CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 5

CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET

■ *■ —■ —- NEW HELICOPTER FIRST TEST A FAILURE. Brass Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, October 4. (Received October 5, at 9.30 a.m.) Air Louis Brennan’s new helicopter, which for three years lie lias been secretly building, crashed and was partially wrecked during the first tost at Farnborongh. Only Air Brennan and a few officials were present. The pilot raised the helicopter a few feet, when it suddenly fell sideways, smashing the wings and damaging the body. Only Air Brennan and two other experts participated in the actual construction. The draughtsmen, mechanics, and litters were given only sectional work, thus preventing the slightest knowledge of the complete machine. The aerodrome was closely guarded against foreign secret agents.—Sydney * Sun ’ Cable

[Helicopter is the name given to the typo of Hying machine which can raise itself vertically by means of horizontally revolving propellers or air screws. The advantages of such a machine, especially for war purposes, enabling it to rise and land on the deck of a warship with ease, and land in comparatively small areas, are so great that many attempts have been made to build a successful full-sized helicopter. The first attempt to construct a helicopter on scientific lines was by Leonardo da Vinci about 1500, since which time there have been many machines built, none of which have raised themselves more than a few inches off the ground.]