THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22568, 11 May 1935, Page 13

THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

SPEEDING UP EXPANSION CONTRACTORS CIRCULARISED LONDON, May 9. The Air Ministry has circularised aircraft and aero engine contractors in connection with Air Force expansion, asking them to accelerate the completion of their existing contracts in order to ensure preparedness for tendering for any new requirements. It also asked manufacturers to inform the Ministry what foreign civil orders they proposed to undertake before committing themselves in the matter of tenders. A leading manufacturer declares that the Ministry's letter asks what is the maximum output, suggesting that sufficient orders are available to keep works at full pressure producing military aircraft for at least two years. NEW TYPE OF ENGINE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 9. (Received May 10, at 5.5 p.m.) Aircraft constructors are displaying much interest in the latest type of British Bristol Pegasus engine, which yields over 100 horse power for every cylinder, 920 horse power in all, and which is said to make a remarkable advance in aero-engine design. The engine has the same volume and practically the same weight as the Jupiter type which is still in use in many military craft.

NEW FIGHTING BIPLANE ' LONDON, May 10. (Received May 10, at 9 p.m.) The Times aeronautical writer says Faireys have completed a fighting biplane, probably the world's most heavily armed machine, discharging threequarter pound shells from a quick-firing gun. She is expected to attain 250 miles an hour and has four machine-guns.— Times Cable. PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS LONDON, May 10. (Received May 10, at 9 p.m.) When the air defences of Britain are debated on May 22, the Government will announce drastic plans for protection of civilians in air raids. They include compulsory drill for adults and children in wearing gas masks, and a compulsory blackout of all lights in towns and cities, as was done in Germany.