A Suggestion for a Flying Machine

This etching appeared in an issue of The Graphic from 1877. It’s only given the title of A Suggestion for a Flying Machine.[1]

The above illustration appeared in an 1877 issue of The Graphic, with the simple headline “A Suggestion for a Flying Machine”.[1] Without any context or description, we can only take the image at face value. The machine seems to be lifted by a group of balloons placed centrally between two large wings, and the pilot dangles from a pole at the center of it all. Said pole has a broom-like tail behind it, and the pilot’s arms and legs control the tail and the wings, respectively.

It’s an interesting concept, but it’s hard to believe this machine would ever fly. The label suggestion is a fitting one for this reason, since it seems like more of an artist’s concept rather than an actual design. There’s a simplicity about the concept as well, with the pilot just sort of hanging there under the contraption, and the wings feel a bit limp, especially if they’re providing lift. It might be that the wings act more like a parachute, controlling the descent, while the balloons are for the ascent, but without a description from the author, it’s anybody’s guess.

Read more about other ideas for flying machines here.


[1]: “A Suggestion for a Flying Machine”. The Graphic, vol. xvi, no. 421 (22 December 1877): 596.