fabric from Henson's model aeroplane
Two pieces of fabric from Henson's model aeroplane, 1843
- Measurements:
-
: 0.030 x 16.0 x 16.0 in.; .762 x 406.4 x 406.4 mm
- Object Number:
- 1907-29 Pt1
- type:
- fabric
William Henson's model of his 'Aerial Steam Carriage'
- maker:
- William Samuel Henson
Henson's Flying Machine model [1843]. With stand and pieces of fabric.
This is the model which William Henson and John Stringfellow attempted to fly between 1845 and 1847. The design is similar to Henson's proposed full-size passenger-carrying aircraft, the 'Aerial Steam Carriage' patented in 1842, which was intended to be seven times
the size of this example. The model was tested on Bala Down, near Chard in Somerset, but failed to make any successful flights.
Wood construction, braced with flat iron wire
and kingposts, covered in oiled silk.
Span 6.10 m (20 ft)
Weight 11.34 kg (25 lbs)
Power plant vertical double-acting steam engine
Details
- Category:
- Aeronautics
- Object Number:
- 1907-29
- Measurements:
-
: in.; mm
- type:
- model
- credit:
- P. F. Alexander
Parts
Stand, for William Samuel Henson's model aeroplane
Stand for Henson model aeroplane
- Measurements:
-
overall: 845 mm x 3120 mm x 450 mm,
- Object Number:
- 1907-29 Pt2
William Henson's Model of his 'Aerial Steam Carriage'
Henson's Flying Machine model [1843]
More
Henson's Flying Machine model (scale 1:7). In 1842 William Samuel Henson (1812-1888) patented a design for a steam-powered monoplane which he called an 'Aerial Steam Carriage'. The machine was never built but Henson and his partner, John Stringfellow, later constructed this scale model of the machine with which they carried out trials in 1845. Henson and Stringfellow planned to set up an airfreight company, the 'Aerial Steam Transit Company', to transport goods around the world. However sustained flight was never achieved and, in 1847, Henson abandoned his plans and emigrated to the United States. Although its flights were limited, this was the first powered aircraft to be built, albeit a model, that in any way approached a rational design.
- Materials:
- textile and metal (unknown)
- Object Number:
- 1907-29 Pt3
- type:
- model - representation and aircraft
