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Aviation History
1914
1914 - 0631.PDF
JUNE 12, 1914. a machine heavier than air and propelled by its own power ever made in the history of the world. Subsequent nights of this machine and others with both steam and gasoline power proved their efficiency, and also demonstrated the correctness ot Mr. Langley's theory of the practicability of flight. " Early in 1898, the Government became interested in the possi bility of employing large flying machines in time of war, and the [/ycHf] quarter-size gasoline model was constructed, and flown with success on August 8th, 1903. " Two attempted flights with the man-carrying machine were made on October 7th and December 8th, 1003, but owing to an inefficient launching apparatus the aerodrome was not successfully launched into the air, but fell into the water before it got free from the track and launching ways. It was immediately taken out of the Side view of Langley tandem monoplane. President, through the Board of Ordnance and Fortification of the War Department, requested Mr. Langley to build a man-carrying machine. This the inventor undertook, and finally in 1903 he had completed the construction of the full-sized steel machine, despite many handicaps and delays encountered in securing a suitable engine and other accessories. water, carefully cleaned, and has since been stored in the Smithsonian Laboratory. • " The War Department did not make an additional allotment foi further experiments, and Mr. Langley, owing to lack of funds, never undertook to fly the machine again. During recent years, progress in aviation has brought much to the attention of the world ,_-«*«SSX!£> ** Rear view showing cruciform tail planes and large dihedral angle on main planes of Langley tandem monoplane. " The large engine is a gasoline one, built in the Smithsonian shops under the direction of Mr. Charles M. Manly. It is a five- cylinder engine, developing a little over 52 actual horse-power, and weighing, with radiators, batteries, and 20 lbs. of cooling water, only 207 lbs., a little less than 4 lbs. per horse-power The complete aerodrome ready for flight weighed about S50 lbs., including the aviator, and had a total supporting area of 1,040 sq. ft., or a total of I -2$ sq. ft. of surface to the pound. " Before the completion and test of the large machine, however, a regarding flying machines which Mr. Langley not only knew but could have demonstrated had further support been accorded.' ® ® ® <£> Mr. Manton at Sheffield. ON June 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Mr. Marcus D. Manton gave a very fine display of exhibition flying, looping the loop, &c, on his mh.p. BUSriot, at Sheffield—his native city. Between the flights members of the Sheffield Aero Club demonstrated the capabilities of their model aeroplanes. 63I
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