FAST LAUNCHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 10

FAST LAUNCHES

CRAFT AT AIR BASE TRIALS ON HARBOUR EASY HANDLING AT SPEED IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES Launched with the aid of the Auckland Harbour Board's floating crane, tho two fast control launches to bo employed at tjie base at Mechanics' Bay of Tastnan Empire Airways, Limited, entered service yesterday. Although their capabilities were not fully explored, both tho craft performed impressively on trials, which were subsequently carried out on tho harbour, their speed, stability and easo of handling being well demonstrated. Preparations for tho launching wero completed shortly after 11 o'clock, when tho floating crane moved in alongsido the breastwork at tho base. The cradles on which tho launches had beon assembled wero wheeled from tho shed, and within a few minutes they wore lifted into the water, tho cradles then boing floated from underneath tho craft. Mechanics and tho company's launchman gavo tho engines a preliminary trial while tho boats were moorod within tho Braby pontoon. Striking Display Provided Both launches underwent their trials during tho afternoon. The 23ft. liaison auxiliary was handled by the chief engineer at the base, Mr. L. 10. TurliilT, whilo the larger boat, which has an overall length of 37ft. 6in., carried as a passenger the control officer of tho service; Mr. A. C. Hill, formerly of tho Air Ministry in London. No attempt was made to reach maximum speed, but spectators at the base witnessed a striking display as the craft sped over the harbour. Whilo the larger launch was on tho water engineers of the Public Works Department made preliminary tests of tho three-band radio receiving and transmitting apparatus with which the craft is equipped. Both Morse and telephonic communication will bo available between the tender, the base and an approaching flying-boat within a range of about 60 miles of Auckland. Primarily designed for tho transport of passengers using marine aircraft, tho larger tender is very easily manoeuvred, which enables it to turn through 180 degrees in its own length, accelerate to full speed in 10 seconds and pull up almost stationary in two lengths. Operated by a crew of two, it has interior accommodation that is comparable with first-class rail travel, and. fitted with pneumatic fenders, it is claimed that it may be taken alongside flying-boats afloat on moorings in all weathers. Attention to Detail

Powered by two 100-horsepower engines, the tender has a maximum speed when unloaded of 30 miles an hour, while the cruising speed is 23 miles an hour with a range of 140 inil<" i. Electric starting and single-lever control are fitted and a generating set provides independent lighting. One of the most striking features of the launch is the attention paid to detail. Tho smaller launch is described as a general purpose craft for the fast transport or personnel at tho base, for carrying working gear and equipment, and for light towing. Up to 16 men can be carried at speed in tho open cockpit, and the lack of obstructions above the deck level enables it to manoeuvre beneath the wings of aircraft. Fitted with a single 100-horse-power engine, it has a maximum unloaded speed of 32 miles an hour and a cruising speed of 25 miles an hour. WEATHER FORECASTS THOROUGH ORGANISATION AUSTRALIA WILL BE READY (Received August 21, 8.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 21 Discussing the coming Tasinan flyingboat service to-day, Mr. D. J. Mares, Government Meteorologist, said efficient meteorological facilities would be operating for the inauguration of tho service in October. /He was convinced the machines would be ablo to run to schedule throughout most of the year, as they would bo ablo to fly high enough to miss most of the bad weather. Mr. Mares said there would bo complete co-ordination in Australia with meteorological stations and with the Rose Bay terminal base, which will provide a 24-hour forecasting service, supplementing the radio service while the machines were flying to and from New Zealand.