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Centaurus takes off on longest flight ever attempted by commercial aircraft
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Centaurus takes off on longest flight ever attempted by commercial aircraft
Centaurus takes off on longest flight ever attempted by commercial aircraft.
The Imperial Airways Empire flying boat Centaurus took off from the Hythe air base, Southampton water, on a 30, 000 miles survey test flight of the proposed air route to New Zealand and back.
The flight is the longest ever undertaken by commercial aircraft and Centaurus will be the first of a classed across the Tasman Sea.
Six passengers, including a woman, Mrs Hillier, and her child are aboard the machine, together with four members of the Imperial Airways staff who are going to Karachi.
Photo shows, the crew of the Centaurus before the takeoff, left to right, radio operator A T Low, radio operator H T Dangerfield, first officer C F Elder, captain JW Burgess (commander), steward HJ Bingham and flight engineer F Murray.
3 December 1937
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Media ID 11685383
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a historic moment in aviation history. It showcases the Imperial Airways Empire flying boat, Centaurus, as it embarks on the longest flight ever attempted by a commercial aircraft. Departing from the Hythe air base in Southampton water, Centaurus is set to embark on a daring 30,000-mile survey test flight of the proposed air route to New Zealand and back. As the first of its kind to cross the Tasman Sea, Centaurus carries six passengers onboard, including Mrs Hillier and her child. Additionally, four members of the Imperial Airways staff are also present as they journey towards Karachi. The crew can be seen standing proudly before takeoff - radio operators A T Low and H T Dangerfield flank first officer C F Elder while captain JW Burgess commands their mission. Completing this remarkable team are steward HJ Bingham and flight engineer F Murray. The year is 1937; an era between wars where technological advancements were propelling humanity forward at an unprecedented pace. This monochrome photograph encapsulates that spirit perfectly - showcasing determination, bravery, and innovation all within its frame. Preserved by TopFoto. co. uk for posterity's sake, this image serves as a reminder of how far we have come in aviation since those early days when pioneers like Centaurus paved the way for modern air travel.
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