§ 18. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if any steps are being taken to develop small engines using oil fuel to overcome the fire risk arising out of the use of petrol?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Sassoon)At this stage attention is being confined to the development of the larger types, on which several lines of advance are being pursued. The problem is more easily attacked from that side, and there is the added advantage that results will be capable of more immediate application to service requirements.
§ Mr. CHORLTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that an excessive time has been taken in applying this type of engine, and that as Germany has them flying we ought to accelerate our progress?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThere is only one type flying in Germany, and we have been examining the results there, and I do not think that any time has been lost. As my hon. Friend knows, this is a very difficult question.
§ 21. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if any steps are being taken to test out twin engines arranged in tandem with concentric opposite running airscrews?
§ Sir P. SASSOONOn the assumption that my hon. Friend is referring to the normal tandem twin-engine arrangement, which consists of two engines in the same fore and aft line with one pusher and one tractor airscrew running in opposite directions, the answer is in the affirmative. This arrangement is in fact already in use in the Singapore II type of aircraft.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs there any development going on with engines bolted together and acting as one, as in the case of the new Italian craft?
§ Sir P. SASSOONThe whole question is under consideration.