THE PROGRESS OF AVIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 68

THE PROGRESS OF AVIATION.

A CURRENT RECORD OF EVENTS. (Special for the Otago Witness.) AIR COMMUNICATIONS AND THE EMPIRE. Held with the object of knitting together the constituent parts of the Empire, the frequent meetings, luncheon- and dinners of the Royal Colonial Institute arc achieving an ever-increasing importance. At many of these gatherings papers are read by prominent men, and result in a wider knowledge of the cveryda’ life of the various parts of the Empire. A comparatively recent innnovation is the series of city luncheons which are designed primarily for business men who cannot find time to attend the longer meetings. These luncheons last exactly one hour, and include a paper on some topic of i .ortauce to the Empire generally. The guest at a recent luncheon was Air Vice-marshal Sir Sefton Brancker, K.C.8., A.F.C., who discussed “ The Progress of Air Communications.” Reviewing recent progress, he referred to the Ii peri 1 Airways Cross-channel Services as an experiment which has yielded most useful data for the development of more elaborate air routes. Thus, the regular service between Cairo and Basra has been made possible, and the only thing which prevented its extension to India at the present time was the fact that Persia had gone back on her undertaking, and was objecting to Britain flying along the Persian Gulf. The intention was that when British aircraft rcachc ’ Karachi, the Indian Government should carry on the service to Calcutta and F.angco- - the Imperial Government would be responsible for the Rangoon-Singapore stretch; and it was hoped that the Australian Government would work between Singapore and Australia.

BRITISH AIRCRAFT FOR OVERSEAS.

It is satisfactory to note from the actual placing of orders that foreign countries hold British aircraft in high esteem. Quite recently, in the face of very severe competition from Germany, France, and Italy, the Fairev Aviation Company secured an order from the Chilean Government for a fleet of FaireyNapier aeroplanes. The machines are fast three-seater bombers driven by 450 h.p. Napier engines, and can be converted into seaplanes. For the “ Atlantida ” patrol of flying boats the Spanish Royal Navy has placed its faith in Rolls-Royce engines. On a recent flight from the home base to Spanish Guiana, these boats were to be seen at Las Palmas. The patrol consists entirely of flying bon .3 of the Dornicr-Wal type, and it is a very handsome tribute to the makers of the engines that they should have been selected for this important work, in which absolute reliability is essential.

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC

It is obvious that, in order to obtain the greatest possible expansion of aerial services, the public must be educated and kept up to date as to the latest developments.

Rapid progress is likely to be made with light aeroplanes, and, with costs on the downward grade, the question of private ownership is attracting an increasing number of people. The standardisation and quantity production of such engines as the Armstrong-Siddeley 65-75 h.p. aircooled Genet have made a vast difference in the figures, and the performance and running expenses of a small aeroplane are now very satisfactory indeed. Aerial touring can now be enjoyed on a basis of 20 m.p.g. of petrol, and a range of 300 miles, and accommodation for two people with baggage. The holding of flying meetings hel. s in bringing before the public the future* possibilities of air’ communication. Of these meetings none is more successful than the annual Royal Air Force display at Hendon, where experts and the general public alike may see, and marvel at, British aircraft carrying out their ordinary work in the hands of pilots who would operate them in the ease of war. It is certain that designers who are able to satisfy the exacting requirements of the Royal Air Force can be equally relied upon to produce machines to any particular specifications, such as might be required for special overseas conditions. Among the new machines at this year's display was the Avro Ava, for coastal d ■- fence and torpedo carrying. Although present at last year's show this machine is now, in its latest form, all metal, and is one of the largest machines possessed by the Royal Air Force. A biplane, it has a span of 97ft, a length of 63ft, and. when loaded, weighs almost 10 tons. It is driven by two Rolls-Royce Condor engines, developing 1350 h.p.. and has a maximum speed of 110 m.p.h., combined with an exceptionally low landing speed.

SAFETY FIRST.

, Imperial Airways have established a very fine record for safety on their services since they were established—in fact, it is one which must be regarded with envy by the responsible officials of many older-established methods of transport. Since 1919, during which time 5,000,000 miles have been flown, there has only been four fatal accidents, while, since 1924, over 2,000,000 miles have been flown without scratching a passenger. These are certainly figures to be proud of. redounding to the credit of machines, engines, and personnel. Very creditable figures are recorded at the Renfrew Flying School in Scotland, which is staffed, equipped, and managed by William Beardmore and Company for the Air Ministry. Since- the school opened in 1923 there has only been one slight mishap to a machine, anil during the past 12 months there was no accident of any kind. During the last complete year 82 reserve officers completed courses, doing 900 flying hours, and spending 670 hours on ground instruction, in addition to physical training. The school fleet of aircraft has gradually been replaced by the latest British dual machine, which have radial aircooled Jupiter engines of 400 h.p. AN AMPHIBIAN BATTLE. A most thrilling air fight was staged recently at Hanible, near Southampton, when what may perhaps best be described as an amphibian demonstration was hold. A flight of Royal Air Force 1000 h.p. Supcrmarinc-Napier flying boats were attacked while on patrol duty over the river Hamble by flights of fast singleseater Gamecock scouts approaching from all directions. A most exciting contest ensued, the big machines, sonic of the largest flying boats iii the world, eluding their lighter opponents by amazingly quick manoeuvres. Later in the programme there was a relay race between machines of all descriptions, varying from the great 1000 h.p. Supermarinc-Napiers to the tiny 60 h.p. Moths.