AVIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22212, 15 March 1934, Page 9

AVIATION

"AUSTRALIAN DEMONS" HIGH-SPEED AEROPLANES (United Press Association.) (By Electric telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, March 13. It is understood that 18 Hawker Demons have been purchased for Australia, and that the right has been secured to manufacture them in the Commonwealth. They will be known as Australian Demons, and be capable of meeting Australian conditions with heavy loads. The machines have a" speed of from 175 to 180 miles an hour and a comfortable cruising speed of 150 miles an hour. THE CIERVA AUTOGIRO. MANUFACTURE IN BRITAIN. LONDON, March 13. Representing the first serious effort to place the "windmill" on the British market on a large scale, the Avro Company has acquired from the Cierva Autogiro Company the right of manufacture and sale of the autogiro, of which the Air Ministry has ordered a number for experimental use with the Royal Air Force arid Army co-operation squadrons. Its speed ranges from 15 miles to over 100 miles an hour.

HANDLING AMERICAN MAILS.

THE ARMY'S DIFFICULTIES.

WASHINGTON, March 15. (Received March 14, at 5.5 p.m.)

The Secretary for War (Mr G. H. Dern) to-day appointed a special committee of aeronautical authorities, including Colonel Lindbergh, to determine the causes of the army's difficulties in handling the air mail. Mr Dern asked the committee expressly to study the Air Corps equipment, training, and personnel. The committee will be authorised to call witnesses and take evidence to establish deficiencies. SOVIET PILOTS ARRESTED. A LANDING IN MANCHUKUO. TOKIO, March 14. (Received March 14, at 9 p.m.)

It is officially stated that a Soviet plane fell or made a forced landing in the vicinity of Lake Hanka, in eastern Manchukuo. The two Soviet pilots were arrested and the War Office is making a strong protest to Moscow.