A large machine, with extensions to its main-planes, capable of carrying
a very heavy load, and of remaining in the air for a long time, but
being an awkward craft in a high wind, save for the most expert pilot—in
such terms, one may describe the Maurice Farman. What a skilled airman
can do with such a big, slow-flying machine, has been shown by Renaux,
who piloted his Maurice Farman right round the 1030-miles course of the
Circuit of Europe; but there were, of course, times when the monoplanes
flew in a wind which kept him in his shed. It should be stated, to the
credit of the Maurice Farman, that it achieved excellent results in the
French trials.
Reference has been made to the Breguet. This is a biplane of a most
progressive type. Steel enters largely into its construction. It has a
tapering body, with controlling planes at the tail, such as the
monoplane possesses; and, in addition, it is equipped with two main
supporting planes, such as characterise the biplane. These are fitted
above and below the body of the machine.
Constructionally, its outstanding feature is its simplicity. Instead of
a number of wooden supports between the main-planes, held in place by
much wiring, the Breguet biplane dispenses with all save four struts;
and these are maintained in position by a minimum of wiring.
The result, from the point of view of portability, is that a great
stride forward is effected. The main-planes of the machine, which
represent its bulky feature, can be unshipped in a few minutes. Nor is
this all; by an ingenious system of hinging the main-planes to the body
of the biplane, these planes may be turned back, after they are
un-wired, and folded beside the body of the machine.
A result is thus achieved which would not have been considered possible,
in the early stages of aeroplane construction. When the planes are
folded at the sides of the machine, it can be made to move down a road
like a motor-car, with its engine running, and its propeller drawing it
forward. The steering-wheel, used when the machine is in flight, is
connected with a small front running-wheel. When he is on the ground,
therefore, the pilot sits in his driving-seat, and controls his craft
like a motorist.
Such features as this commend themselves, as may be imagined, to
military experts. The Breguet biplane possesses other original features
also. The main-planes, being constructed with thin metal ribs, are
flexible; and this flexibility gives the machine stability when assailed
by wind-gusts.
There are several military types of the Breguet biplane. There is, for
example a machine built to carry a pilot and an observer; and another
type, more powerful, which raises a "crew" of three into the air.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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