C
Camber—The distance from the chord of the curve of a surface to the highest point of that curve, measured at right angles to the chord.
Caster, or Castor, Wheel—A wheel mounted on an upright pivoted shaft placed forward of its axle, so that it swivels automatically to assume the line of travel of an aeroplane when landing: used in the alighting gear. To be distinguished from a fixed wheel, which does not swivel.
Cell—A structure with enclosing sides—similar to a box without top or bottom stood upon one side. The vertical walls of the cell give lateral stability, and its horizontal walls fore-and-aft stability.
The first Santos-Dumont biplane, constructed of cells.
Centre of Gravity—That point of a body where its weight centres. If this point is supported, the body rests in exact balance.
Centre of Lift—The one point at which the lifting forces of the flying planes might be concentrated, and produce the same effect.
Centre of Resistance—The one point at which the forces opposing the flight of an air-craft might be concentrated, and produce the same result.
Centre of Thrust—The one point at which the forces generated by the revolving propellers might be concentrated, and produce the same effect.
Chassis—The under-structure or “running-gear” of an aeroplane.
Chord—The straight line between the two ends of an arc of a circle or other curved line.
Compound Control—A mechanical system by which several distinct controls are operated through different manipulations of the same lever or steering-wheel.
Compression Side—That side of a plane or propeller blade against which the air is compressed—the under surface of a flying plane, and the rear surface of a revolving propeller.
Curtain—The vertical surface of a cell—the wall which stands upright.