AEROPLANES

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 219, 12 April 1933, Page 2

AEROPLANES

Details of Wide Use

In view of the wide, interest, iu the Aero Chib a local enthusiast has contributed an interesting and instm’ctive article on planes and their uses, especially in regard to the defence of a country, and it is also indicated that landing grounds in close proximity to one another are a moat desirable asset.

Touching the progress of the aeroplane the article states that in 1903 to 1906 flights of under 1000 feet were made. By 1909, however, flights of 33 to 100 miles were made —rapid progress in a remarkably short time. Recently a British plane flew 5340 miles from England to near Capo Town. Jn other words the plane flew halfway from England to New Zealand. Coming closer it means that the machine has a range without refuelling from Singapore, Shanghai, Japan or Southern California to New Zealand. Not only has the range of machines increased to such an extent but speed has gone from 27.2 m.n.h. to 368.8 m.p.h.

Planes in War In wai' aeroplanes arc used for a variety of purposes, su’ch as reconnaisanco, spotting for artillery, bombing, protection of smaller aircraft engaged on important missions, to prevent enemy aeroplanes from carrying out observation, fighting enemy aircraft, sacking enemy aerodromes. Troop-car-rying planes flying low also take part in ground fighting, attacking troops with bombs and light machine-guns, spotting and attacking submarines and surface vessels. Apart from war purposes and passenger flying aeroplanes can be used for aerial surveying, two being at present engaged on this purpose at present to aid climbers in their attempt on Mt. Everest. Geological, irrigation, settlement, engineering, polar exploration—all these problems have been investigated by the plane. Commercial Use In the commercial world materials for the erection of buildings and mining apparatus have been carried from the sea coast to places inland, where roads arc impassable. If the best use of a number of planes co-ordinated into a squadron is to be made it is essential to have rapid and reliable means of communication. To-day this is done by telephone, but the proximity of suitable landing grounds is also an important factor in warfare and the lack of such impairs the efficiency of movement m case of short supplies, forced landings, bad weather conditions and the. like. Aircraft can work in practically any weather except snow, fog or a hurricane. Low clouds are a hindrance to reconnaisance, but to bombers a help. A few of those difficulties arc overcome on a regular route by directional wireless. The ideal conditions are rapid concentration at points for upsetting the nerves of the enemy b> attacking in quick succession at widely different spots. The only way to stop hostile aircraft operating is to go over and attack them. Waiting as on the defensive is impossible, as planes cannot wait in the air nor can they wait on the ground. Aeroplanes are highly specialised and each type pan only ‘be used for its special mission, otherwise inefficient work will be the result. „ Some of the types are as follow: Co-operation Machines.— Light two or three-seaters used for artillery cooperation, reconnaisance, photography, intcr-commuaicatioii. Fighting Machines— Single-seaters. Heavy Bombers. —Usually long-dis-tance machines, multiple engines, two or more seaters. Troup Carriers.— After the style of bombers. „ . ~ ~, Night Bombers— Tn this case spud is sacrificed tor loads.