The Waikato Times MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1940 SEEKING SUPERIORITY IN AIR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21225, 23 September 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1940 SEEKING SUPERIORITY IN AIR

Suggestions that Britain may be permitted to purchase some o. the United States’ “Flying Fortress” bombers, the most powerful warplanes in the world, have excited keen interest. There is nothing official about the United States response so far. When the matter v-as referred to the British Ambassador at Washington he commented, “I wish it were true.” It will be remembered that the proposal to transfer 50 destroyers to Britain became known originally as a rumour.” If American opinion was prepared to sanction such a transfer it may not be too much to hope that the giant Boeing bombers might yet be made available to Britain. The matter was discussed in the United States Senate, when isolationist” senators “accused” President Roosevelt of negotiating for the sale of the Flying Fortresses. It is now admitted that Britain has asked for some of the 59 machines already in service and for improved models. The importance of the Flying Fortresses is tnat they have a speed of 37G miles an hour and can fly over vast distances at an altitude difficult to attain by fighter planes. The machine itself weighs 22 tons and it can carry four 2000-pound bombs, and is armed with five machine-guns. Possession of such machines would give Britain a great superiority in range and power over any enemy plane. It would render the bombing of distant objectives such as Italy a comparatively simple matter. No doubt Britain is building machines of comparable performance, but the essence of the contract at the moment is speed in production, and purchase from the United States would be a great advantage. Even if the purchase of the bombers already in service cannot be negotiated there seems to be no good reason why Britain should not arrange to acquire new machines from the Boeing Company. It is just possible that there are secrets in connection with the construction of the machine with which the United States Government would be reluctant to part, but so far a very gratifying readiness to assist even with enormously valuable patent devices has been shown. America is fortunately aware that everything she does to strengthen British arms is adding to her own defence, and it is to be hoped that spirit will prevail in the negotiations for the Flying Fortresses. It has been noted that Germany has had very few surprises to offer in the way of improved types of aircraft. For twelve months the same stock models, efficient though they may be, have been pitted against a wider variety of British machines. The reason is not far to seek. Quantity was Germany’s first aim. She wanted thousands of aeroplanes, and there was only one means of getting them—mass production. Her industry has been laid down with that end in view, and to vary the types would mean loss of quantity in production through disorganisation of the plants. Manufacture for Britain’s air force is spread over several countries, and with the chance to select from America’s best a further advantage is gained. Germany hoped to end the war quickly by sheer weight of numbers. If the struggle is prolonged the tide in the air must inevitably turn against her.