Early Aviation History

Historic images of early aircraft and aviators, showcasing vintage planes on the ground and preparations for flight in sepia tones.

1910S Group Of Three Men Standing In Front Of Early Monoplane One With Hand On Propeller

Widgeon Not Ready -- The Widgeon Was got ready to commence her flight to W.A. this morning, but after a trial flight Wing-Commander Wackett decided that the engine was not thoroughly in tune and postponed his start. March 5, 1929.

Katherine Stinson and her aeroplane, circa 1915

1910S Group Of Three Men Standing In Front Of Early Monoplane One With Hand On Propeller

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark II taxiing. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th April whilst Cody was teaching him to fly. It was also in this aircraft th

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark II with Cody and another working on the undercarriage of the unfinished aircraft. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th Apri

Knatchbull M (capt the Hon) Collection No. 3 Squadron R. N. A. S. A Voisin Aeroplane: Imbros, Gallipoli, August 1915.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A de Havilland biplane on the ground with observers.

British Aircraft of the First World War Short S.45 (T.5) Tractor two seat military biplane. Captain EL Gerrard and Mr RO Short seated in their aircraft at Eastchurch, January, 1912.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Paulhan biplane on the ground.

Two Men with Naval Submarine Plane, Washington DC, USA, National Photo Company, July 1923

388 Aviation. April 10, 1930. (Photo by Colimibi Gerardo (Bin).

Austrian hydroplane captured by Italian forces after the failed raid on the Veneto cities of March 27, 1916, Italy, World War I, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XLIII, No 15, April 9, 1916.

Aircraft and Balloons Used by Some of the Air Pioneers Who Were Contemporary With Samuel Franklin Cody. An unmanned (presumably remote controlled) aerial target (mark II) sat on the ground outside a corragated metal shed.

The Tronquoy, Somme, France Recognition Airplane , 1916 - Regions at war Meuse, Haute -Marne, Oise, Somme - Stéphane Passet - (February -30 July) (French - Le Tronquoy , Somme , France Avion de reconnaissance). Plane, air transport, front, aviator, man, Transport, First World War, human beings, France, recognition plane

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark II flying quite close to the ground, banking to port. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th April whilst Cody was teaching h

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Farman F 1 on the ground

Hauptmann R.Stoisavljevic with a fellow card. .

Three engined. 1918.

"Caudron" biplane

R.P. Warner's aeroplane, in flight

NC-4

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark II in flight. G A Broomfield on the wing. Broomfield was a very good friend of Cody and his family. As a volunteer he helped Cody throughout his time at Aldershot and in 1953 published a biography of him. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in Jan

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark IC (Cathedral - so named because of its size and the size of the hangar it required and the katahedral (lower at the wing tips) arrangement of the wings) in flight close to the ground over a field of cows. The most important change made with this mark was moving the pilots seat to in front of the engine. The aircraft was altered several more times, here the additional elevators at the side of the central one (which has now been split in two down the centre) are missing, the rudder is in the original position above the elevator and a tail skid has been added. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembered that because of this constant evolution of his air

James Frederick Cane working on a biplane. From the album: James Cane photograph album gelatin silver prints, black-and-white prints

CIRCA 1911 CURTISS PUSHER MODEL D ENGINE AND PROPELLER ARE MOUNTED BEHIND THE PILOT RESTING ON A TRICYCLE WHEEL UNDERCARRIAGE

Skiopticone image with motifs of flying machine.

Biplane of the 13.FL.Comp. .

VE-7 Graduate Training Biplane manufactured by Lewis and Vought Corporation is featured in this side view photograph. This aircraft is equipped with a 150 H.P. Hispano Suiza Motor. The image was taken by the photographer RECO on October 22, 1918. The description number of the image is 53439, and it was issued for official use only.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War- the work of Samuel Franklin Cody in Airship, Kite and Aircraft Aeronautics 1903 - 1913 The Cody Aircraft Mark V in flight, probably over Laffan's Plain near Aldershot. Using the Mark V, Cody won both the International Division and the British Division (receiving £5000 in prize money) of the 1912 Military Trials, a competition to find an aircraft suitable for use by the British Army. With the help of his family and friends, Cody built the Mark V in just four weeks, utilising the remains of his Mark III aircraft, after both the aircraft that he originally intended to enter in the Trials were written off. The Mark V was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes it had been in. Despite Cody's victory, the Mark V proved unsuitable for military use and only two were bought by the British Army. Nevertheless, Cody went on to win the Michelin Trophy No. 2 (2nd series) and its £600 prize for making

Charles A. Lindbergh, 1910 Model Pusher Plane

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An excellent view of Cody aircraft mark II. Cody is working on the unfinished machine the wing of which is being held down by a mechanic. There is a small number of onlookers next to the aircraft which is outside the shed on Laffan's Plain. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed

Hawker Hornet. January 20, 1931.

