SHOT FROM CATAPULT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2746, 17 June 1924, Page 4

SHOT FROM CATAPULT.

ROCKET PLANES AT 400 MILES AN HOUR.

FRANCE’S SECRET

London, June 2

Jules Verne’s story of the journey to the moon will not seem so fnnlastie if the In lest French design of rochet aeroplane is perfected. The aeronautical correspoiulejit of the London “Daily Mail” discloses a scheme which, if perfected, could translate into fact, Jules Verne’s fantastic story of the journey to the moon. The secret of “rocket aeroplanes” of the French experimental programme include a mail carrying plane possessing neither engine nor propeller. It resembles the machine suggested by Sir Oliver Lodge, which would lie propelled by the ejection at high speed of g~as from the stern.

The hull is fitted with apparatus for producing under pressure in a combustion chamber, gas which is ejected from the tail through nozzles. This ceaseless discharge is calculated to drive the winger “rocket” at an unprecedented speed, probably at nearly 400 miles an hour. The experts realise the riskiness of the experimentation stages, and with this “jet propulsion” lhey will not at first attempt high speed. Willi the view of overcoming the difficulties of ascending and alighting, they will launch the machine by a hydraulic catapult, and arrange for landing upon a skein of elevated wires. Discussing Britain’s purpose in calling an international conference for the limitations of aerial forces, “Popolo d’ltalia” (which says the Milan correspondent of tho “Times,” is supposed to reflect the views of the Italian Air Department) declares that Italy will not favour such a purpose, and that the Italian Government will support its poiyt of view with the argument that aviation is still capable of great development, which must not he prevented. Moreover, says the paper, far from reducing the British air programme, the MacDonald Government is spending more money on it. “Without being particularly alarmed at the aerial preparations of other countries, Italy' cannot, afford to ignore them. She has only recently' begun to develop military aviation and she is determined to bring it up to a standard worthy of her political situation.” The paper concludes by declaring that only when this standard is reached will Italy consider any proposal for an international air conference.