The Aeroplane Speaks. Fifth Edition

"On the other hand, if we are thinking merely of Speed, then a small Surface, just enough to lift the weight off the ground, will be best; also a small Angle to cut the Drift down, and that, of course, means a relatively small Camber. "So you see the essentials for Climb or quick ascent and for Speed are diametrically opposed. Now which is it to be?" "Nothing but perfection for me," said Efficiency. "What I want is Maximum Climb and Maximum Speed for the Power the Engine produces." And each Principle fully agreed with her beautiful sentiments, but work together they would not. The Aspect Ratio wanted infinite Span, and hang the Chord. The Angle of Incidence would have two Angles and two Cambers in one, which was manifestly absurd; the Surface insisted upon no thickness whatever, and would not hear of such things as Spars and Ribs; and the Thrust objected to anything at all likely to produce Drift, and very nearly wiped the whole thing off the Blackboard. There was, indeed, the makings of a very pretty quarrel when the Letter arrived. It was about a mile long, and began to talk at once. "I'm from the Inventor," he said, and hope rose in the heart of each heated Principle. "It's really absurdly simple. All the Pilot has to do is to touch a button, and at his will, VARY the area of the Surface, the Angle of Incidence, and the Camber! And there you are--Maximum Climb or Maximum Speed as required! How does that suit you?"