CHAPTER IX – Flying Machines Construction And Operation

In Chapter IX of “Flying Machines: Construction and Operation,” the selection and characteristics of motors suitable for aviation are thoroughly discussed, with a focus on those features that are pivotal for optimal performance in flying devices. To ensure reliability and efficiency, the text highlights that motors must be lightweight, strong, capable of high speeds, and thoroughly dependable. Various types of motors are described, including those manufactured by Renault, Fiat, Farcot, R. E. P., Gnome, Darracq, Wright, Antoinette, E. N. V., and Curtiss, with specific details such as cylinder numbers, cooling methods, horsepower, and weight, showcasing a broad range in design and capabilities.

The chapter delves into the reasons behind the preference for lighter motors, citing the Gnome engine as a notable example for its outstanding power-to-weight ratio, achieved by innovative design choices such as eliminating the flywheel and utilizing special materials. These innovations underscore the technical advancements and creative engineering solutions aimed at maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and performance.

The text further explores the principles behind motor operation, revealing that the number of cylinders doesn’t linearly influence weight or power output, a concept counterintuitive to non-specialists. It explains the complex relationship between horsepower, speed, and aerodynamic factors — emphasizing that a motor’s raw power does not directly equate to proportional increases in flight velocity.

The chapter also details how aeroplane propulsion is influenced by propeller design, with a comparative analysis of various propeller models used by Curtiss, Wright, Bleriot, Santos-Dumont, and others, highlighting the diversity in design philosophy and the ongoing quest for an ideal balance between thrust, weight, and aerodynamic efficiency.

Throughout, the challenge of developing an ideal aviation motor is underscored, with historical attempts like the Darracq motor, commissioned by Santos Dumont, used as case studies to illustrate the trial-and-error nature of pioneering aviation technology. Despite significant advancements, the text concludes that the perfect motor remains elusive, reflecting the early 20th-century state of aviation technology and the continuous search for improvement in power-to-weight ratios, reliability, and fuel efficiency, essential for the advancement of flight.