The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-08-18


ton matters is highly respected the
world over-gave out a verp positive
statement that he considered the ny
droacroplane as Of no value. and l
believe there are certain French Of
ncers even to-day who do not look
upon lit with favor But We have met
with such success in the development
OF the hydroaeroplane in this coun-
try that We have spread the fever
abroad. Foreigners are everywhere
taking it up with avidity. And it is
notable that, quite recently this same
Andre beaumont. or Conncau has
made flights over Paris in a hydro
aeroplane. and he is said to be con-
templating a flight in it across the
English channel
"lncidentally hydroaeroplane flights
over water are comparatively safe. bo-
cause the wind conditions are general
~ safer than over the land, and in
case Of Il fall there is less danger
to tho aviator.
Mechanical Flying Fish.
THE very latest development OF the
overwhelmingly in which We are
now intcrested-is the now invention
Of Glenn Curtiss. which he calls the
flying iish'
IL have looked forward To this de-
velopment for some time expecting
that sooner or later the navy would
have important use for such ma
chine in rough water. In this ma
chine the hydroplane. tho body. and
the tail Of the machine arc all in
one. forming 4 more or less fish,
shaped boat with wings. Besides it's
advantages in rough water. this ma
chime has the virtue OF offering
body more commodious for instru-
mcnts. more comfortable to the avia-
tor and giving less head-resistance.
So. I'm our recent specifications | havo
promised special consideration to de-
signs cmbodyins such boat struc-
turc.
III possible VIC want to eliminate
sasolene- burning motors from the
navy's hydroaeroplanes, because the
storage OF this fuel aboard man-of-
war is dangerous proposition. The
small amount of sasolonc now carried
on board ship for motorboats is
stored upon the upper decks. where it
can be Immediately thrown overheard
in case of action or Of fire. So | have
notified nl builders that an extra
premium will be given for ain efficient
motor operated by fucl-oil or any
nuid whose storage aboard ship is
not dangerous.
futl-OI hOtOrS Coming.
~ great deal of effort is being
expended both here and abroad 70
perfect a fuel-o motor for aero
planes and automobiles such fuel
oil engines a. now exist are out Of
the question for aeroplanes on account
OF their weight. but I know of some
promising efforts now being made
which Will probably put new face
on this problem much sooner than is
generally anticipated by aeroplane
builders. Indeed. from what know
is being done along this line right
here in America. am sansuine OF hav-
ing a ruel-oi motor Tor our hydro
aeroplanes within a year
But 1t is not absolutely necessary
to use fuel-oil In order to overcome
the gasolcne problem. Steam could
he used in small turbines. it being
generated by fuel-oil OF alcohol. which
is less dangerous"
Are YOU now able to send wireless
messages from your hydroaeroplanes
while they arc lowering over the sea p"
Yes. but nei.her here nor abroad
can this be done from aeropIanes Of
any kind with entire satisfaction as
yet We can transmit over distances
of from ten TO twelve miles. but the
apparatus still weighs more than wa
want to allow. However, improve
ments along this line are going for
ward so fast l anticipate that We Will
soon have an instrument transmitting
for sixty miles and weighing not moro
than hfty or sixty pounds"
VIII Aero Eliminate WarshIp.
'Wnl war aeroplancs render war
ships useless or will high-angle guns
operated from ship or shore make
aeroplanes helpless as war agonts2
Which will win in the competition be-
tween instruments of onenss and de-
fenss-,thn .bdtrlaahp u the arrp-