CHAPTER 21 ( VIEWS OF FOREIGN RESEARCHERS )

It is interesting that Researchers abroad have perceived Vymanika Shastra in a positive and meaningful manner. Their Interpretation and Analyses reflect commitment and open mind. Their focus seems to be on yantras, metals and materials and vimanas. They are attracted by the contents of the text that specify use of mercury, Copper, Magnets, Electricity, Crystals, Gyros and Acids. Mercury in particular is identified as a high energy-potent element. They interpret that the text talks of Mercury Vortex Engine for propulsion system. Coating Scientific Encyclopedia they point-out that mercury is known for its utility even by 500 BC. Mercury Vapour Turbine Engines are reported to use Liquid Mercury, recycled in a closed circuit system, consumption therefore being negligible. The other distinct properties are, it is a conductor of electricity, and amplifies sound waves.

Samarangana sootradhara of King Bhojaraja unveils the use of mercury in engines for aviation use very distinctly. Briefly explaining the operation of this type of engine, western researchers, quoting this treatise, mention this as a heating device placed underneath to cause ignition, triggering the potent energy in mercury to drive the whirlwind in motion. This produces highly intense impulse catapulting the flying machine into air instantaneously.

Use of liquid mercury in Gyroscopic applications makes it even more versatile. The characteristic features of liquid mercury are:

• Heavy Protons found in mercury atom are highly stable

• Gyroscopes of this kind do not need any warm-up

• they are vibration and shock-proof

• these gyroscopes have no moving parts and can run forever

• In addition they offer compactness and weight reduction advantages so vital in aviation use

Researchers abroad point out that Crystals, Manis and Mirrors stated in this work have potential not yet explored by modern science. Crystals today, though sparingly used in technology still play a dominant role in Digital Technology.

Some western researchers strongly feel that ancient Indian aviation included propulsion system from Electromagnetic Lift and Repulsion principles and vertex propulsion. Many experiments have been reported from these experimenters working on modeling vimanas with these principles inbuilt. Such trials are predominantly after 1950s. It appears from the results of these experiments that though the methods look unconventional as compared to established technology, they are not opposed to them from the point of basic principles of science. Famous experiments on small flying crafts known as searls craft have added credence to applications of these theories in aviation.

This topic on views of foreign researchers have been briefly introduced just to give a glimpse of happenings outside the country on principles of ancient aviation science. There have been a number of books published by several authors in the recent years. We believe that researches on ancient aviation sciences receive far higher impetus in the coming decades.