SPEED RECORD

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1931, Page 5

SPEED RECORD

TRIUMPH FOR AIRMAN AND ENGINE DESIGNER.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, September 30

The amazing speed of over 415 miles per hour was reached by Stainforth, establishing a new world air speed record in a sea-plane, with a specially-tuned Rolls-Royce engine. His average speed was 408.8 miles per hour, and this is an increase of no less than 51 miles per hour on the existing world speed record, 357.7 miles per hour, which was established two years ago by Squadron-Leader Orlebar.

The speeds achieved have given special satisfaction to the engineers and designers of the Rolls-Royce and Supermarine Companies, who contributed considerably to the triumph. One man who shared the congratulations showered on Stainforth was A. J. Mitchell, a young and brilliant designer, who was mainly responsible for the engine which had given such a wonderful result. .

The chief reasons for the improvement on Stainforth’s previous attempt earlier in the month were that the engine had been tuned up from 2300 to 2560 horse-power. A slight alteration in wing design had been made, and IStainforth’s experience in diving before entering the level course had been effectively applied.

Although the new record is likely to stand for some time, British highspeed research will continue. Stainforth, at his own request, is to become the test pilot at the Royal Air Force establishment at Farnborough. In view of Stainforth’s remarkable success, the Air Ministry proposes to rest on its laurels until other nations approach the existing records. It is confidently believed that the new record will stand to the credit of (Britain for a considerable time to come. Stain forth's new average speed js equivalent to 657.76 kilometres per hour.

Stain forth reached five hundred miles an hour in his dives. The fact that lie had to flatten out within a hundred and fifty feet of the sea shows the superb handling, as a half second's error in reaction would have meant death.

The film from the camera gun-tim-ing apparatus, on which the flight was recorded, was developed early this morning, and after the speeds had been worked out and checked, they were communicated to Stainforth who at 4 a.m. was awaiting the result in the officers’ mess as Galshot. When the figures were announced, Stainforth showed no signs of elation, but casually continued the game he was playing. The conditions were only fairly fav-

ourable when he climbed into the cockpit of the remarkable little supermarine craft. The visibility was only three miles, and he needed twice that distance 'to see' ’ Ins ' marks antr be"snre‘ of his line on every run up to the course. Consequently, instead of landmarks, he had to use cloud lines to fix his position and direction. Having started his engine (the most powerful aero engine ever construated, giving 2,560 horse power' Stain forth was off the water and in the air in 43 seconds. The engine had never previously been -flown, and no engine had ever used the special fuel mixture which had been designed for it. Stainforth thus had his first try-out of hig cratt. Satisfied with the test, he climbed to the permitted 1300 feet, took a true line, and swooped steeply down to 15 metres height, flattened out, with full throttle roaring, to race along the course five times. Stainforth, displaying superb judgment in dives and direct-on, and complete confidence in his machine, repeated this performance, then sweeping widely over iSpithead and the Solent, as though to make the most of what may be his last flight at such speeds. He alighted easily and gracefullv. 'He was brought ashore, smiling and content, his face covered with oil and spray, and was greeted by his wife and brother officers and technicians.

LADY HOUSTON ENTHUSES

LONDON, September 30

Lady Houston telegraphed Stainforth as follows; “We English are now the supreme masters of the air, and we intend to remain so, because our airmen are the bravest and the ■most glorious that the world has ever produced. God bless you !’’