The dotted line D on the right hand end, shows
how the section is depressed, while the dotted
lines E at the left hand end shows the section
raised. It is obvious that the downturned ends,
as at D, will give a positive angle at one end of the
planes, and the upturned wings E at the other end
will give a negative angle, and thus cause the right
hand end to raise, and the other end to move
downwardly, as the machine moves forwardly
through the air.
CONTROLLING THE WARPING ENDS.--Originally
the Wrights controlled these warping sections by
means of a cradle occupied by the aviator, so that
the cradle would move or rock, dependent on the
tilt of the machine. This was what was termed
automatic control. This was found to be unsatisfactory,
and the control has now been placed so
that it connects with a lever and is operated by
the aviator, and is called Manually-operated control.
In all forms of control the wings on one side are
depressed on one side and correspondingly elevated
on the other.
THE CURTIS WINGS.--Curtis has small wings,
or ailerons, intermediate the supporting surfaces,
and at their extremities, as shown in sketch 2.
These are controlled by a shoulder rack or swinging
frame operated by the driver, so that the body
in swinging laterally will change the two wings
at the same time, but with angles in different
directions.
THE FARMAN AILERONS.--Farman's disposition
is somewhat different, as shown in sketch 3. The
wings are hinged to the upper planes at their rear
edges, and near the extremities of the planes.
Operating wires lead to a lever within reach of the
aviator, and, by this means, the wings are held at
any desired angle, or changed at will.
The difficulty of using any particular model, is
true, also, of the arrangement of the fore and aft
control, as well as the means for laterally stabilizing
it. In view of this we shall submit a general
form, which may be departed from at will.
FEATURES WELL DEVELOPED.--Certain features
are fairly well developed, however. One is the
angle of the supporting plane, with reference to
the frame itself; and the other is the height at
which the tail and rudder should be placed above
the surface of the ground when the machine is at
rest.
DEPRESSING THE REAR END.--This latter is a
matter which must be taken into consideration,
because in initiating flight the rear end of the
frame is depressed in order to give a sufficient
angle to the supporting planes so as to be able to
inaugurate flight.
In order to commence building we should have
some definite idea with respect to the power, as
this will, in a measure, determine the area of the
supporting surfaces, as a whole, and from this
the sizes of the different planes may be determined.
DETERMINING THE SIZE.--Suppose we decide on
300 square feet of sustaining surface. This may
require a 30, a 40 or a 50 horse power motor,
dependent on the speed required, and much higher
power has been used on that area.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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