LONG DISTANCE RECORD

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1929, Page 11

LONG DISTANCE RECORD

BRITISH ’TEST PLANNED

NAPIER MONOPLANE ON TRIAL

THE PRINCE OF WALES FLIES. British Wireless. Rugby, Dec. 4. The Prince of Wales took part in one of the final test flights of a huge Napier long-range aeroplane, in which two Air -Force officers, Squadron-Leader Jones-Williams and Flying Officer Jenkins, are to attempt this month to create a new long-distance record. The Prince made a flight of some hours and for a time took over the controls, it being the first occasion he had piloted a machine of this size.

The monoplane which' yesterday was flown to the aerodrome at Cronwell, Lincolnshire, from Northolt, will fly in a straight line to South Africa, 0000 miles distant, and it is hoped the pre-, sent world’s non-stop flight record of 4900 miles will be broken. The machine will carry more fuel than on its non-stop flight to India last spring, and will this time be equipped with a special compact wireless set, which will enable the airmen to keep in contact and record the progress of the flight. The machine’s aneroid will be equipped with a contrivance which gives audible warning when it descends below a certain level. The monoplane has a 530 horse-power Napier engine.-