People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 April 1897 — Navigating the Air. [ARTICLE]

Navigating the Air.

Among the novel ideas in aerial navigation is the coupling together of a number of balloons in what might be called a tandem form. In the foremost is a machine which is supposed to do the propelling. These balloons are umbrella-shaped, and contain hydrogen gas. The car is suspended a long distance below the balloon proper, and is connected with it by a frame of aluminium. The relative positions of car and balloon would be not unlike a very long-handled umbrella fully spread, the car being attached to the lower end of the handle. The motive power is an engine operated by liquid fuel. The experiments with this form of navigation are being conducted at Montgomery, Ala., by men who are fully abreast with the best scientific ideas of the day.