The Washington times., 1908-08-15
Successful Speed Tests En-
courage Aviator for To-
days Flight.
BALLOON MUST STAY
TWO HOURS IN AIR
Captain Plans TO Encircle Wash
ington Monument-Sale to Gov
ernment Almost Assured.

Captain Baldwin's big dirigible prac-
tically has been sold to TIE United
States
The airship's two successful flights
late yesterday afternoon proved that the
great gray navigator of the air is ali
that is claimed for 1t by Captain Bald
win and Glen II. Curtis. Today both
Baldwin and Curtis wear broad smile
while they are busy around the balloon
house at Fort Myer.
The first fight yesterday began at
6:32 p. T.. The ship was towed out OF
the Dig tent, and was soon soaring into
the air. 1t sailed to a point over
Cherrydale, and returned over almost
the same course, landing like feather
at the starting point at $50 p. m. The
average speed was Isl miles per hour.
During the flight the ship sailed at an
average height OF go feet above the
ground.
When the dlrIgible landed the flight
had been so successful and conditions
were so favorable that Captain Bald
win decided 20 attempt another voyage.
and after tuning up the marvellous lit
tie engine the ship left the earth for
the second flight at 7.O9 p. m This
figh was almost over the previous
course, and the dirigible behaved even
better on the second trip than on the
first The turn was made at a point
northeast of Cherrydale. The time was
thirteen minutes, and the speed at the
rate OF PA miles per hour.
Landed Safely.
A landing was made safely. and as
the ship was lead into the canvas shed.
a grin was on the faces Of her captain
and engineer
The ship behaved perfectly on both
flights, though several times when
strong head winds or cross currents
were encountered she bucked and pitch
ed like a Texas broncho-
The official Government board. head
ed by Major Squiers, were present, and
officially timed both flights Members
Of the board We're stationed over the
official course. Several parties follow
ed tie flights in automobiles.
The army officers of the board were
enthusiastic over the tests OF the di-
riglble. and while none OF them woul1
say anything for publication. 1t was
easy 10 see that they were as pleased
as the builder and pilot OF the ship.
Only one more test now remains 10
prove the utility OF the balloon. and
that IS comparatively an easy task TO
fulfill This is an endurance test. and
the specifications require that the bal
loon be capable OF remaining in the
air two hours.
Has No Fear
Why" said Captain Baldwin early
this morning. eve could remain in the
air for two days II necessary. Il would
be only a problem Of carrying enough
fuel for the engine to allow US 10 keep
anoat."
Between 1 and o'clock this afternoon
the endurance test will be made II
conditions are favorable the course will
embrace q night two OF three times over
the route taken yesterday, and it IS
possible the big, gray ship Will sail
over Washington. circling the Washing
ton Monument several times, 70 show
just what IL is capable OF.
Tie Government conditions to be met
before the ship Is accepted require that
II shall be able to fly from two TO FIVE
miles. carrying two men, and have a
speed IN the air Of sixteen miles an
hour: beside this II must remain above
the earth at least two hours at a time.
Except IN the latter test. the Baldwin
airshlp has more than met the require
ments. and there is hardly any doubt
but that il will easily meet the last re-
qulrement this afternoon.
The Government has agteed 10 pay
st. 80 for the ship, Il accepted. with
bonus OF Is per cent for every mile
above sixteen miles made. up to TWEEN
ty-four miles
1t is probatia that Captain Baldwin
will receive. t1clLding the bonus earned
for exceeding The requirements. more
than $4,000 for the California Arrow.
as The ship has been christeued.