DESCENDING POSITIONS BY POWER CONTROL.--In
Fig. 14 the planes are the same angles in the three
positions respectively, as in Fig. 13, but now the
power has been reduced, and the speeds are 30,
25, and 20 miles per hour, in positions A, B and C.
Suppose that in either position the power should
cease, and the control broken, so that it would be
impossible to move the planes. When the machine
begins to lose its momentum it will descend on a
curve shown, for instance, in Fig. 15, where position
1 of Fig. 14 is taken as the speed and angles
of the plane when the power ceased.
_Fig. 15. Utilizing Momentum._
CUTTING OFF THE POWER.--This curve, A, may
reach that point where momentum has ceased as
a forwardly-propelling factor, and the machine
now begins to travel rearwardly. (Fig. 16.) It
has still the entire supporting surfaces of the
planes. It cannot loop-the-loop, as in the instance
where the planes are fixed immovably to the body.
Carefully study the foregoing arrangement, and
it will be seen that it is more nearly in accord with
the true flying principle as given by nature than
the vaunted theories and practices now indulged
in and so persistently adhered to.
The body of a flying machine should not be oscillated
like a lever. The support of the aeroplane
should never be taken from it. While it may be
impossible to prevent a machine from coming
down, it can be prevented from overturning, and
this can be done without in the least detracting
from it structurally.
_Fig. 16. Reversing Motion._
The plan suggested has one great fault, however.
It will be impossible with such a structure
to cause it to fly upside down. It does not present
any means whereby dare-devil stunts can be performed
to edify the grandstand. In this respect
it is not in the same class with the present types.
THE STARTING MOVEMENT.--Examine this plan
from the position of starting, and see the advantages
it possesses. In these illustrations we
have used, for convenience only, the monoplane
type, and it is obvious that the same remarks apply
to the bi-plane.
Fig. 17 shows the starting position of the stock
monoplane, in position 1, while it is being initially
run over the ground, preparatory to launching.
Position 2 represents the negative angle at which
the tail is thrown, which movement depresses the
rear end of the frame and thus gives the supporting
planes the proper angle to raise the machine,
through a positive angle of incidence, of the plane.
_Fig. 17. Showing changing angle of body._
THE SUGGESTED TYPE.--In Fig. 18 the suggested
type is shown with the body normally in a horizontal
position, and the planes in a neutral position,
as represented in position 1. When sufficient
speed had been attained both planes are
turned to the same angle, as in position 2, and
flight is initiated without the abnormal oscillating
motion of the body.
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