NEW AEROPLANE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 8 January 1944, Page 2

NEW AEROPLANE

JET-PROPELLED TYPE A MOST EXCITING INVENTION TRIBUTE TO BRITISH BRAINS (Rec. 11.0 p.m.) Rugby, Jan. 7. The jet-propelled aircraft, which has passed its tests and will soon be in production, is described as the most exciting invention since radiolocation was announced in June, 1941. It suggests, as the "Yorkshire Post” observes, that British brains have taken the lead in the field of research which before the war was largely in German hands. The story testifies also the close, fruitful British American co-operation in air pioneering and production. The “Yorkshire Post” adds: “The story may have been released at the present time partly as a counter to the rumour of German rocket-guns and other secret weapons. Whatever truth there is behind the rumours, and there is certainly some truth, we may reasonably hope that in the jet-propelled aircraft the Allies have a new weapon with potentialities equal l o those of any new German device.*’ TRIAL FLIGHTS It was reported to-day that when the plane first flew over the Home Counties district in England many people rushed to shelter thinking a heavy bomb was screaming down. Tbe aeroplane’s arrival was heralded by a distint screech which increased in volume until it resembled the sound of a giant whistling kettle on the boil. As it passed overhead the rumble of the powerful engine mingled with the whistle. Group Captain Whittle worked day and night on the invention and took no leave from the beginning of the war until last summer, but was back at work after a week. VERY GREAT POSSIBILITIES Lord Moore-Brabazon, former Minister* of Aircraft Production, said today: “The jet-propelled aeroplane has be£n of long development, but it fundamentally is a British contribution to flight. It opens up very great possibilities and has brought a very highflying and fast-flying machine within possibility. In th imme ’iate future it is essentially a fighter proposition but later it will be developed all along the line.” "SQUIRT” The "Evening News” says that inhabitants of the Home Counties who have seen the plane in flight now call it “squirt.” (Previous message on page 5)