FOUR MILES A MINUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 14

FOUR MILES A MINUTE.

SPEED IN THE UPPER AIR.

NEW FIGHTING AEROPLANE. RAPIDITY IN CLIMBING. [FHOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] LONDON, Feb. 4. Terrific speeds in the upper air—three, four and five miles above sea-level—arc credited to (lie new all-metal Yickers "Jockey" single-seater interceptor fighter, which is undergoing renewed trials from the Brooklands aerodrome. Carrying one man and two automatic guns, this new winged projectile moves at 233 miles an hour in the rarefied air found between 13.000 ft. and 20,000t. up. Its "ceiling" is 36,000 ft., or 7000 ft. above the summit of the world's highest mountain, and it can climb lo 20,000 ft. in less than 11 minutes. Every detail of the structure is made of metal, even to the duralumin wing coverings. Power is derived from a single Bristol "Mercury" supercharged 530 h.p. engine, which delivers full power at a height of 15,800 ft. above sea-level. Around the engine is fitted a resistance-reducing Towneiul ring, behind it the fuselage is shaped to secure harmony of outline and tlio maximum streamlining effect. Apart from the essential grooves for the guns and ono or two minor details the whole machine is as "clean" as a Schneider racer. The pilot sits in an open cockpit, equipped with oxygen breathing appartus for his excursions to the great heights, and warmed by radiators connected with tho powerful engine. Disposition of flying controls and instruments is arranged for his utmost comfort, a point of vast importance in a successful war machine.