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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0334.PDF
MAY 3, 1928 THREE WORLD'S RECORDS FOR BRITAIN Captain Broad's Splendid Performance in Bad Weather FRIDAY, April 27, 1928, deserves to go down as a red-letterday in the history of British aviation. On that day Capt. Hubert Broad, A.F.C., flying a de Havilland " Hound " fittedwith a Napier Series XI aero engine, established three world's records, carrying a useful load of 1,000 kgs. (2,200 lbs.,or nearly a ton). On the previous day Broad had beaten the the lower wing, a short distance out from the fuselage. Otherswere to be seen under the engine and in various other places inside. With the exception that the rear cockpit had beencovered up (the gun having, of course, been removed) and the bomb racks taken off, the machine appeared little changedfrom its original status as a two-seater general-purpose A RECORD BREAKER : The De Havilland ["FLIGHT" Photograph Hound '' having its Napier Series XI engine warmed up beforethe record flight. world's record for this useful load over a distance of 100 kms., but on Friday evening he was to improve upon his perfor- mance of the day before. The afternoon of April 27 was dull, and with a considerable wind, and it looked as if the weather might get worse instead of better. However, the de Havilland " Hound " was out on the aerodrome being " groomed " for its hard test, and Mr. White went over the course in a " Moth '' to report on the visibility. His report was not very encouraging ; the visi- bility was none too good, although no worse at the Reading end (the other turning point) than at Stag Lane. While the " Hound " was receiving the final touches, one had an opportunity of examining it, and in particular the placing of the numerous lumps of lead which constituted its useful load. Two long cylinders of lead had been placed on machine. The Napier " Lion," Series XI, cannot be referred to in detail at the moment, but when it was started a little later it had a most reassuring roar, and the actual flight subsequently proved that it had both the power and the reliability to see the two hours' flight at full throttle through to a victorious conclusion. As soon as the finishing touches had been given to the machine the " Lion XI " was started, and while it was being warmed up those privileged to be present discussed the prospects. A few drops of rain began to fall. The wind dropped at the same time, it is true, but the visibility became steadily worse. However, Broad was determined to go through with the attempt, and when the engine had been warmed up he taxied out to the far corner of the aerodrome, turned around, and opened his engine. The " Hound " • • • • • • • • • • • • • a. a n a n a n Three New World's Records: The Napier Aero Engine, SeriesXI, which was fitted in Capt. Broad's De Havilland "Hound." D • • • D a • 298
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