50 years ago: 20 March 2007

German Sycamores
On Friday last a contract for 50 Bristol Sycamore Mk 14 helicopters was signed in Coblenz by the Director of the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Federal German Government. The aircraft are to be used by units of the German Army, Navy and Air Force for ambulance, air/sea-rescue and transport duties. Valued at “several million pounds”, the contract is one of the largest ever placed with a helicopter manufacturer and it was obtained after a competitive evaluation of all available types, including those manufactured in the United States.

Supersonic Prince
On his recent visit to the U.S.A., Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands had his second experience of supersonic flight – this time in a TF-102A two-seat trainer, at a Convair airfield. He also visited Fairchild’s premises, where the Fokker Friendship is being built under licence.

Beryllium Buyer
Argentina’s entire 1956 production of beryllium, a strategic metal used as a constituent of shielding material for atomic reactors and in certain parts of gas turbines, has been bought by the United States, reports the Argentina Trade Promotion Institute. The quota of 2,100 tons of 10 per cent ore offered by the Argentine (which produces 35 per cent of the world’s supply) went to the U.S. Government at $370 a ton.

Pioneering in Reverse
Two replicas of famous aircraft – the Lilienthal glider of 1891 and the Wright brothers’ biplane of 1903 – are being built in Holland and later this year will be housed in the Dutch National Aviation Museum at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam.

Gyron Loses Support
From March 31, the Ministry of Supply is to
withdraw support  for the Gyron, the world’s most powerful turbojet. The Treasury, it is stated, cannot allocate funds for an engine which has no official application, and the Gyron is such an engine. The decision of de Havillands to continue with the engine as a private venture shows that they are hopeful that its merits will bring it success – perhaps in France and the United States as well as with at least one British aircraft company.