War Kites at the Naval Manoeuvres : "Bacchante" Equipped. 1903

For Sale is a Full Page taken from "The Sphere, August 29th, 1903," showing a Drawing by Charles Wyllie called "War Kites at the Naval Manoeuvres : "Bacchante" Equipped." 

One of the most interesting features of the manoeuvres has been the trials which have been made with the aeroplane, or box Kite, invented by Mr. Cody. The Kite is made of a material like silk-alpaca which is stretched on a bamboo frame. Four ships were equipped with a set. One Kite was sent up as a pilot and another took up an aerial wire which communicated with the wireless telegraph apparatus. The Kite carried it up for about 300ft. Messages were sent and received at a distance of 110 miles. As a rule messages cannot be despatched from even the largest men-of-war over a course of more than sixty or seventy miles so that the use of the Kite gave a considerable advantage. In a short time the wireless system will be installed on all large men-of-war. During the present manoeuvres Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson used the new system of telegraphy for misleading ships of the enemy's fleet. The system is as yet in its infancy, but great things are expected of it.

Condition is Very Good.