RUSSIA'S BIG BIPLANES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 73, 26 July 1915, Page 4

RUSSIA'S BIG BIPLANES.

Kecent cablegrams from the Russian front have alluded to "giant" aeroplanes, aii<] many people who were impressed by the accounts published in the autumn of 1913 and the spring of 1911 of the Sikorsky biplane and its flights over Petrograd must have wondered why we have heard so little of these gigantic machines during thewar. It was reported a year ago thai a considerable number had been ordered by the Russian Government, and on the strength of the performances of the llya Monroinets, whoso name has been given to the type, there was every reason to hope for some notable achievements when they took the field. They appear at length to be getting to work, though we have no idea how many of them are in activity. Different statements have been made regarding these great aircraft, but assuming—which is improbable—that they are no bigge;- than the original llya Mouromets l , their dimensions are approximately as follow: Length ti.jft. span 121 ft, bearing surface sq, ft., gap between wings, 9ft., weight 3J tons. There are four engines, with a total horse-power given variously as 100, 500, and 000. It is claimed that two engines can be put out of action without thereby causing an accident. A year ago, with -100 horse-power, the Mya -Mouromets carried a useful weight of a little over one ton l.Vcwt.. besides nearly Scut, of fuel and oil. She flew for over 1} hours with 10 passengers, and for over two hours with the ordinary crew of eight. The accommodation on board the llya Mouromets was of a palatial description. The forepart of the metal fuselage was covered in for a distance of 28ft., and in this space were first the pilot's cabin, with dual control arrangements, then a saloon capable of holding 15. passengers, then a sleeping compartment and small lavatory. There were large windows in front and along the side, and small windows in the floor for observation and photographic purposes. The rooms wwc heated by the exhaust from the engines, and lit with electricity.