The framework of this latest model is also strong enough to support a man, and yet its flying weight is, as I have said, only 200 grams to the square meter of supporting surface. When we consider that the flying weight of other machines in which the greatest lightness has been striven for is nearly one hundred times as great as in this kite, we realize the tremendous advance made by Dr. Bell in at least one direction—a marvelous combination of lightness and strength.
In not one of the successful kites of Dr. Bell has the flying weight exceeded 500 grams to the square meter of supporting surface, whereas in various other machines the ratio exceeds 10,000 grams to the square meter.
Dr. Bell has thus constructed one form of successful flying machine, Mabel II. Another form, which may be even more successful and of which Victor I. is a model, is nearly completed. To obtain the form of a flying machine has been the principal problem to solve; the matter of a motor is comparatively simple.
The next step is to place a motor on Mabel II., or an enlarged Victor I., with a propeller extending from each side of the kite like an aerial paddle wheel. Strong and light motors are in the market and to be had easily. Then, as the operator sits inside with spinning propellers he can drive the kite up and down the surface of the bay testing how to control and steer her. Later, with the propellers going faster, he can send the kite skimming along a few yards above the surface and continue the experiments at this small height above the water without danger to life.
Finally, by still further increasing the speed of his propellers he can shoot upward and leisurely proceed wherever he may desire. Great speed is not Dr. Bell's object. Ten or fifteen miles an hour is enough to start with.
Dr. Bell has now reached the point where the flying machine is no longer problematical. It is simply a question of time necessary to put things together. Whether the first flying machine carrying a man is built by him at his laboratory in Beinn Bhreagh is probably immaterial to him, but the chances are that if some one else does not build a successful machine within the next yea,r or two he will have a flying machine of his own by that time.[1]
- ↑ Figures 1-8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 are from photographs by Mr. David George McCurdy, the photographer of Dr. Bell'? laboratory; the photographs shown in Figures 9 and 11 and those of Mabel II. and Victor I. were taken by the author.
