300 M.P.H. FIGHTER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 156, 20 July 1937, Page 7

300 M.P.H. FIGHTER

-Press Assii.-

Formidable New Aeroplane "FLYING FORTRESS"

(Bv Telegraph-

— Copyright.)

NEW YORK, July 18. Tho Times' Washington correspondeiit says the Army has purchased a lowwinged twin-engined pursuit monoplane which is believed to be the fastest military aircraft in the world. It is capable of a sustained speed o± more than 300 miles an hour with a imilitary load ineluding five of a crew, of whom'three operate six guns capable of being fired in all directions and 'mounted in two fighting cockpits, starboard and port, with a free front field tof fire and observation uninterrupted by jthe propeller or engine. The machine also carries light bombs, ;a radio man and pilot. It is so radical in design, violent in striking power' and capable of such j speed in climbing that new tactics must |be devised in order to use it to the best •advantage. i Its hugeness enables the crew to exjchange stations, and to confer with each J other while in flight telephones connect .the crew with all compartments, which |are heated for performance at an alti;tude of more than 30,000 feet. Petrol jis storCd in a compartment in the wing, 'thus reducing fire hazard. . After experimental flights the monoplane is being sent to Langley Field, '."Virginia, for mock battles with the flying fortrcsses hitherto regarded as the most formidable machines in the Air Force.