Clifford B. Harmon

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War- the work of Samuel Franklin Cody in Airship, Kite and Aircraft Aeronautics 1903 - 1913 Cody Aircraft Mark V, with S F Cody in the pilot's seat, outside the shed on Laffan's Plain, near Aldershot. A horse shoe can be seen above the entrance to the shed. Cody was superstitious and the horse shoe appeared on the shed after the destruction of his original entrants for the British Army Military Trials. Using the Mark V, Cody won both the International Division and the British Division (receiving GBP5000 in prize money) of the 1912 Military Trials, a competition to find an aircraft suitable for use by the British Army. With the help of his family and friends, Cody built the Mark V in just four weeks, utilising the remains of his Mark III aircraft, after both the aircraft that he originally intended to enter in the Trials were written off. The Mark V was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark II in flight flying overhead. The photograph is virtually a silhouette. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th April whilst Cody was teachin

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark II in flight, banking low over Laffan's Plain. Cody built this aircraft in 1910; the previous aircraft had been in several crashes and was suffering generally from constant usage. The design of this aircraft followed similar lines to the previous one though the wingspan was shorter by around six feet and the wing area around a third smaller. The single propeller was originally intended to be powered by two 60 hp Green engines (mark IIA) though problems with synchronicity meant that this was never carried out. This did mean that the aircraft was underpowered though alterations to the engine and the removal of excess weight partly solved this problem (marks IIB to IID). When this engine was replaced with a 120 hp Austro-Daimler, the aircraft performed well, and in January 1912 carried Cody and four passengers. It was eventually crashed by Lieut. J N Fletcher on the 5th April whilst Cody was teaching him to f

Unknown biplane, probably in 1912.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark IV Monoplane on the ground. Cody built this aircraft specifically for the 1912 military trials. This single engine tractor design, radically different from his previous ones was significantly quicker and more manoeuvrable than the aircraft he had built before, though this was partly because of the more powerful Austro-Daimler engine which had been transferred from the mark IIE aircraft. Note the unusual tail arrangement with twin elevators and rudders. The Cockpit was semi enclosed with two side by side seats. Also note the aircraft's large size compared to other contemporary monoplanes. Approximately four weeks before the trials (sources disagree on the exact date) Cody struck a cow whilst attempting to make a forced landing after an engine cut out. Cody was thrown clear, largely unhurt, but the cow was killed and the aircraft, apart from the engine and rudder, was written off leaving him with no aircraft four weeks bef

Imperial Airways plane 1927, West Bank, Rām Allāh

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark IC (Cathedral - so named because of its size and the size of the hangar it required and the katahedral (lower at the wing tips) arrangement of the wings) in flight low over Laffan's Plain. The most important change made with this mark was moving the pilots seat to in front of the engine. The aircraft was altered several more times, here the additional elevators at the side of the central one (which has now been split in two down the centre) are missing, the rudder is in the original position above the elevator, a tail skid and balancing planes have been added between the wings on the rear outer struts. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembered that

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War De Havilland aircraft number 2 on the ground with onlookers.

Louis Bleriot, 1872-1936

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An SE 1 army aircraft being towed along the ground by five men.

Germany -- Lug Biplane -- Schneider type (school machine)

Rosina Ferrario, the first woman in Italy who obtain a pilot's license.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Bleriot monoplane on the ground.

This is a photograph of a Lewis & Vought Corporation VE-7 Graduate Training Biplane, taken in Long Island City. The biplane is equipped with a 150 H.P. Hispano Suiza Motor and is seen in a three quarter front view. The image was taken for official use and is marked with the identifier 3-404.

07/31/1923. Rhoen (Germany). Engineless Airplane Competition. Device Testing.

Fokker D.16 on Soesterberg. Reproduction from photo album from R.B. Lewis.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War De Havilland biplane on the ground with a small group of onlookers.

