Electrostatic Levitation

Aeronefs (and by extension steam wings and æthernefs) achieve lift through application of the principle of electrostatic levitation, in which an electric field surrounding a charged object can shield it from the influence of gravity.

To allow the effect to be applied at scale to large constructions - such as an aeronef - which it would be impractical to charge and surround with a single field, the underside is covered in innumerable gimbal-mounted small blocks, each surrounded by its own electric field.

The free movement of these blocks relative to each other is a necessary consideration. The effect of electrostatic levitation is an unstable one, as shown by Maxwell's proof of Earnshaw's theorem in 1874, but the instability can be counteracted by monitoring and reorienting the blocks and fields to combat it. Naturally this complex and continuous operation is beyond mortal capability to sustain; but the development of Lovelace Stabilisers (a derivative of the Analytical Engine, and pinnacle of the watchmaker's art) has allowed this effect to be practically achieved.

On ascent, the charges associated with the electrostatic effect build up rapidly but not instantly; however on landing the acumulated potentials must be discharged immediately for safety and the loud lightning crack of a landing aeronef has become a distinctive sound anywhere these vessels set down.

The recent development of the Pinkett Bicycle is a veritable wonder of miniaturisation of the technology, but it is not publicly available.