SKY-LIZZIES

Shannon News, 25 November 1924, Page 4

SKY-LIZZIES

'MASS-PRODUCTION BY MR FORD.

The next great landmark in aviation is to be a mass-produced- light plane, tinned out in thousands by Mr Henry Ford (writes an aviation correspondent.) Mr Ford has been having long conferences with aeroplane designers. Machines have been flown for his inspection,. Ha has examined a number of aeroJ&oii SunsaflSns ‘saujJSue lessened,With a view to quantity probe simplified, and their working parts duction.

It is proposed to "mass-produce” a little monoplane. It is to have folding wings, and every possible facility for rapid assembling and dismantling, and for housing in any ordinary shed. Automatic Stability.

Mr Ford is said to have come to. the conclusion, after long consideration, that the time is now rip e for the production of a little air machine which is safe enuogh, simple enough, and cheap enough to be employed' universally as a vehicle of transport The stability of the air Ford will be practically automatic. Even in the hands of a novice w. will b e almost “fool-proof.” A previous peril in flying—that 61 "staling” a machine in mid-air, with a consequent dive or spin—will oe practically eliminated in the Ford oi the Even" should its driver lose flying speed and came almost to a stanastill in th e air, all tht will happen is that the machine will'sink down a little and then begin to glide forward again. For Tradesmen. One of the striking features of the machine "will be its ability to ascend quickly from any small open space, while it will land so slowly and pun up so rapidly that owners will be able almost to alight "in their own back gardens.” Another suggestion is that there should be an "air-van” typ e of Fora for the use of tradesmen .and storekeepers who are called upon to deyvgoods in scattered rural districts. The selling price of sky-Fords nas not vet been fixed. Much will depend upon the cost oi mass-producing . a suitable aeroengine. , But it-is certain that these little 'machines will be remarkably cheap.