A Curtiss Aeroplane & Motor Corporation's Model JN 4 D in Buffalo, N.Y. during World War One. This image shows the aircraft in June 24, 1917. Photographed by an official photographer in November 1918. Note that this photograph bears the number 34407 and was issued for official use only.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An excellent medium close up of Cody wearing thick flying clothing aboard Cody aircraft mark IC (Cathedral - so named because of its size and the size of the hangar it required and the katahedral (lower at the wing tips) arrangement of the wings) with Mrs. Capper. The most important change made with this mark was moving the pilots seat to in front of the engine. This aircraft was altered several more times, here balancing planes have been added between the wings on the rear outer struts. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembered that because of this constant evolution of his aircraft Cody would probably not have classified them in such a detailed manner. It was in thi

Sk 10 on an airfield on f 5 . airplane so-called 10 marked number 39 (533) on an airfield on f 5 ljungbyhed. In the background, hangars are visible. Side view.

06/06/1911. The aviator Tick Moments before starting for the altitude speed and plane flight tests that he won yesterday afternoon.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Avro biplane on the ground with a small group of handlers.

Pioneers of flight, caproni ca.9, 1910

"Hammond" airplane

British Aviation Prior To the First World War Aircraft at the Central Flying School, Upavon. Right to left HENRI FARMAN; HENRI FARMAN; MAURICE FARMAN LONGHORN; MAURICE FARMAN LONGHORN; BE.2A, BE.2A.

Airplane. Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930)

Bi-plane ca. between 1910 and 1920.

Vintage Photograph. Flight of the world's first powered aircraft by the wright bros in 1903.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A de Havilland biplane in flight.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of the Cody aircraft mark IV Monoplane on the ground with a small group of people stood around. Cody built this aircraft specifically for the 1912 military trials. This single engine tractor design, radically different from his previous ones was significantly quicker and more manoeuvrable than the aircraft he had built before, though this was partly because of the more powerful Austro-Daimler engine which had been transferred from the mark IIE aircraft. Note the unusual tail arrangement with twin elevators and rudders. The Cockpit was semi enclosed with two side by side seats. Also note the aircraft's large size compared to other contemporary monoplanes. Approximately four weeks before the trials (sources disagree on the exact date) Cody struck a cow whilst attempting to make a forced landing after an engine cut out. Cody was thrown clear, largely unhurt, but the cow was killed and the aircraft, apart from the engine and rudder

Sample Bomb on Aircraft S 6 Fokker Sample Bomb on Aircraft S 6 Fokker in Workshop on CVM, Central Workshop Malmslätt.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark IV Monoplane with Cody and other men, women and children stood next to the aircraft. Cody built this aircraft specifically for the 1912 military trials. This single engine tractor design, radically different from his previous ones was significantly quicker and more manoeuvrable than the aircraft he had built before, though this was partly because of the more powerful Austro-Daimler engine which had been transferred from the mark IIE aircraft. Note the unusual tail arrangement with twin elevators and rudders. The Cockpit was semi enclosed with two side by side seats. Also note the aircraft's large size compared to other contemporary monoplanes. Approximately four weeks before the trials (sources disagree on the exact date) Cody struck a cow whilst attempting to make a forced landing after an engine cut out. Cody was thrown clear, largely unhurt, but the cow was killed and the aircraft, apart from the engine

Biplane caproni Ca 100. 1920-30.

James Frederick Cane with hand on plane black-and-white negatives

First England to Australia flight in 1919. Vickers converted Vimy bomber (G-EAOU), crewed by Captain Ross Macpherson Smith with his brother Lieutenant Keith Macpherson Smith as co-pilot and mechanics Sergeant W.H. (Wally) Shiers and Sergeant J.M. (Jim) Bennett. The Vimy left Hounslow Heath at 8.30 am on 12 November 1919. It flew via Lyon, Rome, Cairo, Damascus, Basra, Karachi, Delhi, Calcutta, Akyab, Rangoon racecourse, Singora in Siam, Singapore, Batavia and Surabaya., reaching Darwin at 4.10pm on 10 December 1919.

Anefo photo collection. Fly-in in Lelystad. Self-built airplane. May 21, 1983. Flevoland, Lelystad

Subjects: Jim King Collection; Transportation; Aircraft; Aircraft; Alaska. . 1998 - 2011.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Burke army biplane on the ground.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Bleriot monoplane flying near to the ground.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark III on the ground. Several mechanics and possibly Cody are helping to manoeuvre the aircraft. Cody built this aircraft for the Daily Mail Circuit of Britain race for which there was a GBP10,000 first prize. The mark III was smaller and lighter than Cody's previous aircraft with this compensating for the relatively low power output of the Green engine. It followed a similar design and was fitted with twin rear rudders. There were 32 entrants for the race from Britain and Europe with 21 actually starting the race. Cody was the only pilot / designer / constructor in the race with many of the other entrants being internationally known, professional pilots backed up by factory teams of mechanics, engineers, riggers and the like. The circular route was around 1000 miles in length beginning on the 22nd July 1911 at Brookland's with pilots stopping off at places such as Hendon, Harrogate, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Carlisle

An early French aviation pioneer.

