New Arctic Expeditions

Abstract

THREE expeditions, each aiming to cross by air the unknown regions in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, have been or are at work in the north. Capt. R. Amundsen, profiting from his experience of last year, when he found his range of flight seriously limited by lack of petrol, substituted a semi-rigid Italian airship for an aeroplane. The Norge, under the command of its designer, Col. U. Nobile, and piloted by Major G. F. Scott, reached Pulham from Rome on April 11, Oslo on April 14, Leningrad on April 15, and King's Bay, Spitsbergen, early in May. The polar flight took place on May 11–13, the Norge passing over the Pole at 2 A.M. on May 12. On her flight from Rome to Pulham the Norge covered 1400 miles at an average speed of 47 miles an hour. Only two of the three 250 horse-power engines were used, each being rested in turn. From Spitsbergen to Point Barrow in Alaska via the Pole is 1800 miles, and in favourable weather Capt. Amundsen appears to have crossed in 45 hours.