24,344. Fauber, W. H. Nov. 14, 1907, [date applied for under Section 91 of Patents &c. Act, 1907]. Aerial machines without aerostats; aeroplanes; framework; propelling; steering; shock of landing, deadening.-An aerial machine is supported by a number of laterally-extending aeroplanes 1, 2, Fig. 3, arranged behind one another in a substantially horizontal plane, but having the forward edge of each plane above the rear edge of the plane immediately in front. The leading edge of each plane is free while the other edges are fixed to an horizontal framework. When the machine is in motion the planes become curved, the leading edge being moved upwards by the wind pressure, so that the curvature of the plane increases from front to rear as shown in Fig. 6. Central planes 3, 4 formed of flexible material secured only at the side edges to the frame become arched when the machine is travelling. The framework for the planes comprises a rectangular frame 9, 10 stayed by,rods 11, 12, 13, the rod 12 extending on both sides of the frame rods 9. The rods 11, 12, 13 are connected to the keel 18 by inclined rods 19, 20, 21. Vertical posts 33 are secured to the rods 9 and are stayed together by wires &c. 34, while they are connected to the rods 9, 15 by braces 35, 36 and 37, 39. The planes 1 are triangular in shape and connected at two sides to the rods 9, 15 while the forward edge is left free, so that the plane may take up a curved form when the machine is in motion. The rear triangular planes 2 are connected to the rods 9 and stays 16, and the front side is free so that it may take up a position above the rear edge of the front plane. Rectangular planes with the front free edge overlapping the rear edge of the adjacent plane may be placed between the front and rear triangular planes. The central aeroplanes 3, 4 are formed of flexible material with a central rib 44, and when the machine is in motion they become arched. The aeroplanes 3, 4 are connected at the side edge to the frame rods 9 and are arranged so that the curvature decreases from the front to the rear. Vertical planes 7, 8 are fixed centrally of the machine and steering-planes 6, 5 are provided. The rear plane 5 is mounted on a flexible rod 17 secured to the frame, and the plane is bent downwards by an operating-cord 46. The propeller is arranged to direct a current of air on the steering- plane 5 when this is inclined. The vertical steering-plane 6 is connected at its free end to the middle of the rod 14 by a spring 50, and is operated by cords 51. Pneumatic-tyred wheels 58 for supporting the machine when on land are mounted on one arm of a U-shaped spring 60, Fig. 8, the other arm being fixed to the keel 18. When the machine strikes the ground forcibly, the springs 60 yield to permit the tops of the pneumatic tyres to come into contact with the arm 61 so that the tyre is compressed both on its upper and lower sid es.