For a
distance of 1 1/8th of an inch above this point the cylindrical
form of the pencil is preserved, but for the succeeding three
inches to the upper end, the pencil is provided with four equally
spaced angle flanges or vanes. This flanging of the upper end or
tail ensures the arrow spinning rapidly as it falls through the
air, and at the same times preserves its vertical position during
its descent. The weight of the arrow is two-thirds of an ounce.
The method of launching this fearsome projectile is ingenious. A
hundred or even more are packed in a vertical position in a
special receptacle, placed upon the floor of the aeroplane,
preferably near the foot of the pilot or observer. This
receptacle is fitted with a bottom moving in the manner of a
trap-door, and is opened by pressing a lever. The aviator has
merely to depress this pedal with his foot, when the box is
opened and the whole of the contents are released. The fall at
first is somewhat erratic, but this is an advantage, as it
enables the darts to scatter and to cover a wide area. As the
rotary motion of the arrows increases during the fall, the direct
line of flight becomes more pronounced until at last they assume
a vertical direction free from all wobbling, so that when they
alight upon the target they are quite plumb.
Pages:
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179