GERMAN AVIATION ENTERPRISE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 42, 12 November 1921, Page 7

GERMAN AVIATION ENTERPRISE

DEVELOPMENT OF GLIDERS. Mr. Hfedley ’ Page, the well-known aviation expert, has just returned from Germany, and has brought with him some very interesting information concerning Gefma.'ny’s'latest'Viteps in aviation enterprise, says the London “Financier” of September 5. Under the armistice terms Germany was not allowed to install engine* in its aircraft. Paralysed in this direction. German aeroplane constructors have turned their attention to the development of aircraft with no engine propelling power, and jaro at present experimenting, and -producing substantial results, with various forms ef gliders. Mr. Handley Pago was astonished and impressed with what ho saw. and although this return to an_oaj-]y stage in the growth of flying cannot ba considered revolutionary he regards it ns important and possessing considerable possibilities. , , ~ It is significant also that the experiments are being directed not so much to achieve immediate results, but rather to research and the establishment of basic scientific principles. Mr. Handley Page collected his information principally, at Gersfeld, situated in the Rhon district, on the Bavarian border, a region free from trees and noted for its winter sports. Here something in the nature of a competition in soaring and glider flights is being carried out, and about 45 entries, representative of many scientific and mauufacturisS. interests have been secured. The experiments arc conducted quite openly before spectators from various nations. (The method of launching machines for a flight was very The machine was placed on a suitnoly-seleet cd piece of sloping g ciuid. Round tho chassis legs was passed a rope, to the ends of which were attached lengths ot stout rubber. To .achieve the launch three men strained Iho rubber cord, which, when it had reached necessary tension, was released, and (the machine shot away as from a catapult.