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Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane

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Ford-Van Auken 1909 Monoplane
Role Monoplane
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.[1]

Design and development

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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

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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)

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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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  1. ^ "The Saga of the Tin Goose: The Story of the Ford Tri-Motor".
  2. ^ Ford Richardson Bryan. Beyond the Model T: The Other Ventures of Henry Ford. p. 163.
  3. ^ a b "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.
  4. ^ Robert F. Pauley. Michigan Aircraft Manufacturers. p. 12.
  5. ^ Don Sherman (January 1997). "Why automobile cars do not fly". Air and Space.