different standpoint and took as their basic idea the cellular
(or box) kite. This form of kite, consisting of two superposed
surfaces connected at each end by a vertical panel or curtain of
fabric, had proved extremely successful for man-carrying
purposes, and, therefore, it was little wonder that several minds
conceived the idea of attempting to fly by fitting a series of
box-kites with an engine. The first to achieve success was M.
Santos-Dumont, the famous Brazilian pioneer-designer of airships,
who, on November 12th, 1906, made several flights, the last of
which covered a little over 700 feet. Santos-Dumont's machine
consisted essentially of two box-kites, forming the main wings,
one on each side of the body, in which the pilot stood, and at
the front extremity of which was another movable box-kite to act
as elevator and rudder. The curtains at the ends were intended
to give lateral stability, which was further ensured by setting
the wings slightly inclined upwards from the centre, so that when
seen from the front they formed a wide V. This feature is still
to be found in many aeroplanes to-day and has come to be known
as the 'dihedral.' The motor was at first of 24 horse-power, for
which later a 50 horse-power Antoinette engine was substituted;
whilst a three-wheeled undercarriage was provided, so that the
machine could start without external mechanical aid. The
machine was constructed of bamboo and steel, the weight being as
low as 352 lbs. The span was 40 feet, the length being 33 feet,
with a total surface of main planes of 860 square feet. It will
thus be seen--for comparison with the Wright machine--that the
weight per horse-power (with the 50 horse-power engine) was only
7 lbs., while the wing loading was equally low at 1/2 lb. per
square foot.