Page 6
University Daily Kansan
Friday, April 29,1955
Flying on a Saucer? It's a Possibility
By TED BLANKENSHIP
In a field near Palo Alto, Calif,
recently, a small metal disk, 6 feet
across and 2 feet thick, roared into
the air, then hovered seven feet off
the ground. The pilot held to a railing
above the contraption and steered
it with a shift of the weight.
The new flying machine is the Hiller flying platform. It uses a new system of propulsion conceived and developed to a great extent by a KU graduate, Charles H. Zimmerman, (1829), who now is head of the dynamic stability branch and assistant chief of the stability research division of the Langley Aeronautical laboratory.
The new flying platform works on the inducted air fan principle. Basically, it consists of two enclosed counterrotating propellers under the platform which suck air down through holes in the fuselage. This air provides a downward thrust and lifts the platform.
M. Zimmerman got the idea for the plane after World War II when he was an engineer with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
He thought that if he had a device on his feet which produced a downward thrust equal to his own weight, he could stand suspended in air, and if the thrust were intensified he could go higher. Also, he thought, if the pilot shifted his weight in one direction, the plane of thrust would be tilted, resulting in a shift of the platform in the direction of the weight shift.
Working on his own time, Mr. Zimmerman built a flying platform in the basement of his home in Connecticut.
Stan Hiller, the young helicopter genius, became interested in the project in 1946, and had it sent to his research grounds in Palo Alto. Hiller Helicopters began a series of tests. The machine got a few inches off the ground several times, but the experiments were expensive and the series was shelved in 1948 to work on Hiller's production helicopter.
The idea was forgotten until in 1951, when Mr. Zimmerman, now working at NACA's Langley Aeronautical laboratory, interested Paul R. Hill, a fellow engineer, in his weight - shifting guidance theory. They were given permission to investigate the principle using Langley's facilities.
This time, they attacked the problem from a different angle. They used an ordinary board, large enough to support a man, and projected a hose through the center. The hose was connected to a compressed air container which game them the thrust. A harness was suspended from the ceiling for the protection of the pilot. It worked the first time in 1951.
Later they built another platform, using a compressed-air-driven propeller. Then they constructed a model powered by an electric motor. Both systems worked.
In 1953, the Office of Naval Research became interested in the possibilities of the ducted fan principle, and subsequently awarded Hiller a contract to construct Mr. Zimmerman's device. It was built in nine months.
Besides the military uses of the machine, the platform has a wide range of civilian possibilities. It could become the private flying vehicle of the average American. Its simplicity means a low production cost and it is so simple to fly that a child could operate it.
Mr. Zimmerman is the author of reports on wind-tunnel tests of low-aspect-ratio airfoils, aerodynamic lateral stability, dynamic longitudinal stability, aircraft spinning, and the operation of the NACA spin tunnel. He developed the first free-flight tunnel.
He attended Olathe High school and received his B.S. degree in electrical engineering at the University in 1929.
Orators to Vie Tomorrow
A statewide oratory contest sponsored by the speech and drama department will be held at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Green hall.
A division will be held for both junior colleges and four-year colleges.
Eight schools will be entered in the contest. They are Washburn university of Topeka, Sterling college, Kansas State college, Fort Hays Kansas State college, Pittsburg State Teachers college, Hutchinson Junior college, Tabor college at Hillsboro, and St. John's college at Winfield.
"This is the first time we have attempted anything such as this," said E. C. Buehler, professor of speech. "It is in the nature of an experiment. If interest is strong enough we will make it a permanent annual event."
A traveling trophy will be presented to the winning schools in each division, and individual trophies will be presented to the winning speakers.
Official Bulletin
Episcopal morning prayer, 6:45 a.m.
Communion, 7 a.m. D a n f o t e h
chapel
PhD. reading examination in German, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, April 30, in 306 Fraser. Only candidates approved by Graduate school may take exam.
TODAY
TOMORROW
Graduate club social evening. 8 p.m.
midnight, Henley house. Meena Teagurajan and Shanti Tangri hostess and host.
Museum of Art record concert, noon and 4 p.m. Hayden: Symphony No. 7 in C major; Symphony No. 8 in G major. Hunt: fellowship treasure hunt, meet at church
museum of Art record concert, noon
and 4 p.m. Pefter: Kleine Sinfonie,
Op. 44; Symphony in C major, Op. 46.
Gamma Delta coffee hour, 3 p.m.
Gamma Delta picnic, 4:30 p.m., Potter lake. Talk by Miss Shirley Groh, Student center, to follow. K-State Gamma Deltos to be guests.
