AERONAUTICS: Brake

If planes could brake themselves on the air and alight as abruptly as birds do by reversing the thrust that gives them flight, aviation would be vastly safer and more convenient. To this end, Inventor C. Francis Jenkins of Washington, D. C., radio and television expert, has been applying himself lately to discover a literal "air brake." Last week he announced success.

Mr. Jenkins' invention did not, however, enable a plane to depress its wings, bird fashion. It was an adaptation of the reversible propeller blade already used on water ships but...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!