FASTEST MILITARY AIRCRAFT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20784, 20 July 1937, Page 7

FASTEST MILITARY AIRCRAFT

AMERICA’S FORTRESSES IN THE AIR

WORLD’S MOST DEADLY MACHINES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 19, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 18. The Washington correspondent of “The Times” says: The army has purchased a low-winged twin engined pursuit monoplane, which is believed to be the fastest military aircraft In the world. It is capable of a sustained speed of more than 300 miles an hour with a military load including a crew of five, of whom three operate six guns, capable of being fired in all directions, and mounted on two fighting cockpits, starboard and port, with a free front field for fire and observation, uninterrupted by the propeller or the engine. The machine also carries light bombs, a radio operator, and a pilot. New Tactics Needed The plane is so radical in design, violent in striking power, and capable of such speed In climbing, that new tactics must be devised In order to use it. The best advantage of the machine is its hugeness, which enables the crew to exchange stations and to confer with each other while in flight. Telephones connect the crew with all compartments which are heated for performance at an altitude of more than 30,000 feet.

The petrol is stored in a compartment in the wing, thus reducing fire hazard.

After experimental flights the monoplane is being sent to Langley Field (Virginia) for mock battles with the flying fortresses hitherto regarded as the most fbrmidabl: in the air force.

In April, the United States Army Air Corps announced that a 20-ton bomber, described as the largest and most powerful military aeroplane constructed in the world was nearly complete at the Boeing factory, Seattle. The machine had been under construction for three years. The details were a military secret. Officers said it will startle the world with Its altitude ability. The bomber was described as a flying fortress.

INADEQUATE AIR DEFENCES EMPHASISED BY MYSTERY PLANE OVER LONDON United Press Association-Bv EUctrir Telegraph -ipht LONDON, July 18. Tlie mystery aeroplane again flew over London after midnight on Sunday. “The Referee” declared that the pilot, without disclosing his name, telephoned officials of the Defence Department:— "To-night, to demonstrate the inadequacy of Britain’s air defences, I am going to drop flour bombs on the House of Commons and St. Paul’s Cathedral.”