The New York herald., 1921-05-29


New York Herald Bureau.
London. May IN. y
IRON the Seine at Pont Alexandra III
r to the Thames at Westminster
Bridge is the latest reality in air
travel that marks a decided development
It is feat Of the amphbous plane. ma
chine that can take off and set down on
land or water In countries situated
England is geographically il promises %
revolutionize the flying industry both
along commercial and military lines.
Recently members of Parliament taking
tea on the terrace outside Of the House
Of Commons were surprised to see an air
plane circle overhead fold up its landing
gear and gracefully alight into the river op-
posite them For some time il TAXED
about as handily as a motor launch. and
then turned its nose into the wind and took
the air again like a great seagull. Since
then 1t has repeated the performance many
times and always with safety and assur-
ance 1t Is a craft that plies in three ma
tural elements-land. water and the air.
The amphibious airpane has been recog-
nized by the British Air Ministry neces
sary to its department and orders have
been placed for fleet Of these ships. This
department Is not alone military or naval,
but both and 50 II was quick 10 see the
merits of the amphbous machine for both
military and naval defensive ana offensive
tactics. If the war reopened tomorrow this
machine would be one Of the chief factors IN
the Air Ministry'S work.
Two big companies il England are now
producing amphiblons The Air Ministry
has approved of the Nickers Viking. built
by the Vickers company. The other build
the Supermarine Aviation Works,
Ltd. Of southampton Both types have
proved highly successful and each company
is now engaged III turning out commercial
and military planes. Extensive tests under
unfavorabe conditions like rough water,
fog and high winds have clearly shown
that the amphibion is safer and more
convenient craft than anything ever de-
veloped along other lines for air travel
~ principle the two types are identical,
but in working out the problem Of com
hinng the seaplane and the airplane they
have developed individual ideas. The Vik-
ing might be- called an airplane that can
perform all the functions Of j seaplane.
The Supermarine amphibion Is built prima-
rilv as q seagoing machine with sturdy
gear for alighting on land The Viking has
2 retractabe under carriage that draws up
30 that the wheels set snuglv 10 either side
of the fusilage in flight The Supermarine
gear spreads ont under the wings when the
ship sets down In water. Both have COM
bined the function Of the tail skid 20 that i
becomes a rudder in the water Each type
Is 'pusher." and the builders of each
claim certain features that excel the other.
Viking Wins High Standing
In international Competitions
The Nickers company which IS probably
tho most progressive airpiane builder in
Britain Is devotng a great deal Of its at
tentiou to its amphibion It's Viking was
first discussed In December, 1913, and Nik-
ing Mark I was flying In the following
February. AZ the end Of 1919 the Viking
Mark RI. was launched with many i'm
provements Incorporated. This machine
was entered IN the Antwerp Exhibition lin
July Of last year and classified FIRST
In fa) shortest time in getting of water:
th) fastest time over a given circuit tc)
shortest time IN climbing ~ 1000 meters;
td) highest ceiling" or altitude with full
load.
Last September the Viking won the Air
Ministry's first prize of 10000. At the
competition he amphihion class was the
only one IN which the fun award was