NOVEL WINGED AIRSHIP.

North Otago Times, 22 May 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

NOVEL WINGED AIRSHIP.

A novel fiying-machino has been invented by Mr. H. J. B. Passat, a Thornton Heath man. It is of the heavier-than-air type-it has no balloon, that is to say. The central framework is Bhaped like the body of a large bird. Pour wings-two in front to sustain the machine, and two behind, principally for propelling it—will he attached. No screw propeller is required. There is a series of levers to regulate the wings, and a small motor, Four wheels are fitted to the body. The wings can bu folded and fixed to tbe side of the macnine, which can be adjusted so as to be utilised as a motor-car on the ground. The principal feature of this clever invention is the wings, For three years Mr. Passat—lie is a Frenchman,, by the way, although he has been resident in England for a number of 1 years-has studied tlio (light of birds I from the sparrow to the vulture and j the ungainly wild duck, and be claims to have found the'secret of how to fly as the birds fly. The wings have a rotatory motion which enables them to "grip" the air and harness the wind. Mr, Passat has so far tested the principle that by attaching tbe wings to his own body he has been' raised several feet from the ground, and sustained there for some little time. The machinery of the airship Is kept a profound secret for the present; but the invention is clearly one of great importance.