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Aviation History
1948
1948 - 2208.PDF
766 FLIGHT DECEMBER 30TH, 1948 have gone into production. . This applies to fighters. Of new jet-propelled bombers there is still no news, a fact which has given rise to some uneasiness. Several world's records fell to British machines during the year, and there are several others which could easily be tackled. For instance, the world's speed record for seaplanes would be within easy reach of the Saro S.R. Ai. The record over 100-km. closed circuit was beaten three times during the year. First by S/L. Waterton on a Gloster Meteor, at 542.94 m.p.h. Then by Mr. Lith- gow on a Vickers-Supermarine Attacker, at 564.881 m.p.h., and finally by Mr. John Derry, who averaged 605.23 m.p.h. on a de Havilland D.H.108 with swept- back wings. Another de Havilland machine raised the world's alti- tude record to 59,492ft. This was a modified Vampire, piloted by G/C. John Cunningham, and although less spectacular than the closed-circuit record, it is of greater practical value in connection with jet-propelled fighter aircraft, which have to reach great altitudes for bomber interception. Even the standard Vampire is known to be particularly good at altitude, retaining its pleasant handling characteristics and manoeuvrability at heights, due to the relatively low span-loading. At the S.B.A.C. Display at Farnborough in Septem- ber the outward and visible results of the British aircraft industry's genius were patent to every visitor. The industry's contribution to our exports has been such as to give cause for great satisfaction. In spite of a late start, the present small British rotary- wing industry has done remarkably well during the year. It has produced the world's fastest helicopter, as well as the world's largest, and the experimental mail service operated by the B.E.A. Helicopter Unit has provided valuable experience for future application. Discipline and DemocracyN ATION-WIDE attention has been drawn to shortcomings in the Royal Air Force by the recent Flight articles by Air Chief Marshal Sir Philip Joubert, quoted extensively in the National Press. That different Dailies should stress different aspects of these articles was natural enough, but on the whole the Press CONTENTS Outlook Review of 1948 - .... Here and There Australia's First Carrier .... Tandem Trainers - Casual Commentary - Civil Aviation News - Windmills or Jets Turbine Travel Correspondence - - .... Service Aviation ------ Forthcoming Events page 790 76S 767 775 777 780 781 782 786 788 790 791 has given a fair summary of the main points in Sir Philip's arguments. It was not to be expected that our own readers would all agree with the Air Chief Marshal. Our Corre- spondence pages since the publication of the articles have disclosed differing views, and others, for which we have not been able to find space, will be published in subse- quent issues. One of the shortcomings stressed by Sir Philip was that #f discipline. "What we want," he wrote, "is more and not less discipline, but it must be administered by officers and non-commissioned officers who have been trained properly in the art of man management." How right Sir Philip is was shown the other day, when complaints were made to the S.o.S. at a R.A.F. station that visits by V.I.P.s interfered with the Naafi break! That any member of the R.A.F. can be so narrow- minded passes understanding. The incident is a good match for the " strike " at Hal ton some time ago, when the boys were annoyed because they were not permitted to slouch around in effeminate haircuts. That discipline is sometimes of a misguided sort can be accepted, but that merely proves Sir Philip's contention that officers and n.c.o.s must be properly trained to look after their men, a fact which does not appear to be realized by the authorities. A 1949 MODEL : The first Armstrong Whitworth Apollo—one of numerous important British aircraft scheduled for completion and testing next year—on the stocks at Baginton. Four Armstrong Siddeley Mambas are being fitted ; thus the Apollo will be first trans- port aircraft in the world to fly with axial-flow turboprop power units. I 3 2
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