Science: Speed & Security

Supersonic speeds (above 750 m.p.h.) are farther around the flying corner than many people think. On Jan. 26, a P-80 Shooting Star, in a widely publicized flight, roared from California to New York at about 584 m.p.h. But its speed was inflated by a whooping, high-altitude tailwind. Last week, the Army Air Forces announced the official record for a closed, 100-kilometer course—only 495 m.p.h.

That was one piece of news for the 200 reporters who last week went to Wright Field to view the Army Air Forces’ latest advances toward the Buck Rogers age of flying. Other news was scarce; “security” is still a military watchword.

Besides off-the-record glimpses of future murders, the visiting newsmen saw an exciting finish to a record-breaking B-29 flight. Just over the finish line, the B-29 plunged down, trailing smoke like a rocket, but somehow landed safely. The record? 2,000 kilometers at 361 m.p.h. with a 2,000 kilogram payload.