p. motor,
which is the smallest yet used in actual flight. In describing
his work, Mr. Sellers says his purpose has been to develop the
efficiency of the surfaces to a point where flight may be
obtained
with the minimum of power and, judging by the results
accomplished, he has succeeded. In a letter written to the
authors of this book, Mr. Sellers says:
"I dislike having my machine called a quadruplane, because
the number of planes is immaterial; the distinctive feature being
the arrangement of the planes in steps; a better name would
be step aeroplane, or step plane.
"The machine as patented, comprises two or more planes
arranged in step form, the highest being in front. The machine
I am now using has four planes 3 ft. x 18 ft.; total about 200
square feet; camber (arch) 1 in 16.
"The vertical keel is for lateral stability; the rudder for
direction. This is the first machine (so far as I know) to have a
combination of wheels and runners or skids (Oct. 1908). The
wheels rise up automatically when the machine leaves the
ground, so that it may alight on the runners.
"A Duthirt & Chalmers 2-cylinder opposed, 3 1/8-inch engine
was used first, and several hundred short flights were made.
The engine gave four brake h. p., which was barely sufficient
for continued flight.
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