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Aviation History
1909
1909 - 0068.PDF
JANUARY 30, 1909. item. These repairs are so continuous and expensive that the manufacturers of balloons are kept busy, and even depend upon this class of work for a good part of their profit. In conclusion, we would mention the unfair criticism respecting the heavy weight of rubber-proofed envelopes; the admitted difference is hardly half an ounce per square yard, but one must not forget this slight difference is more than compensated for after the first revarnishing, which is necessary after a few ascents. It has been proved that the superiority of rubber- S CORRESPONDENCE. %* The name and address of the writer (not necessarily for publication) MUST in all cases accompany letters intended for insertion, or containing queries. PROPELLERS AND MOTORS. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—I have been very much interested with the correspondence in FLIGHT re propellers. It appears to me that if a person of moderate means is constructing an aeroplane it would be wise to place oneself in a position for the time being to do without any makers whatever, by so studying propellers as to be able to construct one's own, as each propeller varies with the type, speed, build, weight and materials used, a manufacturer not being able to do any better than a novice from a practical point of view, without experience with the particular aeroplane for which the propeller or propellers is or are intended. If prospective aeroplane builders did this there would be no waiting, which is always an inconvenience. It is always a safe thing to play the critic of English, French or any other production away from a propeller-testing platform and say that one can get so many more per cent, of power, but the " proof of the pudding is in the eating," and it requires a lot of expenditure to " prove the pudding " when dealing with manufacturers as little experienced as oneself. Yours truly, Stoke Newington, Jan. 25th. MONTFORD KAY. P.S.—I note with interest that a 4-oz. electro-motor is mentioned in a letter (Jan. 23rd), also another of 8 ozs. with all attachments. What sized models will these fly ? From my experience it is impossible to obtain stable and reliable flight with a machine having under about 10 sq. ft. of canvas. What weight accummulator has to be carried to drive the 4-oz. motor, where can it be obtained, what power will it develop, and how long will it go ? Both these I know to be impracticable from experience, unless a new source of power has been discovered, and I think it behoves correspondents to beware lest they, by giving impracticable advice, lead those who do not know far away from the paths they should follow in experimental work.—M.K. RE AERONAUTICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—In answer to your invitation in . FLIGHT, January 23rd, 1909, I have great pleasure in giving a list of works which I hope will be of use to you in compiling your Aeronautical Bibliography. Flying Machines, Past, Present, and Future. A popular account of flying machines, dirigible balloons, and aeroplanes. By A. W. Marshall and Henry Greenly. Published by Percival Marshall and Co. at I.?. Contains resume of the work of various experimenters. Following are some of the references given :—- Kites. Mr. Hargrave. "Engineering," Feb. 15th, 1895, Vol. LIX. Model Aeroplanes. Mr. Hargrave. "Transactions of Royal Society of New South Wales," Vols. XVII, XIX, XXI, XXIII and XXIV. Sustaining Surfaces. Mr. H. Phillips. " Engineering," Aug. 14th, 1885, Vol. XL. Maxim's Propelling Machinery. " Engineering," Aug. 10th, 1894, Vol. LVIII. Maxi///'s Trial Runs. " Engineering," Mar. 17th, 1893. Soaring Machines. Mr. A. Chanute. " Cassier"s Magazine," June, 1901. Air Propellers. W. G. Walker. " Engineering," Feb. i6th, 1900. •.:,•.-.:.-.:••.•-..: •::.••:..„:.;::: ;.:,.,.•• •.- .. proofed balloons more than counterbalances the slight variation in weight, which is even an advantage. Four times in succession rubbered balloons have been in com- petition against varnished ones (which were specially built for races) and four times rubber has proved its great superiority over varnish by carrying off all the laurels. Whilst some of these successes may, to some extent, be put down to good luck, yet it is quite logical that our rubber-proofed sheetings have natural advantageous properties, with which varnished sheetings cannot be compared. Flight of Birds, &=c. M. de Lucy, of Paiis. "Engineering," Vol. V (?). The above references can be consulted in most public libraries. Artificial and Natural Flight. By Maxim. Published by Whittaker at $s. An excellent work, so far as it goes, being based on the author's own actual experiments. Easily followed by anyone with a knowledge of ordinary arithmetic. A popular price. The following works are written in French, and, being of very low price—practically within the reach of all, have undoubtedly contributed much towards rousing popular enthusiasm in France in aviation. It was noticeable to me that, whilst particulars of the Wright aeroplane are freely published, practically nothing can be obtained relating to French aeroplanes :— La Revue Aerienne. Official organ of La Ligue Rationale Aerienne. Published twice monthly, at 0-50 fr. In addition to historic and current notes, has so far contained (No. 7 now due) description of the Wright machine, and a serial article on " The Study of Experimental Aerodynamics." Les Premiers Homines Oiseaux. Wilbur et Orville Wright. Par Francois Peyrey, 1908. Published by H. Gintou, 35 rue de Trevise, Paris, at 1 '50 fr. A non-technical account of the Brothers Wright's experiments, with various letters. I.'Aeroplane des Freres Wright. History, experiments, and de- scription. Published by Berger, Levrault et Cie., Editeurs, rue des Beaux Arts, Paris, at 1 fr. VAviation el le Vol des Oiseaux. Par L. Gamuset. Mars 1907. Published by Leon Hayard, 8 rue du Croissant, Paris, at 20 c. An interesting 16-page booklet, sold an street stalls in Paris. Yours faithfully, Bristol, Jan. 24th. G. H. CHALLENGER. [We are much obliged to Mr. Challenger for sending the above list; and we trust that others will follow his helpful example. —ED.] WANTS AND ENQUIRIES. To the Editor of FLIGHT. SIR,—As one who is intensely interested in the problem of mechanical flight, I was delighted to read the first number of your splendid journal, which easily caps any paper or magazine published in Paris, and I have them all. I don't know if you are issuing details of machines for those who are searching financial assistance. I am in that position, not being endowed with a good balance at the bank, and having no wealthy relatives. If so, I am sending rough details of my ideas, the result of careful thought and planning :— Monoplane, modified Langley type ; carrying surface about 35 s. yds. ; 2 propellers behind the main plane, turning inversely ; elevator forward and rudder aft ; special system (by a new method of flexible planes) for lateral stability ; the planes are broader at the base than at the tips. I should use a fairly heavy motor, which would be certain to give good results. At present I am working at an idea for the suspension of the body and the chassis for monoplanes. 1 shall be only too willing to send plans and further details to anyone who would be willing to finance me, provided the idea seemed feasible. Of course, the machine would be constructed in England. With all best wishes for the future of FLIGHT, and, above all, for the advancement of the new sport and science in our own country, I am, Sir, yours truly, San Sebastian, Spain. L. S. To the Editor of FLIGHT. * SIR,—I am writing to you to ask if you will be so kind as to give me some advice and information. I am a motor engineer, having been through shops, University College, &c., and am very anxious to pick up a knowledge of the actual handling of aeroplanes.
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