WORLD'S FIRST JET AIRLINER

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 November 1948, Page 5

WORLD'S FIRST JET AIRLINER

Designed and built in just over two years, the first airliner in the world to be powered by propeller-jet engines, the Vickers Viscount, is one ot the safest aeroplanes ever built.

Its designer, Mr. George Edwards, points out that the degree of safety achieved could only be made possible with propeller-turbines. A combination of low-volatility kerosene fuel and crash tanks carried in the wings reduces lire risk. All units of the nose-wheel type undercarriage are twin-wheeled, eliminating danger in the case of a burst tyre. Full thermal deicing is installed, enabling the aircraft to be flown in the worst weather. Double-slotted flaps ensure safe landings in much smaller aerodromes than are customarily used by airliners of this size—its take oft

weight is 41,0001 b. And all the large elliptical windows in the cabin are emergency exits— a turn of a handle and they are removed. International safety requirements are far exceeded by the Viscount.

However, the average passenger is usually more concerned with the comfort provided, and here again the power plants, four Rolls-Royce Darts, contribute a big part. Flying in the Viscount is a revelation. Noise level tests show that high and low frequency noises come well below the officially rcommended limtations. Virtually no vibration is felt in the cabin. .

Fully pressurised, the first Viscount seats 32 passengers in two saloons. The second prototype will seat 36 passengers and will have the more powerful Napier Naiad prop-jet.