AIR DEFENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17425, 25 November 1930, Page 7

AIR DEFENCE

BRITAIN’S NEW FORCE WONDERS OF THE FURY LONDON, Nov. 24. The Air Ministry lias placed a record single order for aircraft with the Hawker Engineering Co. It comprises “00 Hawker Fury single-seater lighters with a speed of more than 200 miles an hour, and Ilawker Hart reconnaissance bombers.

The Ilawker Fury, an interceptor fighter, is the most remarkable aircraft put into service, and is an answer to the Hawker Hart, the day bomber which, in the recent, manoeuvres, demonstrated the danger to which London is exposed in wartime, sa vs .Aeronaut icals. The Ilawker Hart, at. a height of 10,000 ft., has a top speed of 153 miles per hour, barely 10 miles less than the fastest lighter raiders which might not lie found until they passed over the coast. They would then he over London in 20 minutes, .leaving no time for defenders to go up and find, the invaders, whereas the Hawker Fury has a top speed well exceeding 200* miles per hour at If),oooft., to which it climbs in eight minutes. It could reach a likely height to intercept raiders at least 20 miles from London, when its speed and powers of manoeuvre would enable it to bring down or head off the assailants. It is expected that 2(50 Furies and Harts will he ordered to complete the requirements of the home squadrons, within lf> months, when six squadrons will he equipped with Furies, and four with Harts. A number are also going to the fleet airanil in home waters, replacing the slower types. The changes assure that Britain will be equipped with lighters capable of dealing with any possible attack, while the bombers and scouts will be equal to other nations.