The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-09
Its First Flight Successful Until the
Wings Becam Detected, and
Then IL sank.
DROPPED INTO THE POTOMAC
BUT WAS FIsHED OUT AND SENT TO
THE REPAIR SHOP.
Flew About o Yards After Being
Shot Out OF the Catapult-Ths
Described.

Underwater, Va, Aug. ga part
~ successful experiment with the fifteen
foot Langley airship was made this morn
ing from the houseboat in the Potomac
river, of this point. The aerodrome started
well in a straight line south at a velocity
OF seventy feet per second and few for
a distance variously estimated at from four
to six hundred yards. Some detection in
the wings soon after the launching caused
it to take a downward course, which she
followed rapidly and was impelled into the
water under the fun power of her engine.
There wa sufficient steam generated for a
rapid flight for a half or three-quarters OF
a mile. Under the full pressure OF this
force the machine struck the water and a
moment later disappeared from view. The
machine was recovered. considerably dam
aged, and removed to the ~housebcat. where
extensive repairs will have TO be made be-
fore another test can be pulled of.
At a given signal the model was dis
patched on it's voyage. The launching car
was pulled back TO the leeward OF the
superstructure and sent forward on its
track at a rapid velocity. When the wind
ward end was reached the machine shot
forth. A better launching could not have
been desired. The Smithsonian scientists
believed that the highest hopes were about
TO be realized, but after the first few sec
onds of fight, the wings were detected and
the flying machine went downward until
her course was ended on the mud-bottom OF
the Potomac. She was travelling at a
velocity OF about forty miles an hour.
When the machine was raised from the
water \ workman attempted 10 cover IL with
a cloth, but for a long time was unsuccess-
full. Its mechanism and dimensions were
plainly seen from the press boat twenty
feet away. 1t was equipped with four
wings, two on each side, about four by six
feet, made of the finest oil silk. and held
upon delicate wooden rods. The wings
were shaped like a tent. The body con-
sisted OF an intricate arrangement OF fine
steel rods with cylinders, motor and boilers
carefully balanced. Between the two sets
of wings were situated the propellers, two
in number. equipped with two blades. The
steering gear was situated at the rear and
was constructed from material like the
wings. The motor Is supposed 10 gener-
ate something in excess of two-horse power.
Several Photographic were secured OF the
machine in flight. The wind against which
It few was blowing about four miles an
hour. After the experiment Assistant
Manley refused TO make any statement for
publication.
Chief Assistant Manley. Of the Langley
expedition, made the following statement:
The experiment was entirely successful
All the data which this machine was de-
signed TO furnish was obtained. The equilib-
rum was perfect, the power adequate and
the supporting surface ample. No accident
occurred. some OF the WOODWORK OF the
wings and rudder was slightly damaged by
the graphing hooks used I'm removing the
aerodrome from the water. but no essential
parts were injured. Were another test de-
sired this afternoon the same machine
could be used. / have nothing further TO
say at present. I shall make a fun report
Of the test to Professor Langley"
Soon thereafter the houseboat was closed
and the party went TO Washington on the
tug ID. NJ. Key. Before leaving both the
large and small launching carriages were
removed from the superstructure.