Baden-Powell, 1897, New Suggestions for Aerial Exploration
- 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 |
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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 | |
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