AN AERIAL LINER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18192, 11 September 1922, Page 10

AN AERIAL LINER.

LARGEST FLYING BffAT.

A SEAWORTHY HULL.

A giant flying boat., the largest air liner in the world, i£ unddr construction at the Supermarine Aviation Works, Southampton. It is asserted that it will be able to fly from an English port to New York in 24 hours, and may carry 30 or 40 passengers, in addition to the crew.

The greatest secrecy is being observed in its construction, and only three or four ?eoplo are acquainted with the details, he workmen employed in the manufacture of the various parts are sworn to secrecy. Special attention has been given to the hull, which involves certain new principles, and, in appearance, is like that of a large ship. When ready for the air, this "hush-hush" commercial craft will be fitted with two engines, each of which will be of 650 h.p. Designs have been produced for both cargo and passenger-carrying flying ships, and in each case the size is far in excess of any flying boat that has over before been built: If a descent at sea should be necessary, the ship, it is claimed, will be able to land safely in the worst weather, and to ride at anchor Or to proceed through the water under its own power with perfect safety. It is the design of the hull, which does not add to tke weight of the craft abova the normal, that makes it equally safe as an air machine or as an. ocean-going ship. Like the latest "Sea Lion" flyingboat, the hull is made in a single piece from stem to stern.

If the normal freight were replaced by fuel the vessel would be able to stay at sea for very long periods at a time, ar.2 thus is likely to give it considerable value as a flghtng craft. As auch it would be a veritable cruiser of the skies. It is also able to clirau rapidly to considerable altitudes.' "She is being built," said Mr. ScottPayne, "to go to sea, and stop at sea even in very heavy weather. Tbo primary object is to construct a hull that will be perfectly seaworthy and yet can fly. There will be living quarters on board for Iho crew. The idea of this great ship was conceived at the Supermarine Aviation Works, ajid we put it before the Air Ministry about 18 months ago. We are now developing tiio plan at these works for the Air Ministry. Wo have made good progress with the hull, and it is expected • to be ready for launching in September. The completion of the flying boat, I expect, will take about 12 months, and it will striki a new line in craft" for flying above th« ocean."