The production of flight by artificial wings is the most ancient method proposed, and will, undoubtedly, in a greatly modified form, and in combination with other contrivances, solve the problem; but to exactly imitate natural wings will be found as impossible as the production by the other different methods proposed so far.
Of the more recent attempts at the solution of the problem by means of artificial wings, worked by steam power, the perhaps most determined was that of Mr. Kauffman, of Glasgow. The machine had superimposed æroplanes, similar to those used by Stringfellow. The two wings were of great length, narrow, pointed towards the end, and were made to flap up and down somewhat like the wings of a bird. The model exhibited weighed, complete, 42 ℔s., but the dimensions for a large machine were to be: length, about 30 ft.; hight, 5 ft.; width, 6 ft.; length of each wing, 60 ft.; surface of each, 400 ft.; total weight of machine, 8000 ℔s.; nominal power, 120 horses; intended speed, 60 miles per hour; with water supply for five hours and oil as fuel for ten hours. Besides, a pendule, weighing 85 ℔s., and 40 ft. in length, was attached, which could, telescope-like, be drawn up when necessary. The model was made exactly, to show the inventor's theory, and to ascertain if the connection to the wings could be made strong enough to withstand the violent twisting and bending strains to which they were exposed. When steam at a pressure of over 150 ℔s. was turned on, the wings made a short series of furious flaps and broke. The experiment failed, because, to exactly imitate the movements of the long and delicate wings of fast-flying birds on a large scale, is impossible; the leverage to flap up and down 60 ft. long wings being simply enormous beyond computation, and no material can be found strong enough to withstand it.
Another machine, the propulsion of which was also to be effected by means of artificial wings, was exhibited some years ago in England. It differed entirely from the other in this respect, that it was very light, weighing scarcely 30 ℔s., and was intended for a man to fly by his own muscular power. It had about 70 square feet of surface, two short wings, and the ribs were made of paragon wire, such as is used in umbrellas, and covered with silk. By a preliminary quick run, the inventor could take short, jump-like flights of more than 100 feet; but this machine was also in a very crude state of perfection.
These different practical experiments, although more or less unsuccessful, and others similar, but of which many models were far more ingenious than practical, have at least established the certain prospect and certainty of an early solution of the problem. And were it not that but very few, comparatively, of the great number of theories, which have been proposed from time to time for the accomplishment of this great object, have been submitted to anything resembling even the remotest approach to practical tests, and that the lack of means is generally the insurmountable barrier in experimenting, ærial navigation would to-day be an established fact.
XIX.—THE PRACTICAL FLYING SHIP OF THE NEAR FUTURE.
Possessing then, all the datas possible on the subject, it is, perhaps, not so very difficult as is generally supposed, to arrive at a satisfactory result; and, like other great inventions before, the coming air ship will also be a rather simple affair. While it will not likely possess such prodigious weight as 8000 to 10,000 pounds, with a hundred and twenty horse-power steam engine—sufficient almost for a man of war, it will neither be as light as a feather, comparatively, but hold the golden middle.
The inclined planes, in a greatly modified form, will by no means be discarded, as in fact no flying machine could be built otherwise. But, as stated before, this is only one principle long recognized, the A B C, so to speak, towards the solution of the problem. These planes, in wedging forward, for certain reasons, should be elastic, in some manner, and which has not been attempted by any inventor yet. The frames and covering of all models, built so far, have been rigid and immoveable, and yet, even with these great defects, partial success has been obtained already.
The fan or screw never will be used as the only means in propelling, but will be very effective in doing service as a part of the whole, with other contrivances in driving and guiding. But their form and style must be considerably different from anything known at present.