NOTES.

Progress, Volume V, Issue 6, 1 April 1910, Page 192

NOTES.

(From Our London Correspondent.) A new departure by an English firm is chronicled. It is the construction of a machine (aeroplane) designed to fly with no other power than the pedalling of the aeronaut. Spencer and Son, of Highbury, are the builders. The total area is 100 square feet, and the weight about fifty pounds. The wings measure from tip to tip 20 feet, and the propeller can be worked up to 600 revolutions by pedalling as. on an ordinary cycle, and when in the air a descent can be easily made at the will of the aeronaut. The ends of the wings are movable and are controlled from a handbar by wires which, it is claimed, will easily control the machine in flight. The

tail is moved in the same way. In shape the new machine is like a bird, and a running start is said to be necessary on the summit of rising ground. We have been struck by the descriptions of the machine, which on paper promises well. But we have not yet come across any allusion to actual flight. * •* # Prince Borghese, who, it will be remembered, made a motor trip across, Asia and Europe a few years ago, is the latest recruit to the ranks of would-be pilots of aeroplanes, he having just ordered a machine in France. # # * The Aeroplane Supply Company are responsible for -what is quite the best and most comprehensive aeroplane catalogue yet printed. This company is prepared to supply anything from a Zeppelin to a Bleriot, and they quote also for all sorts of ready-made fittings for people making their own machines. This catalogue should be in the possession of every one interested in flying. The trend of design for aeroplanes just now is on Bleriot cum Antoinette lines, which, I think is a pity, as indicating a

lack of originality, as well as a craze for a fast acrobatic machine. The Farman or Curtiss biplanes are perhaps not so artistic but have advantages which cannot be denied. Supporting area for horse-power they are more efficient. It amounts to this, that a Bleriot, for instance, requires large horse power and raked planes, and as their plane area is so small, are capable of keeping up only so long as they are making their best speed. A Farman, on the other hand, has big planes, and rises easier. It may not be so fast, but assuredly would be the better for descent from a height in case of stoppage of the engine. I have seen a Bleriot come down, on account of engine stoppage, and it was a terrifying sight. It can be gauged better by reversing the process and considering the aeroplane as a glider. The better a machine is at gliding, the better and safer it will be when an engine is installed and soaring flights are made. # * * Mr. Moore-Brabazon has made another flight in his British built "Wright type aeroplane. Starting, from the Aero Club's ground at Shell beach, he reached Eastchurch, a distance of six and a half miles. Mechanics are busy at work at Lewisham

on the aeroplane of Mr. Barnes, of cycle fame. I have met Mr. Barnes. He is quite a young fellow, and silent as you make (tjhem — a thing astonishing' at his, age, and a sign that he will, bar accidents — go far. He showed me his machine fitted with a 40-50 h.p. four-cylinder G-reen engine. The warping of the wings, a lateral stabilising method, is new, and the subject of his patents. Briefly, it is effected by moving a flexing cord, which in operation raises the back tip of one wing, whilst it depresses the other. A very usual 1 form of horizontal rudder is fitted at the tail end. It is reported that a Midland gentleman has accomplished a most successful flight under cover of darkness. The distance, according to rumour, was seventy miles, and the speed very high.