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Aviation History
1929
1929 - 0894.PDF
FLIGHT, MAY 2, 1929 a new world's record, but for all that the flight must go down in history as one of the greatest ever undertaken by a British crew on a British machine. To reach Karachi from England in 50 hours or so against head winds is no mean achievement, especially when regarded in conjunction with our new Imperial air line. The latter regularly operates the route in a week, and the R.A.F. non-stop flight has demonstrated that the distance can be covered in about 50 hours. This does not mean that shortly we shall be able to operate commercially a non-stop service, but it does indicate that with proper ground organisation, lighthouses, wireless stations, etc., there is very good cause for believing that it would be entirely feasible to run a night service, at least over certain portions of the route, thereby shortening the time to probably four days or so. Already the saving in time is such as to make the air mail well worth while, and this will be even more the case when sections of the route beyond Karachi come to be operated by aircraft, when the saving in time to Australia will be corre- spondingly increased. Of other things which the flight has demonstrated, apart from the reliability of British aircraft material, is the fact that navigation under very poor weather conditions is possible. Squadron-Leader Jones- Williams and Flight-Lieut. Jenkins are reported to have stated that for five hours over the Balkans they only twice saw the ground. Yet, as far as is known at present, they kept a very good course, and were not sighted anywhere far from the route which they had intended to take, which shows that " flying by instruments " has now been developed to a degree where it makes long-distance navigation possible. This again is of the greatest importance to the future development of Empire air routes, as well, of course, as to the Royal Air Force for service flying. We do not know whether at the start of the flight there was any intention of trying to beat both the distance and the duration record. Quite possibly there was not, as the Fairey monoplane appears to have been designed for relatively high cruising speed, which is very necessary in a machine intended for long-distance flights, although of no importance if the object is purely duration. Had the latter been aimed at, doubtless the wing area would have been greater, but in that case the machine would not, under the conditions which existed, have reached Karachi. Even as it was, however, the machine remained aloft for about 51 hours, in spite of the fact that the head winds most likely caused the crew to open the throttle a little wider than would have been done had following winds been found. It can be shown theoretically that for maximum range on a given quantity of fuel, it pays to fly faster (as regards airspeed) against a wind, and slower with the wind, and this fact was no doubt taken into consideration by Squadron-Leader Jones-Williams. Thus it may be assumed that under better weather conditions not only the distance, but very likely the duration would have been greater. The present duration record stands at 65 hours 25 minutes, and it is not at all unlikely that the Fairey monoplane could be made to beat both records. At any rate, it was a very excellent attempt, and it is to be hoped that the two R.A.F. officers will attain their desire to be eriven an opportunity for a second attempt. •:• its* •:• Those who have watched closely the developments and tendencies in the British aviation world during the past few months have formed the opinion that this country is on the eve of something in the nature of a " boom." The formation of The National Flying Services, Limited, isBe ^fIthin^ conditional, as regards Government " Boom" support, not only on the training of pilots, but also on the establishment of a number of aerodromes and landing grounds throughout the country. And it is quite certain that an increase in the number of aerodromes will result in a corresponding increase in the number of people who use air transport, be it in the form of commercial use or pleasure flying. When we have progressed so far that every town and city of any consequence has its own aerodrome, then travel by air will be the logical method for all those whose time is of any value. At the same time, aircraft are gradually becoming more and more comfortable and safe, which in turn must have its effect on the travelling public. Thus one may with confidence look forward to the next few years as holding out promise of very considerable aerial activity. Realising this, many of the existing firms are busy at work on new models as well as on established types, while several new firms either have come into being or are about to be formed. Some time ago we announced the formation of the Comper Aircraft Company, whose products will be such as to appeal to the private owner. More recently Mr. Marcel Desoutter has established himself as an aircraft constructor, with works at Waddon, Croydon, and his first type of machine, described and illustrated this week, is one that should appeal not only to the private owner, but also to operators of taxi services, etc. We know of several others who are forming new companies and introducing new types of aircraft, although we are not at liberty at the moment to publish particulars. So that altogether one may claim that the " boom " has started in real earnest. Doubtless many of the new machines will make their appearance at the Olympia Show in July, which will be a little late, perhaps, for getting going during the coming summer, but which nevertheless should realise very substantial additions to Britain's civilian " air fleet " even during the present year. That a I the new firms who are about to begin operation- will necessarily survive is, perhaps, open to doubt. l">ut the rapid development which must result from increased competition cannot fail in the long run to benefit aviation as a whole. The Royal TournamentTHE Royal Tournament, which opens at Olympia on May 23 and runs until June 8, will have this year as itscardinal feature a number of ceremonial displays. Apart from the Guard Mounting by the Navy, Army and AirForce for the reception of Royal Visitors, the ceremonial features will be undertaken by Lancers, Royal Horse Artilleryand Infantry. A special feature this year will be the music which will be provided by the bands of the Royal Air For.. 17/21st Lancers ; Greenwich School ; 1st Bn. Middlesex K* ment, etc., etc. Once again, the Royal Air Force w" « d one of those marvellous drill displays, which will be cx_ ^ p by 200 recruits now undergoing training at ue •• Depot, Uxbridge. This year, " M " Battery, K-H-£-- its farewell Musical Drive display, for it is leaving »*• J Wood Barracks this year. 350
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