human
Vertical climbs? echoed the other.
gpt
I thought it was impossible.
human
Impossible? Rubbish! Nothing is impossible to the man of science. Have you never heard of the Helicopter?
gpt
You mean that hybrid mongrel the verdammt Yanks and the Britishers have been experimenting with of late, and which has caused so many accidents?
human
The same; only they went the wrong way about it. This propeller, with this driving power behind it, practically gives the vertical ascent, especially when once flying speed has been obtained.
gpt
Blitz, but it is wonderful!
human
Why, the propellers are made of steel, and so are the planes,
gpt
Steel, tempered steel, every bit of it--fuselage, propellers, tail fin, rudders. There’s not an ounce of wood about the _Scorpion_,
human
Then the danger of fire is lessened,
gpt
That danger is eliminated,
human
Except by petrol. By the way, where are the petrol tanks?
gpt
There aren’t any, replied the Rittmeister, smiling.
human
I was waiting for that question.
gpt
No petrol tanks?
human
They’re not necessary, returned the other;
gpt
Himmel! Am I dreaming?
human
No, you’re wide awake. Don’t stare like that, man!
gpt
Der Teufel, but how is she driven?