IRIS II
'VYjORLD’S BIGGEST FLYING BOAT. LONDON, Aug. 4. The world’s largest flying-boat, Iris 11, was launched in the River Humber this week. The machine, which lias been described as an aerial cruiser, is of all-metal construction and is of 2100 horse-power. There is accommodation for a crew of five, wltole the navigator’s cockpit is similar to a captain’s cabin in a steamer. The vessel will he able to keep aloft for I t hours, bat she can cruise on water or remain at her moorings for nine months out of twelve. Rising majestically from tho surface of the River Humber at Brough, the Iris made a graceful flight immediately after she was launched from her hangar. The machine was brought out of her hangar shortly before 8 a.m* and carried on her cradle to the slipway. A small army of workmen and mechanics piloted her to tho slipway, and she eventually glided down tho declivity and gently entered the water. There was not the slightest hitch when her c-radle was detached. and the huge flying-boat dashed away with a mighty roar, as her pilot brought her engines into action. After circling round the aerodrome and spending about twenty minutes in the air. she made a. graceful descent. Among those present were Major Beanie, the designer. He comes of a family of famous engineers. He has been engaged in designing flying-boats since 1914. Several officers of the Royal Air Force, including SquadronLeader Scott, Flight-Lieutenant Sawyer, and Flying-Officer Dipple. i\ho are to take the new machine to the air station at Felixstowe (Suffolk), where the final tests will be made, were also present. It. is reported to be the intention of a prominent representative of the Government to make the first flying cruise in the new ship. The Iris dwarfed all the other aircraft at Brough, and it is probable that she is big enough for a Moth aeroplane to alight on her hack. It is believed that her allmetal hull will prevent a water soakage of 6001 b. The hull takes the place oF the floats on a seaplane.
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Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1927, Page 3
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349IRIS II Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1927, Page 3
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