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    • CHAPTER XXVIII -Flying Machines: Construction and Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXVIII of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" serves as a comprehensive glossary, aimed at elucidating the terminology commonly used in the field of aeronautics. This chapter meticulously defines a range of terms, starting with "Aerodrome," described as a machine operating in the air, encapsulating the essence of airborne machinery. The term "Aerofoil" is introduced as the advancing transverse section of an airplane, indicating its critical role in flight dynamics. As the glossary…
    • AEROPLANES AND DIRIGIBLE BALLOONS IN WARFARE Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter outlines significant advancements and events in the early days of aviation, particularly focusing on the practical use of airplanes and dirigible balloons within the realms of competition and warfare. It begins with recounting two notable races: a flight from New York to Philadelphia won by L. Beachey in a Curtiss machine with an average speed of 45 miles per hour, and a more demanding tri-state race culminating in E. Ovington's victory in a Bleriot machine, which earned him a $10,000…
    • NOTABLE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHTS OF 1911 Cover
      by LovelyMay In 1911, the field of aviation witnessed significant advancements and remarkable feats, with numerous flights aimed at testing the boundaries of distance, speed, and endurance. A notable achievement was made by Orville Wright at Killdevil Hills, N.C., where his flight against a 52-mile per hour wind reached an elevation of 225 feet, staying aloft for 10 minutes and 34 seconds. This period saw a surge in cross-country flights as aviators flew between cities worldwide for various reasons, including…
    • AVIATION DEVELOPMENT Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter, the evolution and achievements within the realm of aviation for the year 1911 are meticulously documented, featuring both European and American records that underscore the rapid advancements in the science of aviation. Highlighting the exceptional feats, the records are segmented into categories that include greatest speed, distance, duration, and altitude achieved by aviators, with distinctions made between flights conducted solo, with one passenger, and with two passengers. European…
    • CHAPTER XXVI -Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXVI of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" delves into the realm of monoplanes, triplanes, and multiplanes, highlighting the shift in American aviation from a focus primarily on biplanes to exploring and embracing these alternative designs. At the 1910 International meet in Belmont Park, N.Y., American participation in monoplane competitions was minimal, with notable aviators like Moissant, Drexel, and Glenn Curtiss being exceptions, the latter presenting his own single-decker construct.…
    • CHAPTER XXV  -Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay Since the publication of this book in early 1910, the development of aeroplane motors has significantly advanced, allowing aircraft to operate with much less supporting surface area than was previously necessary. This progress has been marked by both increased speed and reduced weight of the motors, permitting aviators to use substantially smaller plane surfaces. For instance, the original Wright biplane, powered by a 25 horsepower (h.p.) motor and achieving speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, possessed a…
    • CHAPTER XXIV – Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXIV of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" delves into the intricate details of propeller construction, highlighting the specific techniques and considerations that aviators and designers prioritize to optimize performance. The chapter elucidates how every designer aims to achieve maximum thrust—or air displacement—with minimum expended energy, though each incorporates their own unique ideas and adjustments, especially in terms of propeller pitch and twist. The text introduces key…
    • CHAPTER XXIII  – Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XXIII of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation," the discussion revolves around the use of Wright patents by amateurs in the realm of aviation. The Wright brothers have clarified that amateurs, as well as professionals not engaged in profit-making exhibitions, are free to utilize their patented technologies without fear of legal action. This decree aims to encourage the use of their inventions for pleasure or scientific advancement rather than for financial gain, which they reserve for…
    • CHAPTER XXII – Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay In his lecture to the Royal Society of Arts, F. W. Lanchester discussed the complexities of aerial flight, emphasizing that practical flight is a matter of locomotive engineering rather than abstract theory. He criticized the helicopter or vertical screw type for its inefficiency in transport, asserting that only airplanes could meet the demands of locomotion by achieving necessary speeds to counter wind velocities and ensuring fuel economy for longer flights. Lanchester highlighted the necessity for an…
    • CHAPTER XXI – Flying Machines Construction And Operation Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XXI of "Flying Machines: Construction and Operation" contrasts the limitations and costs associated with dirigible balloons to the advantages and performances of early flying machines. Dirigible balloons require substantial investment not only in their construction, with costs like the Zeppelin exceeding $100,000, but also in operation due to the need for frequent gas re-inflation, a procedure that can run into hundreds of dollars for a single refill. Moreover, the difficulty in controlling these…
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