GERMAN SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1933, Page 7

GERMAN SCHEME

FOR A FLOATING AERODROME. PROPOSED BASE IN ATLANTIC. NEW YORK, September 6. j After.many years of prophecy and experimentation, a floating "half-way house’l- for trans-oceana- aeroplanes may soon appear on the Atlanic Ocean be- | tween Africa and South America, a proposed air route linking Beilin a nd leading boutli American cities. The ocean airfield says a bulletin oi the National Geographic Society, will I be the Westfalen, a 5121-ton vessel. ; which has been successfully used in ex- ; pnrimer.ts in the North Sea. It na* been constructed especially to serve as j a floating island by a (German air

transport company, which owns and operates many of Germany’s leading air lines.

The proposed air route on which the Westfalen will be used will bring Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and other cities of South America within five days’ flying time of Berlin. The first, section of thj route lies between Berlin and Cadiz, Spain ; the second between Cadiz and Bathurst, Gambia, on the west coast of Africa; and the third will be the 1950-mile transatlantic section between Bathurst and Pm 'ambuco (Recife), eastevmost city of tin South American continent.

i Waterplanes will he used on the second and third sections. The canary Islands form an emergency landing place for the second section. Between Bathurst and Pernambuco, However, the Atlantic Ocean is without islands, and the Westfalen will he anchored somewhere between these cities. The Wesf'alen, according to those who have flown the South Atlantic, will he more satisfactory than a “floating island” of non-ship type, because it , will not be permanently anchored. 'Jt will so to the assistance of stranded aeroplanes at the rate of 12-J knots. I A floating stage attached to the rear | of the vessel will afford landing places | for passengers. Cranes are' provided to I lift planes aboard, and a catapult will send them on their way again. The vessel will be equipped with radio .and light beacons and will carry a supply of emergency rations, oil and fuel, and a repair shop with a complete supply of parts for the type of aeroplanes to be used on the route.

.While Bathurst- has not been in the spotlight in transatlantic flights, Pernambuco has been prominent as an air floor to South America from the east. Inhabitants of Pernambuco were the first neople on the Smith American continent to moor the Zeppelin ; afi-l many intrepid -European aeroplane pilots who have scanned the South Atlantic have entered the continent by way - of this city.