avia.wikisort.org - Aeroplane

The Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane was the first of a series of aircraft built with and for the Ford Motor Company.[1]

Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane
Role	Monoplane Type of aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Designer	Charles Van Auken
First flight	1909
Number built	1

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.[2] The aircraft bore a striking resemblance to the Blériot XI.[3]

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.[4]

Specifications (1909 Monoplane)

Data from The Youth's Companion and Sherman[3][5]

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

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