| Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane | |
|---|---|
| Role | MonoplaneType of aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Designer | Charles Van Auken |
| First flight | 1909 |
| Number built | 1 |
The Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane was the first of a series of aircraft built with and for the Ford Motor Company.
Design and development
The Monoplane's design was started in 1908 by Charles Van Auken using plans of a Blériot XI as a guide. A Ford Model T engine with holes bored throughout to lighten the weight was used as a powerplant. The aircraft was a conventional landing gear-equipped, wire braced, mid-wing monoplane with a fabric covered cruciform empennage and warping wings for roll control. The aircraft bore a striking resemblance to the Blériot XI.
Operational history
In 1909, the aircraft was test flown by Van Auken in Dearborn Michigan, flying in ground effect before crashing into a fence. The engine was modified for more power and the aircraft was flown a second time in 1910 at the Fort Wayne parade grounds; after becoming airborne, Van Auken lost control and crashed into a tree.
Specifications (1909 Monoplane)
Data from The Youth's Companion and Sherman
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Powerplant: 1 × Ford Model T engine Four cylinder inline piston engine, 28 hp (21 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed Wood
Performance
- Service ceiling: 8 ft (2.4 m)
References
- "The Saga of the Tin Goose: The Story of the Ford Tri-Motor".
- Ford Richardson Bryan. Beyond the Model T: The Other Ventures of Henry Ford. p. 163.
- ^ "Edsel Ford Speaks Out: Modest, capable, sincere, this young head of a great industry offers you some sound advice Schools for Industry An Eighty-Horsepower Ford All-Metal Planes EDSEL FORD SPEAKS OUT What of the Air-flivver?". The Youth's Companion: 306. June 1929.
- Robert F. Pauley. Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers. p. 12.
- Don Sherman (January 1997). "Why automobile cars do not fly". Air and Space.