Edgar Cayce Readings, 2664-1

Time: Unknown.

TEXT

GKN: Mr. Cayce, will you please construct an airplane which will be as near perfect as possible in every detail; and we want you, with the Forces, to give the outline of such a machine.
EC: Well we have it here, and along these lines would we build such a machine.
It is possible to build such an one along the lines of the bird that soars, so that the construction of such an one flight would be possible by the machine itself, with the aid of propelling force to get in motion, as well as descending under unusual circumstances. Ordinarily, of course, the propelling force would not be used in descending; so that with the beginning of flight of such a machine the motive force would only be necessary, except in dead calms, of which there are very few, and against certain gales, in which it might be used in turning or driving.
But in such a machine there are more things to be taken into consideration. First the body of such an one must be along some of the lines of types as are constructed today. Yet with the beams extended full across from tip to tip. Then the force used in the rudder, that is in the tail of the machine, would be something of the type as is used on some machines today, especially the Beloit, save in the spread of the tail; as the balance of the machine, with the rudder movable, would be in the banking or turn, and in the cutting edge, so that the levers of such a machine would be of more use in changing the direction of the cutting edge than in changing the rudder force, and we have a spread rather than a cut on the end.
Now from the beam we would have a wing in proportion to the length, and built opposite from the other one, that is a left and a right wing: we will take the right as an example. The beam is fastened with the machine stationary or rigid, with a covering semi-rigid to the beam, to give the lifting power to this machine when attached. The shape of this wing will be something of the shape of a bird's wing when soaring, with the deeper camber coming toward the center, and as we would see here, like a bird's wing at the first joint, with the more rigid force here, that is in the center at this first joint of the more rigid or deeper camber; so that the air currents strike close to the body, and in the first beginning of flight escaping close to the machine, and as it gains in speed and lift it is gradually turned to the center and out by the levers, giving more lifting power from above as well as below. The lift is taken into consideration in this wise: each end of each rib member becomes the shape of a feather of a bird's wing in flight, and is flexible, but more rigid in this position, at which it will be 15 ft. long and 5 ft. wide, but this will be changed with the varying types.
Close to the body of the machine on the cutting edge from the center toward the end, almost, there is more curve, that is more turn to the lifting force when in full flight, but it is capable of being made flat. The deepest curve is close in to the first joint, or the center position where the deepest camber is found; so that in the forces propelling such a wing, built in such a way, we will find that we are giving lifting power more with the curve in the front, and more propelling power as force is given to the flexing wings in flight; so that when the propelling force comes into the camber it is made deeper or more flexible as it passes along its trailing edge in flight.
In alighting aligning with such a machine the deepest curve, that is of the cutting edge, is made more of a curve, forcing the air to the further end or outward, so that it can be brought down by the force of gravitation, and with less jar to such a machine. Built in that form we will have a perfect machine. The lifting force or power will be increased from 6 to 15% in power, depending on how much force is given to the rib members.
There is plenty of capital to be interested in such a machine. Follow these outlines as given here.
(Q) Tell us how to know about planning for such an organization for construction, Mr. Cayce?
(A) When we have obtained the drawings or plans to be shown of such construction, with all of the possibilities of such an one, those who are interested in such machines can be interested financially, to put their means into the construction of such a machine. This we would follow along the lines of such organizations already formed, to guide us through the experimental stage, and you will have sufficient funds to carry on without outside interests; some of these will have large blocks and some small.
(Q) Shall we submit this design to the U.S. Government, Mr. Cayce?
(A) After some work is carried forward, but not on first principles, as we would meet many objectionable forces while this work is being handled and progresses, and before such actions should be taken up. Be sure it is not condemned or taken over by them.
(Q) Are there any other details, Mr. Cayce?
(A) Many of the lines along which present day machines are used can be done away with by experiment. Of course those used in the beginning of flight can be changed. This we will find by experiment, and we will find we can do without wheels. Do as we have given here, and we will have a machine that will fly fast, far and furious; with very little propelling force when built as we have given here. Also in banking and on the turns, as we have outlined here in the wings, which will change or pick up on either side, and will give or take from either side and still hold its equilibrium. It is not easily turned over.
(Q) What shall we call this machine, Mr. Cayce?
(A) The Perfect Flying Machine.
(Q) Are we through, Mr. Cayce?
(A) Do this as we have outlined here, and we will have a machine that is perfect in its lifting power and the number than can be carried, and in speed and power in flight as we have given.
We are through.

BACKGROUND

4/09/21 Mr. [2664] requested and was present for this reading in New York City at the Hotel McAlpin where Edgar Cayce was staying.

REPORTS

7/12/39 See EC's letter to Mr. [1937]'s doctor, under 1937-1 Reports: "Is the young man any relation to [2664] who used to be Co. Judge of Christian County? He was a very good friend of mine. No one that I ever thought more of than [2664]. Could you tell me what has become of him, is he still living? Last heard of him he went to Fla., saw him last in N.Y."
2/21/60 See Source File Key #2664 for a Virginian-Pilot newspaper article concerning an ornithopter re 2664-1.