Johnson, 1897, How to Advance the Science of Aeronautics
- V. E. Johnson. "How to Advance the Science of Aeronautics. Aeronautical Journal, Vol. 1., No. 3, July 1897, p. 13–14.
Firstly, by studying the classics:
We do possess at last a science of aeronautics, and a preliminary study of this same science is a sine quâ non; the successes and failures of the past must be carefully studied [...]
I give therefore, at the end of this article, a list of books, articles, etc., the study of which will make any student of this science quite au fait with what has already been accomplished on the subject.
His bibliography of essential reading contains:
- Articles by and about Hiram Stevens Maxim, Samuel Pierpont Langley, and Lawrence Hargrave.
- Holland, "Aerial Navigation", Cosmopolitan, November 1892.
- Proceedings of the Aeronautical Navigation Conference at 1893 World's Fair
- Brewer and Alexander, 1893, Aeronautics
- Maxim patents — specifically, Patent GB-1889-16883, Patent GB-1891-19228, Patent GB-1892-19254, and Patent GB-1893-10852 — "should be obtained from the Patent office and be carefully studied."
- Chanute, 1894, Progress in Flying Machines
Secondly, by solving the problem of stability, or equilibrium. Johnson asserts that the threshold of engine efficiency in propulsion has been more or less crossed, but that enough stability has not yet been attained:
It is now possible to construct a motor of such a horse-power and yet possessing such lightness that it is able—by the attachment of suitable apparatus—to sustain itself in a calm atmosphere; to launch itself into the air by means of special appliances, and to alight with safety on some specially prepared or chosen surface.
This, however, is not by any means the complete solution of the problem which requires a machine that will arise or alight vertically (or practically so) in wind or storm, and maintain its equilibrium in the atmosphere under other conditions than the "calm of evening." To elevate a flying machine into the air is one thing; to maintain its equilibrium there under adverse circumstances, is something very different.
| Original title | How to Advance the Science of Aeronautics |
|---|---|
| Simple title | How to Advance the Science of Aeronautics |
| Authors | V. E. Johnson |
| Date | 1897 |
| Countries | |
| Languages | en |
| Keywords | stability, launching |
| Journal | Aeronautical Journal |
| Related to aircraft? | |
| Page count | |
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