STRANGE AIRCRAFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22094, 27 April 1935, Page 11

STRANGE AIRCRAFT

LIFT FOR SEAPLANES CONSTRUCTION IN ENGLAND LONDON, April 25 A strange aircraft, composed of two separate self-contained units, the invention of Major R. H. Mayo, is now taking shape at Short's works, Rochester, with the Air Ministry's backing. The idea is a heavy powered flyingboat which will accommodate above the wings another heavily laden seaplane which otherwise would not be able to take off from the water under its own power.

The combined' power of the engines of both the interlocked Craft will give an easy rise from the water. Then, when sufficient altitude and speed aregained, the pulling of a lever will separate the pair, the seaplane going its own*way and the flying-boat, or porter, returning to the water. The latter will be able to repeat its lifting mission as often as desired. It is expected to be of inestimable value in sending off heavy mail aeroplanes, and the possibility of launching relays of bombers is also visualised. It is calculated that the seaplane will have a payload of 10001b. and enough fuel to carry it, say, the 2100 miles between the Azores and Bermuda, even against a continuous 60 miles an hour head-wind. PRIZE COMPETITION HIGH-SPEED MACHINE MINISTRY'S CONDITIONS LONDON, April 25 The Evening Standard's aviation correspondent states that British makers have received details of the conditions attached to the competition for the Air Ministry's prize of £25,000 for the production of a high-speed air liner.

The specifications provide for a range of 800 miles and a minimum cruising speed of 180 miles an hour; also for accommodation for 18 passengers and four of a crew, with a pay load of 40001bl, and a robot pilot.