1959 09 00 Science et Vie No 504

Magazine Overview

Title: SCIENCE ET VIE
Issue: N° 504
Date: September 1959
Price: 150 fr (France), 20 fr (Belgique), 1.70 fr (Suisse)
Cover Headline: SOUCOUPES AMÉRICAINES (American Saucers)

This issue of Science et Vie features a prominent article on American "flying saucer" projects, exploring the military's development of experimental aircraft with disc-like shapes. It also touches upon French aviation innovations and other scientific topics.

L'armée U.S. fait voler ses premières soucoupes (The U.S. Army Flies Its First Saucers)

The main article details the U.S. military's efforts in developing and testing unconventional aircraft inspired by the "flying saucer" phenomenon. These craft are described as circular, with a rounded center, and range from 3 to 5 meters in diameter. They were observed flying at altitudes of 20 to 30 meters, emitting a strong hum and whistling sounds, and capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. Their behavior at low speeds and during hovering is noted as potentially unstable, with significant oscillation. However, they are credited with performing complex maneuvers, including stationary flight just 50 cm above the ground (even in sand whirlwinds) and rapid vertical ascents.

The article emphasizes that these are terrestrial vehicles, identified by the white star of the U.S. Navy on their flanks. The motivation behind these developments is the military's drive for increased mobility, leading to the creation of vehicles that are smaller and more maneuverable than helicopters, and faster than ground transport. These are described as hybrid devices blending helicopter and "flying cage" technology, falling under the category of V.T.O.L. (Vertical Take-Off & Landing) aircraft.

Several companies are involved in this research. Curtiss-Wright announced the availability of the first "gliders" for experimental sale, while Saunders-Roe in Great Britain conducted public tests of a glider with an undefined purpose. The article mentions a near-disaster involving a glider designed by Swiss engineer Carl Weiland, which almost sank in Lake Geneva, highlighting the complexity of the glider's design.

Saunders-Roe is reportedly developing a new glider with two engines totaling approximately 1,000 horsepower. Curtiss-Wright is also advertising "glider-buses" and "glider-trucks."

Regarding the strange craft observed in New Mexico, the article notes that little is known publicly. However, several firms are studying different prototypes. The Avro-Aircraft company, a Canadian firm, has a significant contract worth 2.4 billion francs, with research dating back to 1955. A prototype is expected to be unveiled in the winter. Chance Vought is also mentioned for a "flying crepe" prototype, evolved from an abandoned original model by Carl Zimmerman.

The common characteristic of these vehicles is their disc shape, attributed to the simplicity, aerodynamic qualities, and the lack of visible propulsion systems. This shape is also functionally driven by the efficiency of ducted fans (propellers surrounded by a ring), which suppress tip losses and improve airflow compared to open propellers. The design integrates the ducting into the structure, leading to the characteristic saucer shape.

Principles of Propulsion and Design

The article details the propulsion systems of two main prototypes. For the U.S. Army's immediate interest, the Avro-Aircraft prototype uses a "classic" principle: air is drawn in and ejected downwards by a propeller through a vertical duct, providing lift. For horizontal movement, lateral ducts eject air. While previous designs like the Hiller flying platform, Piasecki and Chrysler air jeeps, and the Curtiss-Wright and Saunders-Roe gliders used one propeller per duct, the current Avro-Aircraft saucer uses a single propeller to feed two diverging ducts and lateral propulsion ducts.

Special qualities of this saucer are attributed to the properties of the circular wing and a complex aerodynamic phenomenon called the "Coanda effect." This effect generates additional downward thrust, the value of which depends on the disk's section and is likely amplified by an annular bulge around the saucer's periphery. This effect is thought to significantly improve the lift equation.

An anecdote is shared about Italian model builders who, years prior, built a saucer-shaped model that achieved speeds far exceeding those of conventional model aircraft, suggesting an inherent advantage in this design. French engineer Couzinet is also mentioned as having been inspired by this experience for his own saucer-plane, which remains in storage.

