LANGLEY, (SAMUEL PIERPONT) - A PIONEERING PAPER IN AVIATION.

Recherches expérimentales aérodynamiques et données d'expérience.

(Paris, Gauthier-Villars), 1891. 4to. No wrappers. In: "Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Séances de L'Academie des Sciences", Tome 113, No 2. Pp. (49-) 104 (entire issue offered). Langley's paper: pp. 59-63. Disbound but clean. Tear to one margin, not affecting the text.

First appearnce of this pioneering paper in which Langley announced that it is possible, with the motors that we now have, to keep a plane in the air with large speed.

In 1891 Langley experimented with steam-engine powered Aerodromes, beginning the series which would lead to the human-carrying machine of 1903. The first of these was designated Aerodrome No. 0 and proved a failure. The second machine, Aerodrome No. 1, was powered by a carbonic acid gas and later by compressed air. Aerodrome No. 2, also built in 1891 was also a disappointment. Aerodrome No. 3 (1892) was of stronger construction and was modified a number of times. A better means of heating the steam was tested on Aerodrome No. 3 and was a decided improvement and was incorporated into Aerodrome No. 4. By the end of 1893 Aerodrome No. 4 was ready for testing and a launching device atop a house boat was built.

Order-nr.: 49066