Quote: Uncolored etching of "The Flying Ship" proposed by the Jesuit Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685-1724). On August 8, 1709, Gusmão is said to have flown a small balloon before the court in the Casa da Índia in Lisbon. The image in question may be a representation of a heavier-than-air machine proposed by Gusmão, or more likely, a representation of a proposed large balloon drawn by someone unfamiliar with the actual appearance of Gusmão's design. The craft is shown aloft with clouds and sun in the background. It features a bird-like shape and decorations. The operator sits in the open body of the bird with a telescope and globes. Oars are provided for propulsion. Parts are marked with letters A-I, but no key is present.
I probably would not be posting the above drawing was it not for the altered drawing below.
As you can see, the tail ends do not really match.
And what do you think really this is?
Sources:
KD: Basically, wanted to see what the opinions on this change of the rear portion of the aircraft was, in addition to:
Additionally, if we could locate the original legend for the top image, that would be great.
I probably would not be posting the above drawing was it not for the altered drawing below.
As you can see, the tail ends do not really match.
KD: Basically, wanted to see what the opinions on this change of the rear portion of the aircraft was, in addition to:
- Why would somebody replace possible nozzles (KD) with feathers?
- What do you think we have displayed in the rear (nozzle-like objects) of the top image?
Additionally, if we could locate the original legend for the top image, that would be great.