The Loss of G-ALYY
We record with deep regret the death of 14 passengers and a South African Airways crew of seven who were aboard B.O.A.C. Comet G-ALYY, lost flying from Rome to Cairo on April 8th. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service from London to Johannesburg. It left Rome at 6.25 p.m. G.M.T. on April 8th and reported "over Naples and still climbing," at 6.57 p.m. Nothing more was heard from the Comet and in the early hours the Italian Ministry of National Defence initiated an air-sea search. Later that day, bodies and wreckage were sighted by aircraft, and the bodies of five passengers were picked up by H.M.S. Eagle.
Iraq Flood Relief
The extent of supplies air-lifted from British Services stocks in the Canal Zone to Iraq to assist in the fight against the recent floods near Baghdad, and to help relieve flood victims, had by April 6th amounted to 200,000 sandbags and 830 tents. Further 150,000 sandbags and 1,179 tents were then still to be lifted by R.A.F. Hastings to complete the Services' commitment. In addition, the R.A.F. in Iraq supplied 300,000 sandbags from their own resources; and when the R.A.F. completed its air-lift the British Services in the Middle East had supplied the Iraqis with over 200 tons of relief materials.
A New Stratoliner
Stratoliner is the name chosen by the Boeing Airplane Company for the civil version of the prototype jet tanker/transport now under construction at Renton, Washington. The military refuelling version will be known as the Stratotanker. Unofficially referred to as the Boeing 707 or, more dramatically, as "Project X," the aircraft is in fact only designated Model 367-80. The original Stratoliner was the Boeing Model 307. The new Stratoliner embodies experience gained in the design and operation of bombers - in this case the B-47 and B-52. The prototype, intended for test and demonstration, is due to fly in June.
Offshore Migs
Reports reaching Formosa indicate that a large new jet aircraft factory, the first in China, is to be constructed in Hangyang, near Hangchow, known in Nationalist times as "the arsenal of China." £35 million of Russian capital and 150 Soviet experts and technicians will be lent for the project. The financial loan will be repaid in goods.
Source: Flight International
