A CHRISTCHURCH AEROPLANE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 125, 24 June 1909, Page 2

A CHRISTCHURCH AEROPLANE

TO BE SUBMITTED TO 'THE WAK Mr. -Oswald Coates, of Christchurch, who lias k<xn studying the subject ol aeroplanes for about rorty years Jias constructed the model of a machine which no intends to oiler to th e British Government, and he will leave tor Loidon in a few days in order to place Ms proposal before tu u Home Government. Speaking to a reporter tlic other c\oiii«i;> he said that the plans, "which he haa prepared many years ago, were far in advance of anything at that time. Ho had let the matter drop, but recently it had 'been again brought up, partly on account that engines sufficiently light for tilt purpose could be obtained. Not long ago he had seen a kiuematograph picture of Jlr. Wilbur Wright's iiiutttuu', anil these induced him to go j on with iiis project. His machine, with I the same beam (10ft) as that of the Wright Bros., would have a lilting surface of 1020 ft!., against their lifting surface of aOOft. On account of having more engine-power, he could also develop a higher rate of speed, which would have the cfl'cct of adding to the lifting power. If it were not for the danger of using the machines in the dark, and for the obvious necessity for rest for the man in charge of his machine, he would continue its mgnt lor several days. He calculated 'that, including frame, engines, operator, and a full day's supply of fuel, his aeroplane would weight under 20U01bs. He has had between thirty and forty very successful gliding trials in his garden, and there had also been gliding trials on two days in the King Edward Barracks. Ini the latter trials the machine displayed its flying power, but, owing to the dcadness of the air, and the utter lack of any current of wind, it was at a disadvantage, and did not balance as wen as when in the open. At the same time he fully demonstrated that, with motor power, it ivould prove itself a good flier.

Mr. Coatcs has endeavored to obtain a motor for his machine, but was unable to get one light enough, either in New Zealand or in Australia. He is, however, so -well satisfied with the trials that lie intends to construct a full-siz-ed machine immediately on his arrival in England. After putting it through the necessary test, he will submit it to the authorities of the War Office. He has unbounded confidence in his invention, which, he believes, will be a credit to Christchurch and to the Dominion.