The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-11-16

airShip.
The first and initial trial of the craft
was made from Idora Park, Oakland.
Since then several other trials have
been made, all Of which proved very
satisfactory.
No high altitude was attained by
the new a;rship. Captain Baldwin's
principal aim was to determine if the
movements of his ship could be con-
trolled. He ascertained this could be
done quite easily.
At a height Of about 700 feet he cir
cled several times around the large
park, going both against and with the
wind, and moving at various angles.
After being up nearly an hour, Captain
Baldwin brought his ship back to the
starting point, and safely descended to
earth. These trials were witnessed by
great crowds Of spectators.
Subsequent trials have also been
made, when it was demonstrated that
in every revolution Of the large pro-
pellor, and In every move of the steer
Ing gear, and of the weights which
raise or lower the vessel at will, the
plans of the inventor have been carried
into effect. The large propeller, hay
ing two metallic blades, and nearly six
feet in diameter, instead Of being
placed at the stern, is located at the
bow Of the frame or car, as in most
recent airships of this type. In this
manner the airship, instead Of being
pushed through the air, is pulled. This
facilitates the steering as well as rails
ing or lowering the ship.
The balloon, by means Of which the
whole machine is raised, is somewhat
blunt cigar-shaped. 1t measures fifty
four feet in length and Is seventeen
feet in diameter il the middle. The
balloon is constructed of a very fine
quality Of silk. extremely strong and
| flexible, and with the reticulated net
ting which attaches it to the ar,
weighs only ninety pounds. The bal
loon is inflated with hydrogen gas, and
at an ordinary distension pressure con-
tains 5000 cubic feet.
To this balloon is attached the frame
which supports the propelllns and
steering mechanism. This frame,
which is made Of strong, light wood, is
triangular in shape, the three ends
uniting at q centre at each extreme.
This frame Is forty-eight feet long, and
Is very securely braced and dashed. 1t
has been very thoroughly tested and
will support 400 pounds with safety.
The engine which drives the pro-
pelller is one Of the ordinary gasoline
type, furnishes seven horsepower, and
weighs sixty pounds. The transmitting
mechanism is so adjusted and geared
as to cause the propeller to make 80
revolutions per minute. Just what
speed can be obtained under ordinary
conditions. has not yet been definitely
determined by the inventor.
The frame, or car, is placed directly
below the balloon-about twelve feet
and weighs sixty-ive pounds. The
total weight of the airship Is go
pounds, while its buoyancy will lift
nearly 500 pounds. The rudder, which
is rectangular in shape, five by three
and one-half feet, is very easily manip-
ulated from any part Of the car; and
the engine is regulated by q steel lever.
One person can very easily navigate
this airship. The %aeronaut can sit
about midway of the frame, or he may
move about freely If necessary without
disturbing the general equilibrium to
any extent.
A weight, which can be shifted from
bow to stern. or vice versa, permits
the airship to be raised or lowered at
will, a feature borrowed from Zeppe-