“Huge Barrel Plane for Ocean Flights” on the cover of “Popular Science,” June, 1933. Art by Edgar F. Wittmack.
Air Tunnels in Giant Flying Wing Expected to Increase Power of Many Propellers
“Pierced by a battery of tunnels a flying wing airplane is proposed by an engineer at the famous Caproni airplane works in Italy. Streamlined motors and four-bladed propellers will drive air blasts through the tunnels, each of which forms a Venturi tube, expanding toward the rear. Thus, according to the inventor, the air will give a forward push something in the manner of rocket propulsion. Aided by the Italian government, the designer recently completed a single-engine experimental craft incorporating his ideas. This odd flying barrel (also illustrated on the cover) was put through successful tests near Rome. He now proposes to build a huge machine for transatlantic travel.
“A half-dozen tunnels or more will run through the immense flying wing. Rudders and elevators will be mounted so they will move in the blasts issuing form the tubes. The craft will be piloted from a cabin with transparent walls at the center of the leading edge of the wing. On either side will be observation bays from which passengers can look ahead. Other windows will afford a rear view from the central passenger’s cabin. Another feature of the machine will be a catwalk running lengthwise through the wing. It will enable mechanics to make adjustments while the plane is in flight.” [Text from the accompanying article]
“Huge Barrel Plane for Ocean Flights” on the cover of “Popular Science,” June, 1933. Art by Edgar F. Wittmack.
Air Tunnels in Giant Flying Wing Expected to Increase Power of Many Propellers
“Pierced by a battery of tunnels a flying wing airplane is proposed by an engineer at the famous Caproni airplane works in Italy. Streamlined motors and four-bladed propellers will drive air blasts through the tunnels, each of which forms a Venturi tube, expanding toward the rear. Thus, according to the inventor, the air will give a forward push something in the manner of rocket propulsion. Aided by the Italian government, the designer recently completed a single-engine experimental craft incorporating his ideas. This odd flying barrel (also illustrated on the cover) was put through successful tests near Rome. He now proposes to build a huge machine for transatlantic travel.
“A half-dozen tunnels or more will run through the immense flying wing. Rudders and elevators will be mounted so they will move in the blasts issuing form the tubes. The craft will be piloted from a cabin with transparent walls at the center of the leading edge of the wing. On either side will be observation bays from which passengers can look ahead. Other windows will afford a rear view from the central passenger’s cabin. Another feature of the machine will be a catwalk running lengthwise through the wing. It will enable mechanics to make adjustments while the plane is in flight.” [Text from the accompanying article]