motors for which provision was made in th e £128,000,000, Aviation Bill that passed Congress in July last. Th e types now being made .cover the entire range of training machines, light, high-speed fighting- machines, and powerful battle and bombing planes of the heaviest design. The contracts call for an ample number of training machines, and embrace many giant Tjattle-planes capable of equalling th P work of the Caproni, Handley Page and similar types. The American "Forces in France will be amplv equipped with aircraft. The work of the aviation section is thoroughly systematised. The training of th 0 men, the ibuildinr' of motors, and) the construction of wings are proceeding uniformly, so that when the motors are ready the planes will be ready', and When th© craft i c ready thf> airmen nnd machine-puns will be available. Within a reasonable tinv this country will send its first aeroplane to "Europe: from th e tip of the pro- j pellers to the engine, odinera it wiU have been made in the? .United States." &