NEW ENGINES OF WARFARE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 15 December 1925, Page 9

NEW ENGINES OF WARFARE.

Amphibious Tank Invented. OPERATIONS OPEN UP WIPE VISTA. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 14, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 13. The “Daily Telegraph’s” military critic reveals an important military invention by Major Martel, of the Royal Engineers, who served with the Tank Colps during the war. Tlie invention consists of a 1-man tank, which has astonishing agility. Major Martel conceived the idea at tho beginning of 1925. He built a trial machine in his own garage during his spare time. The Morris Motor Company is now constructing three machines, one 1-man and two 2-men tanks. They will be constructed mainly of ordinary car components, costing £4OO each. The machine has been tested with remarkable results. Embarked aboard a naval launch, fitted with a sloping ramp, attached to the stem, the launch fan inshore as far as possible, anchored and let down the ramp, on which the 1-man tank “waded” ashore on to the mud and shingle beach triumphantly.

The critic adds that the success oi this amphibious operation opens up a wade vista. Those remembering the Gallipoli landing, can only mourn its birth in 1925 instead of 1915.

The machine is only 4ft. wide, Bft. long, sft. high. It can go almost anywhere it is possible to pack an animal through the woods and hill tracks, or over soft marshy ground, on which tho pressuro is only 21bs. to the square inch.

ANOTHER FLYING MONSTER. THOUSAND HORSE-POWER GIANT. By Cable—f’ress Association. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cabi# Association. LONDON, December 13. Tho new giant 1000 li.p. flying boat, built of stainless steel by the Air Force, and measuring 30 yards across the wings, has been launched, and ascended at Lytham, whence it flew to Portsmouth.