A ircraft related to 'cyclogiro', named by author 'Samoliot'
or 'Wheeled Ornitopter'. Lift force supposed to be created by wheels similar to ones used by steam ships. Paddles were
spoon-shaped and their position was controlled by system of springs and eccentrics.
Wheels were dropable, supposed to support aircraft only before takeoff.
Aircraft was built very well, and won a medal on St.Petersburg Exposition of Modern Inventions
(1909). But tests outcome was negative - 'Samoliot' not only failed to takeoff,
it also failed to move.
Surprisingly, similar apparatus was proposed by German designer A.Rorbach as late as in
1935...
Sources :
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by
V.B.Shavrov, Vol.1 p.39-40
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