Baden-Powell, 1897, New Suggestions for Aerial Exploration

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B.F.S. Baden-Powell. "New Suggestions for Aerial Exploration." Aeronautical Journal, Vol. 1, No. 4, October 1897, pp. 17–18.

Considering the Andrée expedition, BFSBP suggests using kite power after the gas runs out:

Let it be granted that the scheme adopted by Andree is good enough, except for the one important point that his gas will after a time give out. I would then suggest substituting a kite or series of kites for the balloon. The facts that we have to go upon are: That a kite can be constructed which will float in the lightest of winds. That kite can be made large enough, or a sufficient number of kites be attached together, to lift a man. That if the string of a kite be attached to a moving object, such as a boat or cart, it will tow the same along, and remain flying in the air. [...]
There is practically no limit to the amount of kite power which could be employed. We know that about 500 sq. ft. of canvas is sufficient to raise a man in an average wind. But there is no reason why, for such a purpose as is here proposed, we should not employ 5,000 or 50,000 sq. ft.

He also writes that kite material is cheaper and safer than gas balloons.


Original title New Suggestions for Aerial Exploration
Simple title New Suggestions for Aerial Exploration
Authors B.F.S. Baden-Powell
Date 1897
Countries GB
Languages en
Keywords kite, balloon, Salomon August Andrée
Journal Aeronautical Journal
Related to aircraft? 1
Page count 2
Word count
Wikidata id