T. Townsend Brown demonstrated this means of propulsion to the
American military during the 1950s. He used a saucer-shaped
model tethered only by a high voltage line supplying the charge
to the model (7). During that decade Brown built increasingly
larger, faster models using this method. Brown found that a
saucer or a triangle was the best shape for this type of flying
craft. A secret proposal, code-named Winterhaven, was to develop
a Mach 3 antigravity saucer interceptor was put forth to the U.S.
Air Force (8). This project was further developed through the
1960s but after this all traces of this concept seem to
disappear.
But where Brown is overlooked is not only did he have a method of
electrostatic propulsion but he also had a self-contained method
to impart this charge to a flying craft. He invented a flame-jet
generator or electrokenetic generator which supplied the
necessary high voltage in a light weight, compact manner (9).
The flame-jet generator utilized a jet engine with an electrified
needle mounted in the exhaust nozzle to inject negative ions in
the jet's exhaust stream. A corresponding but positive charge is
automatically built up upon the leading front edge of the craft.
As long as there is no leakage through the dielectric or
insulating material, in this case through the wings and body of
the craft, propulsive force is generated in proportion to the
strength of the charge attained. Brown estimated that such a
flame-jet generator could produce potentials as high as 15
million volts of potential (10).
Ionized air molecules on the leading edge of the craft's surface
had other positive benefits. The positive electrical field on
the wing's leading edge reduced air friction so that drag caused
by air molecules was reduced. This was because individual air
molecules on the wing w2