Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-09-18
AERIAL NAVIGATION.
A Germantown Man Who Proposes
Crossing the Ocean In SO Hours.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Charles P. Fest Of stenton and Wyoming
avenues, Germantown. has spent lifetime in
trying to solve the problem of aerial navigation,
having during the past forty years expert
mented with over $50 balloons. He believes
that his hopes are now about to be realized in
this particular direction, having recently in
vented and constructed q new device. which he
thinks will meet with all the requirements
The invention is entirely the work OF his own
brain and hands. The balloon, while
differing in minor points Of construction and
shape is essentially an ordinary bag such as 10
commonly used for gas imitation. In addition
there is device consisting Of network OF
cords, arranged with a view OF collapsing the
bag when the internal pressure is lowered.
The entire weight is suspended from the lower
ends OF the cords, which are al united outside
the summit of the balloon. Arranged around
the horizontal equator at proper distances are
a number Of conical orifces, which may be
opened or closed at pleasure and from which
hot air is expelled with view of directing the
aerial machine in the desired course. Within
the cone is spiral projection to cause the
issuing hot air to assume rotary direction.
THE MOTIVE POWER.
The heating or motive power is produced by
fame, created by the burning Of gasoline
contained in cans on the outside of the hoop.
ohah pipes running ron tnese recePtaCies
connect with q larger pipe. which is attached
to the perpendicular pipe running through the
center Of the balloon. The fame is increased
or decreased by slight turn of a spiggot, and
herein lies one of the principal features OF the
air ship.
The steering device consists of two wings,
bisecting each other in the center at right
angles. and arranged upon the same movable
axis, so that the rudder may be placed in any
desired position to assist in directing the course
of the ship.
TRIP OF THE SUSANNA ELIZABETH"
Mr.. Fest has made a balloon containing the
above devices which he has named THE
Phoenix" 1t is constructed of manila paper
and is 10 feet in diameter. When inflated it
will contain 523 cubic feet of hot air. 1t is the
intention of the inventor to set it free the first
evening that the weather is comparatively
mild. His name and address is printed on the
cans and woodwork of the balloon in several
places so that if any one secures the air ship
after 1t descends the inventor can be notified
of its location.
The inventor, now feeling confident that he
has accomplished the object of his life, which
was secured only by great perseverance,. pa
thence and the loss of over $1,000 in the way OF
experiments on his hobby, will make prepara-
lions to send up his mammoth air ship ''Su-
sauna Elizabeth" named after his wife, which
Is expected to cross the ocean in thirty-six
hours.
Mr.. Fest stated to representative OF the In
qlirer that he has no fears whatever but that
his air ship will land safely on the other side of
the ocean. 1t will be 81 feet in diameter and
contain 25,81l cubic feet of hot air. 1t will be
capable OF carrying as much as 700 pounds.
The outer covering will be made of muslin.
The cost of the ship will be $780, Mr. Fest will
wait for desirable winds before he starts the air
machine on Its voyage.