Arun & Chichester
(Air) Enthusiasts Society
www.airaces.org.uk
Monday 13th December-1845 for 1930
‘Coal Gas to Concorde - the race across the Atlantic - from Balloons to Concorde’ Presented by Mr. Peter Griffith
Early attempts to cross the Atlantic were by balloons filled with coal gas, this did not give the lifting power of helium, but was readily available, and cheap.
In May 1919, four Curtiss NC-4 seaplanes set out from New York to England via Newfoundland, the Azores, Portugal and France. One made it – taking 23 days! In June 1919, came Alcock and Brown, then in July 1919, Major George Scott (RAF) commanded Airship R34, from East Fortune in Scotland to New York, and back a few days later. This flight was the first to carry fare paying passengers, from the UK to New York. Thereafter there were many crossings, including those by Lindbergh, early inflight-refuelling, piggy-back flights, flying boats, the Comet, B707, and onwards to Concorde.
This talk will be in two parts, the first from 1844 until WW2, and the second half, from WW2 until Concorde.
AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation.
The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £4, visitors £6 and under 16s FREE.
Doors open at 6.45 no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information please go to: www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 01243 823007