RUSSIAN AIR FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1089, 30 March 1911, Page 5

RUSSIAN AIR FLEET.

HEAVY PURCHASES OP AERO- " PLANES. By Telegraph—Press Association— Gopyrieht London, March 28. Three Russian Government agents are visiting a remarkablo aero exhibition at Olympia. They contemplate spending ,£900,000 on 300 war aeroplanes. They have already purchased eight Bristol biplanes, five Farmans, and forty Bleriots. The "Daily Mail" says that Franco during a war could place 300 aeroplanes in the field. Britain has only ten. • Last month France was reported to have over 50, Russia between 30 and 40, and Japan 32 aeroplanes. France- is spending this year upon tho new" a,i'm .£200,000. Germany having obtained the services of Mr. Orville Wright, is not'likely to be left behind. Greece was also reported to have purchased six aeroplanes in Paris for the use of the Greek army. The "Daily Mail," in-an issue to hand this vjeek, said:—"During the ; last fewdays the War Office ha's decided to accept the services of airmen, which have been so long on offer. A list of English airmen is being prepared, and an Air Reserve will be formed. All this means is that men wh6 can fly will place-themselves and their machines at the disposal of ; tho War Office. They will agree to-tnkp part in military operations vyhenever .they may be called .upon to, do so. 'They '.will be given some kind of uniform, l'6r;if'"they were not regularly attached to the Army they would be liable, in the event of capture, to ba shot as civilian, spies. Thay will also be invited to take part in manoeuvres. In fact, there, is'some idea of holding special manoeuvres to test tho value of the aeroplane in<war, of which, strange to say, the War.Office is.-not;'even, yet convinced.''-- •■■• ••' ■-.-. ,;•..-,-