of which is given in Fig. 28. In all probability this idea is based on the superficial resemblance an aerodrome possesses to a kite, the suspended weight being considered as the analogue of the kite string ; or, perhaps it is from endeavouring to follow the lines of an aerostat that this type has arisen, the aeroplane or aerofoil being regarded as a simple substitute for the gas bag.
The relative advantage of the centric and acentric types of aerodone is a question that has not been thrashed out ; it is
 | An image should appear at this position in the text. To use the entire page scan as a placeholder, edit this page and replace "{{missing image}}" with "{{raw image|Aerial Flight - Volume 2 - Aerodonetics - Frederick Lanchester - 1908.djvu/55}}". Otherwise, if you are able to provide the image then please do so. For guidance, see Wikisource:Image guidelines and Help:Adding images. |  |
Fig. 28.
probable that the latter without possessing any advantages whatever, possesses certain grave disadvantages which will be better understood in the light of the subsequent investigations. The acentric arrangement also results in some considerable complication from a theoretical standpoint apart from its demonstrable failings.
The acentric type is not found in nature to any marked degree, except perhaps in the case of some birds that are inveterate rameurs,[1] when the gliding position is sometimes with
33
- ↑ There is do convenient English equivalent for this word in the present sense; the term " wing-flappers" perhaps might be used.
