
3 5 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 27cm
Description
Model (scale 1:50). The first use of electricity to power an airship was by the brothers Albert and Gaston Tisandier. The current was supplied by 24 bichromate of potash cells to a Siemens 1 1/2 hp engine. In 1884 La France proved capable of steady flight and of returning to its point of ascent. However it was apparent that owing to the heavy weight of the batteries, electric power did not provide a solution to the longstanding problem of airship propulsion.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10195033
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library