SEGRAVE TROPHY

Southland Times, Issue 21661, 24 March 1932, Page 11

SEGRAVE TROPHY

WON BY BERT HINKLER. GREATEST TRANSPORT EXPLOIT OF 1931. London, February 2. Aviators all over the world will applaud the award of the Segrave trophy, established In memory of one of the greatest of Britain’s speed kings, to Squadron Leader Hinkler for his marvellous flight of 10,500 miles in 104 flying hours from New York to London by way of the South Atlantic ocean. His exploit was weighed in the balance against the claims of three world’s record breakers during 1931 —Stainforth in the air at 407| miles an hour, Campbell on land at 246, and Kaye Don on the ■rfater at 110. All three rank as outstanding achievements, far surpassing earlier records; to decide between them is as difficult as the choice that embarrassed Paris of old. The terms of reference state that the trophy should go to the British subject who had accomplished in the period under review the finest demonstration of _ “the possibilities of transport by land, air or water,” and here may be glimpsed the reason for grading a long distance journey above speed records over a short course. Already Hinkler’s great adventure has received universal acclamation as the chief long distance flight of the year. His transatlantic crossing set three new records in aviation, and overestimation of the courage and determination of the pilot is wellnigh impossible. When Hinkler began from Port Natal, in Brazil, the ocean flight which ended near Bathurst, West Africa, twenty-two hours later, he knew that no light aeroplane had ever flown a similar distance non-stop. Further, he knew that an engine of the type fitted to his “Puss Moth” monoplane had not previously run continuously in flight for the period essential in a flight of 2,000 miles. Aeroplane and motor stuck nobly to the task, driving through terrible storms that tested for hours on end the strength of the machine and the stout heart of the power unit. They justified Hinkler’s faith, but his high courage in making the attempt should not be overlooked on that account. Complete airframes will be constructed in the State Aircraft Factory at Kjeller, but the 120 h.p. inverted "Gipsy lIP’ motors to drive them will be imported from England. A first batch of motors has already been ordered. Designed last year with the idea of providing an economical aeroplane suitable for all phases of military training, the “Tiger Moth” is a biplane developed from the world-renown-ed “Moth” light aeroplanes, but driven by an inverted motor and able to carry a heavy load in equipment and fuel. At need the “Tiger Moth” could be used in actual warfare for fighting, day bombing, reconnaissance and other duties; with a top speed of 110 m.p.h. and equipment which includes four 20-pound bombs it is more formidable than many of the machines which were employed on the western front during Ihe 1914-18 war. The Norwegian contract follows closely ■on the announcement of the Brazilian government’s order for fifteen “Moth” trainers, and has a similar background of fierce international competition followed tor the triumphant- emergence of the British product.