Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for Air at what date the tests in regard to corrosion and vibration were actually commenced on the Short Brothers all-metal aeroplane exhibited at Olympia in 1920 and immediately purchased by the Air Ministry?
Captain GUESTInvestigation on the corrosion of metal alloys, which had been initiated during the War and then suspended, was resumed early in 1921 by a sub-committee of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, whose report is awaited. (The material used in the Short aeroplane was well known and is one of those under investigation by the Committee.) As regards the vibration tests, the aeroplane arrived at Farnborough on 1st February, 1921, and a detailed examination of the machine took place. Straight flights were authorised in May, 1921, static tests commenced in June, vibration tests in September, and both were completed in November, 1921.