BRITISH BIPLANE.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 401, 7 April 1937, Page 2

BRITISH BIPLANE.

WEATHER EFFECTS Efficient Operation Desired in All Climates. A British military aeroplane has been handed over by the Air Ministry to the Royal Canadian Air Force in Ottawa, ito be subjected to cold weather trials. The machine is a Hawker Hart 1 Biplane, fitted with one of the neW Bristol Perseus sleeve-valve engines, the design of which eliminates ordinary poppet valve and valve springs, and makes for great simplicity and ease of maintenance. Royal Air Force sci/adrons are liable to be sent abroad at times of crisis at short notice with aircraft not specifically detigned for the conditions of extreme heat or cold in which they mighjt find themselves, writes the air correspondent of the ‘Evening News.” It is of the most importance fthere fore that all R.A.F. aircraft thould be capable of efficient operation in all climaltes. For Tropical Tests. For tests in tropical conditions, machines are sent for experiment to R.A.F. squadrons permanently stationed abroad. But, for tests in very cold conditions, it has been necessary to enlist the aid of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Hawker Hart- biplane is pro vided with a ti amp; rent hood over the two open cockpits, and heat from the engine exhauslt is used to warm the cabin thus formed for the crew The necessity for the crew being comfortable in conditions of very cold, high altiiiude flying is lecognised, and the lessons of these experiments will be embodied in the