New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-01-16
Aerial Navigation.

Some days ago we alluded TO notice IN an
evening paper Of 4 solution Of the problem OF
Aerial Navigation, founded upon mathematical
calculations We are at present, possessed OF
better information, both concerning the project
and its author. Tn. latter is a friend Of ours n
FuoPANrI late member OF the Constituent Ro-
man Assembly. We are enabled by him to give
our readers a summary sketch Of his invention.
Both the aeronauts and the locomotive appara-
tus will be upheld by the ordinary means Of
buoyancy in the air, bag filed with hydrogen
gas; but it is an essential feature Of the system
that the form shall be both oblong and of colossal
dimensions, in order to present the least COM
parative resistance to the air-the degree of resis
lance being proportional to the vertical section,
and the latter 10 the volume, the volume growing
like the cube OF any homologous dimension while
the section gTows simply as the square. The NOV
ing power will be afforded by a steam-engine IN
the style OF railroad locomotives, with necessary
notifications among which is a thick metallic
wire net enclosing it. The locomotive will set in
motion two mammoth pair Of wings, composed Of
many rectangular parts, which stand vertically
when they strike back, and horizontal when they
are returning.
Prof Fiopanti has made elaborate and pro-
found calculations, based upon experience and
theory to find the degree Of the resistance OF the
air the power Of steam, and the quantity OF fuel
and water necessary 10 overcome that resistance
and what lie the necessary size OF the balloon or
0ir.skgp, as he calls it, to support so enormous
weight. He directed bis calculations to ascertain
the conditions for obtaining velocity OF ten to
twelve miles in quiet air, at slight elevation
above the ground or even to make his way (of
course at a less speed in amoderate wind blowing
either directly or obliquely against the Prov OF
the vessel. Should the wind be both contrary
and of a velocity greater than ten or twelve miles
per hour, the air ship would retrograde, and de-
scend at the nearest station.
1t is desired that the first aerial voyage be
made from New-York to PHILADELPHIA on the An
niversAry of American Independence. Prof. :
however will not make his scheme the OBJECT OF
any interested view He suggests that the ne
cessary funds be raised by subscription in both
cities, and entrusted to a committee PAID tickets
Of admission will not be issued
If the invention by further improvements.
should prove a practicable and cheap means oil
conveyance, be intends applying for Patent-not
for himself but for the benefit of European lmml-
grants, 10 be carried from our Atlantic shores 70
the interior parts Of the United States and to De
assisted in agricultural enterprises.
NJ Fiopanti thinks favoraby of Mr. Wise
project, and is Of opinion that both the dlstn'
guished a6ronauts and his own discovery Will be
the complement of each other. If so, the long
sought application OF aerostatlcs Wouio DC aeonoe
an European. American discovery.
A modelof NJ Filopantis invention has already
been constructed and he will soon lecture upon
it, firstto a number of persons skilled IN mathe-
mates and then before the public.
Prof f. has made himself favorably known to
the scientific world, having occupied the chair Of
Hydraulics and Mechanics in the University, OF
Bologna previous to the late revolution in Italy
and has also distinguished himselfby successful
invention to prevent the foundations OF rivers
which has been successfully applied to the river
Pc. If human Ingenuity - 1s-si"od " IiiIihPh
over the difficulties surrounding the great problem
of atmospheric navigation, it will be through the
combined power of inventive genius ahd OF the
profoundest resources OF mathematical science