Soaring Flight

Abstract

SOME time ago we referred, in an article on “Soaring Machines” (NATURE, vol. liii. p. 301; see also p. 365), to the experiments which Mr. Percy S. Pilcher had commenced to carry out in this country on the lines laid down by the late Herr Lilienthal in Germany. Since that time Mr. Pilcher has gained considerable experience both in the making and handling of these aëro-planes, and quite recently he was able to make a successful ascent and descent before numerous spectators, under conditions which were not very favourable. An idea of the general shape of the machine he used may be gathered from the six accompanying illustrations, which are enlargements of six out of the numerous pictures taken during flight by means of the cinematograph. The machine itself weighed fifty pounds, the framework being made of bamboo; the latter could be easily folded up, but when spread out and carried the sail material covered a surface area of 170 square feet. The tail, which can be seen at the back of the framework, consisted of two small surfaces placed horizontally and vertically; this had no means of movement in the lateral direction, but was capable of movement in the vertical direction above its horizontal position, about a fixed point in the framework. Such an arrangement as this was found to work best, as it eliminated to a great extent the liability of taking “headers.” It plays, therefore, a rather important rêle in the machine.