Re: [Phys-l] Almost Killed by a Falling Grapefrui

["Laurent Hodges" <lhodges@iastate.edu>]

Yes, the 1915 planes were pretty slow!  Somewhere I once read a full account of
this incident (maybe in a Stengel biography?) and I think Ruth Law had practiced
the drops to be able to be accurate enough.  I don't remember, but maybe
Robinson was knocked down, too.

> In 1915, one might be flying a plane rather slower than the one you  can
>   rent from the local FBO  (airport).
> Among such flyers, a popular game is competitive flour bombing,
> in which one drops a bag while flying at slow speed,  in order
>   to hit a 3 ft circle.   It is not difficult.
>
> Brian Whatcott
>
> At 11:21 PM 1/22/2007, Jack, you wrote:
>
> > It depends on the speed and angle of dive of the airplane.  Predominantly.
> > If the plane were in level flight, this story, if true, would recount a
> > near miracle of bombing accuracy, particularly in view of the bombsights
> > available at that time.
> >                                 Regards,
> >                                         Jack
>
>
> Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka! 
>
>
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Laurent Hodges
Professor Emeritus of Physics, Iowa State University
12 Physics Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3160
http://AmesIowa.US