Radio for Aircraft

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 32, 21 February 1930, Page 3

Radio for Aircraft

Lesson of. R100 Durine ‘the past week ‘testimony has been .borne to the value of radio as a means of guiding aircraft. The utility of wireless in this connection is well recognised. in England, Europe and the United States and tha ease of the :British airship R100 remaining over the English Channel all night without land in sight, has called attention to the relation between -various forms of wireless, communication and air travel. The cables report that at all times the commander of R100 knew exactly where he was, having constantly taken cross-bearings by wireless. Thus it was a simple matter to calculate his position. There is a strong body of opinion in Australian radio and nautical. circles that the airways of Australia:and the future airways in New Zealand should be made safe by means of radio. On at least three’ occasions during her historic voyages, the Southern Cross was in imminent peril which could not have persisted had the /mecessary wireless facilities been available to enable the airmen to learn their exact position. Experts, are of opinion that for trans-continental aircraft air-beacons should be established at such places as Broken Hill, Alice Springs and Longreach. With direction-finding gear on ‘planes, these air-beacons would enable airmen to fly in safety between Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and the Northern Territory. Other radio beacons could be established : in connection with the traffic between Melbourne, Sydney and’ Brisbane. There are three principal methods by which aircraft in flight can be assisted by’ radio, all of which might be used with advantage to develop Australia’s airways. Following are the methods :- 1, The use of a transmitter and receiving set on a.’plane by means of which an airman can signa] to ground stations. -The latter, being fitted with direction-finding apparatus, can in a few minutes plot the precise position and acquaint the aviators. X% A station can send out two signals at an angle of about 90 de- » grees. These are received by the pilot. Provided that they blend -at equal strength he knows that he is travelling straight for the signal; otherwise -he must veer either to the right or the left according as the signals come in strong or weak, &% A ‘plane can carry ‘ directionfinding apparatus by means of which it can fly straight to a given station-either -a broadcasting or a wireless beacon. The experience of other countries has shown the value of, wireless in this connection, and by means of one or more of the methods indicated experts could: readily work out a practical scheme for Australia. a ys ees nee seat ssbesanesonenennpusinmreencnemmeeeese-onl