NEW FLYING SHIPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 May 1921, Page 6

NEW FLYING SHIPS.

NOT MERE FLYING BOATS.

ABLE TO REMAIN AT SEA FOR MONTHS.

The reason why it was decided by the British Government to abandon the use of airships as scouts with the Fleet is now apparent. Aeroplanes of new types, machines which are really small ships with wings added, are now being built to the order of the Government. The essential of their construction is that their builders should first provide a long, light slender hull which is strong enough not merely to float on any protected water, but also ride out rough waves just like an ocean-going ship.

It is the intention that these new flying ships shall put to sea with the Fleet and stay out with it exactly as though they were all weather surface craft. They will be so staunchly built, so seaworthy as well as airworthy, that they will not require a “mother ship.” TO GO ANYWHERE.

When not flying ahead of the Fleet, and acting as its “eyes,” they will “taxi” along on the water, driven by their air propellers, and keep company with the war vessels wherever the latter go. Apart from their flying gear, they will qarry lights, (anchors, and foghorns, the latter for use on the surface of the water in fog. It is stated that these hybrid craft, part ship and part ’plane, will be able to remain with a Fleet at sea for weeks or even months.

MR. CHURCHILL’S AIRSHIPS OFFER.

In reply to Mr. Churchill’s offer to give away six airships and equipment provided they were used for experiments in the development of commercial flying, a private company has written to the Air Ministry expressing willingness to take them.