Pulsating Wing to Drive Propless Plane (Jun, 1934)
Filed under: Aviation — @ 10:07 pm
Source: Modern Mechanix ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Jun, 1934
Buy on Ebay
Source: Modern Mechanix ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Jun, 1934
Buy on Ebay
Pulsating Wing to Drive Propless Plane
LACKING both propeller and tail assembly and driven only by a 10 H.P. motor, an Austrian plane is expected to take the air this summer. The motor drives a compressed air pump which expands and evacuates a large series of pneumatic air cells in the wings. It is planned that pulsations of these cells will furnish lift and driving power for the ship. By altering the stroke in the rear wing cells, which act as a propeller, the plane is expected to climb, bank, dive, hover and go forward or backward. The forward wing is used primarily for the higher speeds. The framework of the ship is constructed of welded steel tubing.
I think “The Flying Nun” said it best:
— “Lift plus thrust must overcome weight plus drag.”
But on TEN HORSEPOWER? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Comment by Sorcerer Mickey — April 7, 2008 @ 8:44 am
I am not getting how this airplane is supposed to fly, and from the brevity of this article I am guessing that the writer does not get it either.
Comment by Myles — April 7, 2008 @ 9:31 am
>Myles
From the look of the aircraft I am guessing that the *designer* does not get it too.
Comment by Sorcerer Mickey — April 7, 2008 @ 10:17 am
I agree Sorcerer. This plane is also supposed to hover and go backwards, but I have no idea what force is supposed to keep it in the air. There is not designer cited. Is this a complete hoax created on a slow news day?
Comment by Myles — April 7, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Possible aerodynamic principles and elements include those found in:
a) Diet Smith’s “Space Coupe” (the Chester Gould labeling arrows imply this option)
b) Upsidaisium (see Wikipedia entry)
c) Flubber
d) Pixie Dust
d.1) Clapping of hands by children in audience at air show
e) Hidden motor which secretly raises the total horsepower to the required 15 Hp.
Comment by Sorcerer Mickey — April 7, 2008 @ 10:53 am
I love how they close the article. As if the framework construction material answers all the reader’s questions, and demonstrates that the designers have thought of everything.
Comment by Richard C — April 7, 2008 @ 11:24 am