Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 58.djvu/630

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
622
POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY.

Mr. Moore is a strong advocate of the rocket-like form of propulsion for flying machines. He admits that it is wasteful as far as expense is concerned, but contends that it will make a machine go where propellers will fail. He claims that the propeller "is very wasteful of power from friction of the blades in the air, and from 'end stroke,' or currents of air set in motion in the wrong direction." He says further:

"I have studied and experimented extensively with small aeroplane
Fig. 10. Steutzel Flying Machine.
Fig. 11. Langley's Model for studying the Principle of Mechanical Flight.
Fig. 12. Means's Model.
machines of every conceivable shape to test their balancing power, and have concluded that it is impossible to build a compact aeroplane machine that will balance and be under control in the air, with present known means. The aeroplane machine of the average inventor consists of aeroplanes elevated in various manners, and most of the weight arranged below to give them stability and keep them from upsetting.