Some Factors Affecting the Range of Aircraft with Special Reference to Height

Abstract

From that memorable day in December, 1903, when Orville Wright made the first power driven flight, aeronautical engineers have directed continuous efforts towards improving the range of aircraft. The distance covered on that first flight was about 120 yards. At the present time the record for distance flown in a straight line stands at 5,012 miles, and as for duration, some unfortunate Americans recently succeeded in staying in the air for nearly 27 days and nights without landing. This latter record has little value beyond that of an endurance test of the engine, and possibly the physiological effects on the occupants of the aircraft. The long distance record, however, has a direct influence upon the design of both military and commercial aircraft.