AEROPLANE SIX MILE FLIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 184, 25 July 1908, Page 4

AEROPLANE SIX MILE FLIGHT.

M. DELAGRANGE'S RECORD.

M. Delagrange telegraphed from Rome to a Loudon paper on May 27: — As the result of a splendid experiment with my aeroplane early this morning before the King of Italy I beat all my records.

I liew live and a half turns (of the Place d'Amies), equal to a distance of about ten kilometres, or (i miles 370 yards. The apparatus, furnished by the engineer, M. Voisin, consisting of two new vertical surfaces in front, intended to lessen the tendency to heel over during turning movements, worked admirably despite a slijrhft^^hd. The King and IJifeeu arrived on the spot some twenty minutes before me, and bis Majesty spent the time attentively studying the machine. Owing to the lack of warning, my helpers and stores were not ready, and M. Voisin and 1 had to get our supplies of water and petrol and to take the aeroplane from its shed with the help of officers The weather was glorious and the wind slight. At half-past seven we started the motor, My first (light lasted four minutes, and stopped from lack of petrol. His .Majesty mounted his motor-car and rode up to my landingplace to congratulate me in charming phrases. He seemed to be most enthusiastic about the aeroplane, and asked me as to taking photographs of the start, ascent, flight, and other features. With a fresh supply of petrol I made mv second flight, which, according to the chronometer of the Italian oft'cials lasted Omiii. Pisces. In this, which ended for lack of petrol, the six miles were covered at a speed of about forty miles an hour. His Majesty again came to congratulate me and to take more pictures. "You could not have had a more satisfactory trial," he said. The Queen was much interested in the machine. , [ have beaten all records for length of flight. M. Delagrange's first (light _ covered two miles in 4min. The long (light was at a height of six feet. He admits that he never enjoyed better conditions. M. Dclagranpe previously covered six miles, but once touched the ground. His hest clear flight was 2'/. miles in O'/j minutes. Mr. Farman's record distance was 2% milesBui the Wright brothers' flight at Manteo. North Carolina, was about sixmiles in Riuiii., or a slightly higher speed than M. Delagrange's.