1956 03 00 Mechanix Illustrated Willy Ley

Magazine Overview

Title: MECHANIX ILLUSTRATED
Issue: March
Date: 1956-03
Publisher: N/A
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: 25c
Cover Headline: U. S. AIR FORCE REVEALS OUR FLYING SAUCER

Cover Story: How The Flying Saucer Works

This issue of Mechanix Illustrated features a prominent cover story by Willy Ley, a renowned authority on rockets and guided missiles, titled "How The Flying Saucer Works." The article delves into the potential operational principles of disc-shaped aircraft, often referred to as flying saucers, which were being developed for the U.S. Air Force. Ley's analysis is based on conversations with Vertical Take-Off (VTO) authorities in the U.S. and his extensive research.

The article begins by referencing official releases from the White House and the Department of Defense in the preceding year, which discussed artificial satellites and the military's interest in "flying saucer" technology. Notably, Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles was quoted as stating that AVRO Ltd. of Canada had a USAF contract to build an aircraft similar to the flying saucer concept.

The Coanda Effect and Vertical Flight

Willy Ley explains that the concept of flying saucers gained traction following discussions of their flight possibilities in publications like TRUE The Man's Magazine. The most recent Air Force report, issued in November 1955, suggested rational explanations for most sightings but also highlighted America's plans for building disc-shaped aircraft capable of vertical flight and high maneuverability. Ley visualizes how such a craft might be constructed.

He introduces Henri Coanda, a Rumanian who designed and flew a pure jet airplane in 1910. Coanda's work on aerodynamics, particularly the "Coanda effect," is central to the article. This effect involves a jet stream clinging to a surface, such as a flap, and drawing in external air. Ley explains that this principle could be applied to flying saucers using multiple small nozzles and flaps arranged around the rim. For takeoff, these flaps would extend and tilt downward at a 31-degree angle, directing the jet blast to achieve vertical lift and hovering, similar to a helicopter.

Transition to Forward Flight and Stability

Once a suitable altitude is reached, the pilot would reduce the number of active exhausts and withdraw the flaps. The remaining jets would function as conventional propulsive units, allowing the saucer to fly forward like a jet plane. The article notes that the absence of tail surfaces would typically lead to poor stability, but this could be compensated for by careful weight distribution or the use of jet air intakes that also function as stabilizing wing slots.

The primary advantage of this saucer concept, according to Ley, is the combination of vertical takeoff and landing with high forward speeds, potentially reaching sonic rates. He references the Chance-Vought V-173, a horseshoe-shaped experimental aircraft from World War II, as an example of a craft that theoretically could achieve high speeds and short takeoffs, though its stability was reportedly an issue.

Artist's Concept and Future Implications

The article is accompanied by illustrations by Gurney Miller, depicting futuristic airport scenes with flying saucers. One illustration shows spectators at an Air Force saucer base watching a two-man interceptor take off. Another depicts several saucers in flight above a futuristic structure.

Ley concludes that while the immediate application might be for fighter aircraft, the potential for flying saucers to revolutionize other forms of aviation is significant. He suggests that these craft could fulfill the long-held dreams of aviation professionals for planes offering the benefits of vertical takeoff combined with competitive forward speed.

Other Articles

The cover also promotes other articles within the issue:

• Tom McCahill Reviews His Ten Years of Car-Testing: This indicates a feature by the magazine's well-known car-testing columnist.
• Buried Gold in Louisiana: A topic suggesting a treasure hunt or historical discovery.
• The World's Most Fabulous Gun: An article likely focusing on a remarkable firearm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features articles on technological advancements, particularly in aviation and engineering, often with a forward-looking and speculative tone. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring and explaining cutting-edge or futuristic concepts to a general audience interested in "how-to" and practical applications, even when those applications are speculative, as in the case of flying saucers. There is a clear interest in military technological developments and their potential impact. The inclusion of diverse topics like car testing, treasure, and firearms suggests a broad appeal to readers interested in mechanics, adventure, and innovation.