FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 214, 10 August 1937, Page 4

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA

NON-STOP VENTURE. ROYAL Alll FORCE BOAIBER. A non-stop flight from England to Australia is being planned hy the British Air Alinistry for tile autumn. Tho distance in a straight line is approximately 8500 miles—l7so miles more than the world long-distance record just established by the Russian airmen, who flew from Aloscow to San Jacinto. California. It is expected to complete the flight within 55 hours. An average speed of 220 miles an hour is expected of the Royal Air Force bomber —probably a Bristol Blenheim—which it is proposed to use. This machine is capable of a speed of 350 miles an hour, and of reaching an altitude of 50.000 ft., which would enable it to fly over the Himalayas without deviation. A crew of three will probably be carried and a bunk will be provided for resting. An automatic pilot will greatly relieve the physical work of the fliers, ' " The motors of the Blenheim are super-charged to 50.000 feet, enabling the machine to fly - indefinitely at enormous altitudes. Bristol motors were used in the last four altitude records.

Two squadrons of Bristol Blenheims are on order for ilie Royal Australian Air Force, together with n number of reserve machines. The total order is possibly 36 machines, and not fewer than 24.

Outstanding among tho long-range bombing aeroplanes of tho world, the Bristol Blenheim, with which it is proposed to fly non-stop from England to Australia, is one of the most recent additions to the range of machines used hy the Royal Air Force. The Blenheim is a twin-engined medium bomber, and its performance, full details of which may not yet he revealed, is stated to be superior to that of the majority of single-seater fighters. Two Bristol Alcrcury engines are used, delivering ncjarlv 1500 horsepower, and they drive De Havillund variable pitch air-screws. Particular interest attaches to the forthcoming flight, of tho Blenheim, as it is thought likely that machines of this type may ultimately comprise a major part of New Zealand’s air defence equipment. It was stated recently, however, bv the Alinistcr of Defence. Hon. F. Jones, that no orders had been placed, and that he was not able to discuss the matter.