GIANT FLYING-BOAT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 159, 26 September 1927, Page 12

GIANT FLYING-BOAT

LAUNCHING OF IRIS 11. OVER 2,000 HORSEPOWER The world’s .largest flying-boat, Iris 11., was launched in the River Humber recently. The machine, which has been described as an aerial cruiser, is of all-metal construction and is of 2,100 horse-power. There is accommodation for a crew of five, while the navigator’s cockpit is similar to a captain’s cabin in a steamer. The vessel will be able to keep aloft for 14 hours, but she can c:*uise on water or remain at her moorings for nine months out of 12. Rising majestically fiOm the surface of the Rive? Humber at Brough, the Iris made a graceful flight immediately after sh 3 was launched from her hangar. Th 3 machine was brought out of her hangar shortly before 8 a.m., and carried on her cradle to the slipway. A small army of workmen and mechanics piloted her to the slipway, and she eventually glided down the declivity and gently entered the water. There was not the slightest hitch when her cradle was detached, and the huge flying-boat dashed away with a mighty roar, as her pilot brought her engines into action. After circling round the airdrome and spending about 20 minutes in the air, she made a graceful descent. Among those present were Major Rennie, the designer. He comes of a family of famous engineers. He has been engaged in designing flying-boats since 1914. Several officers of the Royal Air Force, including Squadron-Leader Scott, Fliglit- Lieutenant Sawyer, and Flying-Officer Dipple, who are to take the new machine to the air station at Felixstowe, Suffolk, where the final tes ts will be made, were also present. It is reported to be the intention of a prominent representative of the Government to make the first flying cruise in the new ship. The Iris dwarfed all he other aircraft at Brough, and i: is probable that she is big; enough for a Moth airpiane to alight on her Hack. It is believed that he;* all-metal Hull will prevent a water soakage of 60i»lb. The hull takes the place of the floats on a seaplane.