GLOSTER-GREBE FIGHTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 48

GLOSTER-GREBE FIGHTER.

SUCCESSFUL TRIAL FLIGHT. CHRISTCHURCH, March 2. A speed of 160 miles an hour was obtained with the Gloster-Grebe, the new single-seater fighter, when the first trial flights were held at the Wigram Aerodrome this morning. This speed is more than twice that of the Avro machines, and is the maximum that has been reached in any flight in the Dominion. The Gloster-Grebe is the gift of Sir Henry Wigram to the New Zealand Air Force, and Sir Henry was an interested spectator of the flights held this morning. He expressed himself as very well pleased with the appearance of the machine and with the trial flights. The machine arrived at the aerodrome only on Monday, and was assembled in the quick time of only two days. It is of smaller build than the other types of machines at the aerodrome, and is the first post-war service type to be added to the New Zealand air fleet. Captain J. Findlay, officer commanding the Wigram Aerodrome, had the honour of the first flight. He was in the air for about a-quarter of an hour, and put the machine through a number of evolutions in order thoroughly to test out its capacity for manoeuvring. He flew at an altitude of about 3000 ft, and at flying level reached a speed of 160 miles an hour, which is about its maximum speed. The flight was watched with great interest by the cadets undergoing a course of instruction at the aerodrome and by members of the staff. Major T. M. Wilkes, director of air services, was also present. After Captain Findlay had finished his flight Captain L. M. Isitt, who lias flown in similar machines in the Old Country, took the Gloster-Grebe up for about 10 minutes, and also performed a number of evolutions.

The petrol consumption of the GlosterGrebe is 25 gallons an hour. It has a tank capacity of 50 gallons. W’hen complete, the Gloster-Grebe is equipped with two Vickers guns, but the guns had not been fitted when the flights took place to-day. The machine is the latest Royal Air Force service type.

A charge against Clarence Charles Tall, a racehorse owner, of unlawfully converting a horse to his use without any colour of right, was dismissed at the Wairoa Police Court; on Friday.