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Aviation History
1909
1909 - 0232.PDF
'/ A*? APRIL 24, 1909. captive aeroplane. This apparatus consisted of a simple plane mounted in vertical guides at the end of a rotating arm so that it could rise when set in motion. Inasmuch as it afforded an ocular demonstration of the lifting effect of the air on an inclined surface in motion, and of the changes which are brought about by increasing and reducing the speed, it had a distinct educa- tional value. Less convincing, per- haps, but more original, was a curious device called the Mark tan-shutter, con- tion on account of the ingenious directness of its underlying idea, was the Lester-Best airship, which was- equipped with a set of four paddle wheels in place of a propeller. Each paddle wheel was enclosed in a swivelling paddle-box, by altering the position of which the paddles- could be made to propel the airship in either direction without changing their rotation. Ascent and descent were accomplished in the same manner, and steering was effected on the same principle as that of a motor car, the paddles being mounted on pivoted stub-axles. Also- associated with airships was the conical aluminium nose which Mr. A. E. Taylor is going to fit to the gas-vessel of his model. The application of an aeroplane to an ordi- nary push-pedal bi- cycle is- the ostensible pur- H<7V. Pose °^ the " Cycloplane," j*^^. which also serves the supple- V^SP^**^ mentary and possibly not less \ f *~ useful "Flight" Copyright Photo. By attaching the apparatus shownabove to a bicycle, the inventor of the "Cycloplane" seeks to facilitate pedalling. "Flight" Copyright. The Miniature WrightFlyer in flight. " Flight " Copyright Photo. The gas vessel of the Taylor ModefAirship will be fitted with the •» conical aluminium nose shown above. sisting of a set of roller blinds so arranged that as each blind unrolled it made a downward beat upon the air and thereby created a direct lift which was supposed to raise the machine in the air. Another model which possessed a certain fascina- ® ® object of providing a permanent sunshade and umbrella; over the rider: it might also be regarded as a place of refuge from the unexpected attacks of the fierce-looking French kite called the " Aiglo-plan," if such devices as these should ever become popular. The Humphrey Aeroplane. LAST week Mr. Jack Humphrey made a number of experiments with his new aeroplane on the waters of the Colne at Wyvenhoe. So that he may get accustomed to handling the machine, Mr. Humphrey has so ballasted the machine that it will not rise from the water, but in the course of its trials it attained a speed of about 10 knots. The high winds of the past few days have not been conducive to aeronautic experiments, but Mr. Humphrey intends to make a determined effort to win the Daily Mail one-mile prize. M. Leon Delagrange a follower of Wright. So effective was the result of an experience by M. Delagrange on a Wright flyer, guided by Count Lambert, that he has already arranged for one of these American machines. This week, at Cannes, M. Lambert was to initiate M. Delagrange further into the control of the Wright flyer. As soon as he has become proficient in the management of the machine, he will, in his turn, commence instructing future flyers, for he has been nominated as head pilot of the Societe' Ariel, who are selling the Wright machines in France. By way of inaugurating the aerodrome which has been laid out by the town of Argentan, M. Delagrange has arranged to give some exhibition flights there on June 7th and 9th. Aviation Supplants Mathematics. • A STRIKING instance of the way in which aviation is overshadowing everything else in France can be seen in the recent action of the Academy of Science. That body has in its gift two prizes of ro,ooo francs each, known as the Petit d'Ormoy prizes, which are awarded every two years for mathematics pure and applied and natural science. It has apparently been decided, how- ever, that this year the sum of 20,000 francs should be expended in striking gold medals to be awarded to the most inventive and the most daring French aviators. International Aeronautical Congress. IT has been decided by the " Commision Per- manente Internationale d'Aeronautique" to hold the fourth Congress from September 18th to 24th, at Nancy, during the Exhibition being organised by the authorities of that city. 234
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