Morning meditation, 7:30-7:50 a.m.
Danforth chapel. Everyone invited.
Liaison fellowship panel "The Relation-
Hospital," 3:30 p.m. church.
Museum of Art record concert, 4 p.m.
Charles Ives: Symphony No. 3. . .
SUNDAY
Hillel foundation supper, 5 p.m. Community center, 1409 Tennessee. Phone Stan Berger 1047W or Robert Sokal 3473J for reservations.
Pre-Nursing Club Schedules Picnic
Election of officers will be the main business. Cost of the meal is expected to be about 25 cents, according to Miss Welch.
Members of the Pre-Nursing club will hold a picnic at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the dining room of Fraser hall. Reservations should be made by May 4 with either Miss Sara Patterson, professor of economics, or Sue Welch, college sophomore.
5 Officers Installed By Theta Sigma Phi
Officers of Theta Sigma Phi, women's journalism fraternity, were installed last night at 7:30 p.m. at Templin hall.
Those installed are: Gretchen Guinn, journalism junior, president; Irene Coonfer, journalism junior, vice president; Marion McCoy, journalism junior, secretary; Lee Ann Urban, journalism junior, treasurer, and Janis Johanson, college junior, keeper of the archives.
Nail polish remover will take care of the gummy substance left on skin by adhesive tape.
Religious Groups Plan Weekend Activities
A worship service will be held before lunch. After lunch Mrs. John Patton will speak on the "Principles of Leadership." Dr. Patton will lead a discussion on the philosophy of student Christian work.
There will be a retreat for spring officers from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Westminster house to review the year's activities and to make plans for next year. All old and new officers should attend.
. . .
The Sunday evening fellowship will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Westminster house.
--should be examined today, Call for appointment. Any lense or Prescription duplicated. LAWRENCE OPTICAL CO.
Phone 425 1025 Mens.
New officers for Westminster fellowship will be installed at consecration services at 6:45 p.m. Sunday in Danforth chapel.
Gary Patterson, college junior, is chairman of the committee in charge. Other members are Sarah Lawrence, college freshman, and Lawrence Grove, fine arts feshman.
The Westminster Bible study group will meet Wednesday to study the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
. . .
The KUWF council will meet Thursday with James Ragan, college junior, in charge.
The Liahona Fellowship of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will meet at 5.30 p.m. Saturday at the church for a treasure hunt.
The KU Newman club will hold a ceremony of Living Rosary at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1. The entire club will participate in the ceremony which will feature a procession from the lobby of the Student Union to the grounds of Danforth chapel, where the rosary will be recited.
Rosine Guildoni, fine arts junior from Morenci, Ariz., has been chosen May queen of the club, and she will place a crown of flowers on the statue of the Virgin
YOUR EYES
WE'RE SORRY- But We Don't Really
Have Mermaids Serve You
You'll like our
But we DO have everything else to give you the best seafood dinner in
town.
- Swordfish Steak
* Deep Sea Scallops
* Soft Shelled Crabs
DUCK'S Sea Food Tavern
824 Vt
Mary. Her attendants will be Barbara Peak, college junior, and Patricia Gallant, college freshman.
Following the recessional, the club members will have refreshments in the auditorium of the St. John's church.
. . .
The United Student fellowship will meet at 7 p.m. Sunday in Plymouth Congregational church, 925 Vermont st. After the showing on a filmtrip, "Rumor Clinic, members of the group will participate in an experiment demonstrating how rumors grow.
strating the hire
Recruitment will precede the meeting and worship, led by Michael Roth, college freshman, will conclude the program.
"Is Religion An Escape?" will be the topic of discussion at 9 a.m. Sunday service at Wesley foundation.
At 7:30 p.m. Sunday the group will have a panel discussion centering on the topic, "Christian Living-Vocation or Avocation," led by Wanda Sammons, college senior, and Lloyd Kirk, business senior.
Communion services will be held at the Methodist student center every Thursday from 7:15 until 9 a.m.
Evening prayer will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Parish house of Trinity Episcopal church. Supper will be served after the service. Following the supper, Dr. John Hankins, professor of English, will speak on his trip to Holland and show slides.
Harzfeld's The Italian look
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plain scuff or crepe soled casual to wear out doors as well as inside.
2. 00 & 4.00 Also, Italian Tee Shirts—in gay sunny colors.
3. 95 to 5.95
12th and Oread Store Hours Open 9:30 to 5:30 Thurs. nite 'til 8 p.m