The Avro-Aircraft saucer is powered by an internal combustion engine. Its power output is not yet known but is believed to be substantial, prompting a comment from M. Charles Quarles, Assistant Secretary of Defense: "I have never seen anything stronger since I've been involved with aviation, which is a long time! The public will be blown away!"

Submarine Hunter (Chasseur de sous-marins)

This type of saucer is seen as part of a broader strategy to develop mobile units that can use terrain for concealment while also operating at low altitudes or flying over obstacles. General Frank Britton stated that armies have historically used natural features for cover, but these also limit mobility. The new mobile units aim to overcome this limitation. Helicopters were not entirely adequate, and gliders were too disadvantaged by rough terrain.

Vice-Admiral Rawson Bennett, head of U.S. Navy research, highlighted the potential of these machines for operating equally well over land and water, serving as both transport and assault vehicles. He suggested they would be less vulnerable targets than existing craft and could transform coastlines and river deltas into invasion routes. He particularly envisioned their use in hunting submarines, operating at altitudes slightly above waves and at speeds exceeding those of the latest atomic submarines. This would allow them to deploy depth charges on submarines and return safely to shore or a mother ship.

However, these saucers are believed to have a limited operational range, estimated at a maximum of 100 km, due to high fuel consumption. Their safety is also a concern, requiring improvements in stability and the development of braking systems for emergencies. Their intended low operating altitudes are seen as a primary safety feature.

Initially, these are military devices, but the article anticipates that civilian industry will soon show interest, driven by the persistent dream of the flying car.

Piasecki recently conducted successful new tests of its "flying jeep," launched a year prior and now equipped with a Turbomeca Artouste 425 hp turbine, indicating that the "flying jeep" is becoming a reality.

The principle used by Avro-Aircraft is not new. The article notes that the French engineer Henry Le Boloch described and applied a similar concept in 1925 with a self-stable helicopter using tunnel and depression, patented in 1934. Tunnel experiments showed it could lift 6 kg per horsepower with a poorly adapted rotor, which was promising. The article suggests that only the significant resources available to the Americans allowed them to realize and perfect an apparatus that France could have built 35 years earlier.

France Holds the Monopole (For Now)

Currently, the U.S. holds the monopoly on these saucer-like craft. This is partly due to their facilities enabling them to study the plans for the "saucer" by Hans Lippisch, a second, more audacious prototype currently undergoing tests. This prototype is described as a rotating-movement saucer powered by a high-power turbopropulsion engine. In addition to the Coanda effect, it incorporates a "Lippisch effect," which can be summarized as a circular, biconvex body with an asymmetrical shape and horizontal rotational movement tending to screw itself vertically into the air. The Lippisch saucer's fuel consumption is even higher than the previous one, and the current prototype operates on borane. Despite these challenges, there is hope of moving beyond the experimental stage.

The article expresses surprise that the United States holds a near-monopoly, noting that only one project is attributed to the Russians: a circular-winged craft of 3 to 4 meters in diameter, propelled by reaction, with no known results.

However, the author claims to know that the French Air Force possesses files on a disc-shaped craft with a propulsion principle as revolutionary as Le Boloch's 1925 project. This French project is reportedly based on electromagnetic phenomena, described as surprising as it may seem. One of its main proponents is French engineer Edmond Nazare. These plans, described as extremely complex and secret, and seemingly without parallels elsewhere, face practical realization difficulties and, more importantly, a lack of funding.

Whether signed by Le Boloch, Couzinet, or Nazare, the French saucer remains grounded. The article concludes with a hopeful note that, perhaps in a few years, these aircraft might be seen flying in other skies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cutting-edge aerospace technology, particularly the development of unconventional aircraft like flying saucers and V.T.O.L. vehicles. There's a clear fascination with the potential of these designs, driven by military applications and the persistent public interest in futuristic transportation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on technological advancements, acknowledging both the promise and the challenges, and highlighting international efforts, with a particular focus on the U.S. military's leading role while also championing French innovation, albeit with noted limitations.

The magazine also touches upon the broader implications of these technologies, such as their potential impact on warfare (submarine hunting) and the eventual transition to civilian use. The underlying message is one of progress and the relentless pursuit of new flight capabilities, framed within the context of the Cold War era's technological race.