AEROPLANES

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2545, 5 July 1909, Page 7

AEROPLANES

A CHRISTCHURCH INVENTION. TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE WAR OFFICE. Mr Oswald Coates, of Christchurch, who lias been studying the subject of aeroplanes for about forty years, has constructed the model of a machine, which he intends to offer to the British Government, and he will leave for London in a .few days, in order to place liis proposals before the authorities. Speaking to a Christchurch “Press” representative he said that he now recognised that the plans he had prepared many years ago were far in advance of anything at that time. After going into the-subject he had let the matter drop. Recently, however,, it had again been brought up, partly on account of the fact that . engines sufficiently light for the purpose could he obtained, and not long ago he had scon a kinematograph picture of Mr Wilbur Wright’s machine, which' induced him to go on with his project. His machine, with the same beam, 40ft,-as Wright Brothers’, would have a lifting surface of 1620 ft against their lifting surface of 500 ft. At an equal speed, his machine' could carry over 40001 b against Wrights’ 12501 b. On account "of more engine power, he could develop a higher rate of speed, which would increase his lifting power There were items in construction for which he had applied for patent rights. They would greatly increase the safety and" also ensure that the bearings would run cool. He was satisfied that, if it was not for the danger of using the machine in the dark, and for the V obvious necessity of rest for the man ' in' charge, who could not leave liis seat while the machine was in the air, .his machine would continue its flight for several days. He calculated that, including frame, engines and operator, and a full day’s supply of fuel, it would weigh under 20001 b. Ho had had between thirty and forty very successful gliding trials in bis garden in Merivalo Lane. Three of them had been seen by Mr. B. M. Molineaux, manager of the Bank of New .South Wales, who had expressed himself as being highly pleased with the performances There had also been gliding trials on two day’s inv+lio Txipg-Ed’.vfird-■ Barrack's. I v tho latter trials the machine displayed its

flying powers, but/owing. to tbe breakage of tbe four rudders through coming into contact with the ground, to the ■ deadnees of the air, and the utter lack of any current of wind, it was at a disadvantage and. did not balance as well as in the open. At the same time it fully dempnstrated that, with motorpower, it would prove itself a good flier. ; v, ■ ■ ' . Tbe model is 4ft long and 3ft broad. Mr Coates has endeavored to obtain a motor for his machine, but was unable to get one light enough either in New Zealand or Australia. He is so well satisfied with his trials that he intends to construct a full-sized machine immediately on his arrival in England. After putting it through the necessary tests, he will submit it to the authorities of the War --ace. He has unbounded confidence in his invention, which he believes will be a credit to Christchurch, and to the Dominion.