After several years of official scepticism about "flying-saucer" reports, the U.S.A.F has gone so far as to admit that, while most reports investigated have shown the objects to be either weather balloons or natural phenomena, "there remain a number of reported sightings that cannot be thus explained, and as long as this is true the Air Force will continue to study the problem". The statement, which goes on to invite the public to continue to submit reports (and particularly photographs), is believed to have been prompted by an article in the magazine Life, in which the whole subject is critically examined. Life's survey ends with these conclusions: "(1) Discs, cylinders, and similar objects of geometrical form, luminous quality, and solid structure for several years have been, and may be now, actually present in the atmosphere of the earth. (2) Globes of green fire, also of brightness more intense than the full moon, have frequently passed through the skies. (3) These objects cannot be explained by present science as natural phenomena - but solely as artificial devices created and operated by a high intelligence."
Baking-Powder Fire Truck
A dry chemical largely consisting of ordinary baking soda is the extinguishing medium carried in new R.C.A.F firefighting trucks. Two tons of the powder is stored in each vehicle for discharge - presumably by air or CO2 pressure - through monitors and/or hoses, and the large proportion of sodium bicarbonate is said to evolve so much CO2 when heated that severe crash-fires can be extinguished more quickly than by any medium hitherto employed. It is also claimed that the equipment operates satisfactorily at temperatures down to -65°F. The chemical is a US development.
Second Valiant Flies
The second prototype Vickers-Armstrong Valiant made a successful first flight from the makers' airfield at Wisley, Surrey, on the evening of Good Friday. Flown by Mr. G. R. Bryce, it was airborne for five minutes. The first prototype was lost through fire in the air on January 12th.
Source: Flight International