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Description: Aeroplane Lab Page 5
Newspaper published in: Washington, D. C.
Page/Column: 5
Washington Post May 4,1914 Aeroplane Lab Page 5
Recalls First Aeroplane Laboratory.
"Now that the aeroplane has become practical and science has conquered the air, it is interesting to note that the first aero-dynamic laboratory built in the world stands in the Catholic University grounds near Washington," remarked George LUCAS, of Salt Lake City, formerly assistant to Albert F. ZAHM, who was the director of the laboratory, at the Shoreham. "It is no longer a laboratory, and is used as a part of the gymnasium, but there are many things about the place to remind one of the days when Prof. LANGLEY, the WRIGHT brothers, Octave CHANUTE, and other pioneers in aviation visited the place to study the course of the experiments. Mr. ZAHM is now secretary of the American Aero Club. Prof. LANGLEY has long been dead, and Wilber WRIGHT has joined the great majority.
"The aero-dynamic laboratory was a. building about 60 feet in width by 140 feet in length, and within it there was an air tunnel 6 feet square. It was built of light material, with highly lacquered and polished walls. At the intake end there was a screen of cheese cloth or other light material. At the other end there was a motor-driven fan, operating at 200 revolutions a minute. The tunnel was 100 feet in length, and it was in this tunnel that the first scientific experiments in the struggle to produce a flying machine were made. Prof. LANGLEY and the WRIGHT brothers were frequent visitors at the laboratory, and took a deep interest in all the experiments."