FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 254, 7 August 1937, Page 9

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA.

NON-STOP VENTURE ROYAL AIR FORCE BOMBER. LONDON, July 17. A non-stop flight from England to Australia is being planned by the British Air Ministry for the autumn. The distance in a straight line is approximately 8500 miles—l7so miles more than the world long-distance record just established by the Russian airmen, who flew from Moscow to San Jacinto, California. It is expected to complete the flight, within 55 hours. An average speed of 220 miles an Ijour is expected of the Bristol Blenheim—which it is proposed to use.. This machine is capable of a speed of 350 miles an hour, and of reaching an altitude of 50.000 ft., which would enable to fly over the Himalayas without deviation. A crew of three will probably be carried and a bunk will be provided for resting. An automatic pilot will greatly relieve the physical work of the fliers. The motors of the Blenheim are supercharged to 50.000 feet, enabling the machine to fly indefinitely at enormous altitudes. Bristol motors were used in the last four altitude records. Two squadrons of Bristol Blenheims are on order for the Royal Australian Air Force, together with a number of reserve machines. The total ordei; ?s possibly 36 machines, and not fewer than 24. Outstanding among the long-range bombing aeroplanes of the world, the Bristol Blenheim, with which it is proposed to fly non-step from England to Australia, is one of the most recent additions to the range of machines used by the Royal Air Force. The Blenheim is a swin-engined medium bomber,. and its performance, full details of which may not yet be revealed, is stated to he superior to that of the Bristol Mercury engines, are used, delivering nearly 1500 Horse-power, and they drive De Havilland variable pitch air-screws Particular interest attaches to the forthcoming flight of tho Blenheim, is it is thought likely that machines of this type may ultimately comprise t. major part of New Zealand s air defence equipment. It was stated recently, however, by the Minister of Defence, tho Hon. F. Jones, that no orders had been placed, and that lie was not able to discuss tho matter.