A LIFEBOAT FOR AEROPLANES
When an aeroplane falls into the sea a rescue boat must get to the spot with the least possible loss of time. Such a boat, made for the Royal Air Force, was put through its paces recently in Southampton Water in a strong wind and a choppy sea. The spectators in a tug were having a most uncomfortable time, but the boat itself went tearing across the tops of the waves at 35 knots with only the slightest perceptible roll. Then the authorised onlookers were taken on board, and as’ they rounded Calshot they met the wind and the worst confusion of the waters. Instead of slowing down the engines were put to full speed ahead, the apprehension of the pas- . sengers being soothed by the serenity of the helmsman, who neither slackened speed nor altered his course. Sometimes the boat lifted its nose a little and the short waves thumped on the flat bottom. When running with wind and sea astern the boat slipped along as easily as possible. This new lifeboat is 64 feet long and draws only 3ft over its propellers. It has three Napier Sea-Lion, engines of 500 horse-power, and ' there is ample accommodation for its own crew of eight and the crews of the aeroplanes which it has to pick up. Its range is 500 miles full speed.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19360930.2.25
Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 22999, 30 September 1936, Page 4
Word Count
227A LIFEBOAT FOR AEROPLANES Otago Daily Times, Issue 22999, 30 September 1936, Page 4
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