AERIAL DEVELOPMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17979, 26 March 1930, Page 5

AERIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WHAT BRITAIN IS DOING,, MINISTER REPLIES TO QUESTIONS, INTERNATIONAL POOLING OF IDEAS (Official Wireless.) (Received March 20, 11.55 a.m.) RUGBY', March 25. When the air estimates were considered on the report stage, Sir Samuel Hon re, who was Air Minister in the late Government, put a number of questions. He said lie did not wish to enter info any controversy as to whether the Government’s decision not to 'compete again for the Schneider Cup was wise or not, but he wished to know whether the experiments were still 'being made with high speed machines ? lie also wished to know what had been done with regard to auto-gyro machines. Right Hon. F. Montague, Undersecretary for Air, in replying, said the Air Ministry realised the importance of research work. Regarding high speed flights, this would go on at Felixstowe, where high speed officers had posts, and they would carry out, with the aid of the Gloucester machines, which took part in the Schneider Cup contest, further research work, which would be as valuable as work done previous to that race. Tlie auto-gyro flying boat was still under development, and a new- autogyro boat would probably be ordered in 1930, to embody all the experience obtained up to date. For a great many service purposes, however, a flying boat of that description would hardly be suitable. The new types'-of flying boats included a boat- heavier than the Southampton, which had been introduced into the service. With regard to gliders, Mr Montague believed the principal requirement for their development was an up-current of air, and this country was not so suitable for flying them as Germany, or other places on the Continent, but. nevertheless, there was some development in connection with gliding machines. With regard to international pooling of ideas of research, this principle had been carried out. The aeronautical research committee of the United States had been in close touch with Ibis country, and the development of Riot airship was carried through to a great extent in close touch with airship development and airship experience in other countries, especially la Germany.