direction while in flight.



CHAPTER VI

THE LIFTING SURFACES OF AEROPLANES


THIS subject includes the form, shape and angle
of planes, used in flight. It is the direction in
which most of the energy has been expended in
developing machines, and the true form is still
involved in doubt and uncertainty.

RELATIVE SPEED AND ANGLE.--The relative
speed and angle, and the camber, or the curved
formation of the plane, have been considered in
all their aspects, so that the art in this respect has
advanced with rapid strides.

NARROW PLATES MOST EFFECTIVE.--It was
learned, in the early stages of the development
by practical experiments, that a narrow plane,
fore and aft, produces a greater lift than a wide
one, so that, assuming the plane has 100 square
feet of sustaining surface, it is far better to make
the shape five feet by twenty than ten by ten.

However, it must be observed, that to use the