Marine "looping" plane

Harriman Hydroaeroplane

PZL.5 aircraft during the III National Avionette Competition in Warsaw ca. 1930.

Passenger aeroplane gelatin silver negatives, black-and-white negatives

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Paulhan biplane on the ground, the airship shed can be seen in the background.

Airplane Tummelisa Airplane FVM / CFM Thumbsite, island1, No. 3656 in front of hangar.

March 1918. On the Eastern Front. A German seaplane on surveillance duty. Photos: bufa and rosemary.

S 6 on an airfield on f 3 . airplane s 6 marked number 32 standing on an airfield at F 3 ore.

Photograph captured during World War One shows a collection of various types of airplanes used by the American military. The image is labeled as number 13043 and was taken in 1919. The photograph was intended to identify different aircraft models, and it was formally issued with the descriptor "Takes Types of Airplanes." The image also carries a documentation symbol "C", a European note (EU), and it was received in 1919.

Building of aircraft Holmberg Racer motif: Airplane building. The framework for the civil aircraft Holmberg Racer has been put together in a workshop. A man stands at one aircraft wing.

Curtiss JN - a training plane.. Photographs. 1900 - 1929. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection. Aeronautics , United States, Airplanes

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Maurice Farman biplane in flight over Farnborough.

Early Airplane Prototype. Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930)

An Aeroplane Southern Star. April 15, 1931.

Hunting aircraft J 1 Hunting aircraft J 1 is in front of a hangar at F 5 war air school. Framed photo.

Anefo photo collection. unknown . General rehearsal of the flying party at Soesterberg French plane Caudron G3 from the war 14 "18. July 3, 1958. Soesterberg, Utrecht

Close-up photograph of a Caproni airplane with its nacelle and landing gear visible. The photo was taken in November 1917 at the Aviation Experiment Station, Langley Field, Hampton, VA. This image is a part of 111-SC-1287 series of photographs taken by Rebel 81287 Ca 4031.

WW1 - Winston Churchill and the navy checking on the air power of a monster seaplane on a seashore. Date: 1915

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark IB following the crash being pulled back to the shed by a group of handlers. Cody escaped from this crash unhurt apart from a cut on his face. It was caused by the front elevator and rudder spars snapping due to excessive force being placed on them when Cody attempted to make a turn in the aircraft. This version of the mark IB does not have the additional elevators fitted next to the main central elevator instead balancing planes have been added between the wings on the rear outer struts. It is still fitted with the rear undercarriage wheel as opposed to the skid used in later marks. The image is quite blurred. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembe

Man at a military propeller aircraft on an airfield. Portrait of consultable man at a military propeller aircraft on an airfield.

Glider. In the background society "love" north of Halmstad.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A medium close up of Cody wearing thick flying clothing aboard Cody aircraft mark IC (Cathedral - so named because of its size and the size of the hangar it required and the katahedral (lower at the wing tips) arrangement of the wings) with Mrs. Capper. The most important change made with this mark was moving the pilots seat to in front of the engine. This aircraft was altered several more times, here balancing planes have been added between the wings on the rear outer struts. Particularly with his earlier aircraft Cody made constant adjustments to the arrangement of the flying surfaces, often after crashes, in order to obtain better performance and handling. These changes mean that identifying specific sub-marks of Cody aircraft can at times be very difficult, it should also be remembered that because of this constant evolution of his aircraft Cody would probably not have classified them in such a detailed manner. It was in this aircraft

Aero-marine M1 experimental plane with Hall-Scott motor, photographed on June 5, 1918, at Langley Field, Hampton, Virginia. This particular plane was not commonly used, with some suggestion that it may be an Aeromarine 39 or Bavero model. Subject number 53445 AU from the School of Aerial Photography at Langley Field. The photograph was taken on January 10, 1918, and received on the same day with the takes P.N. N-244. It is marked for official use only, with notes listed as 087445.

Anefo photo collection. Schiphol 30 years unveiling Bust Dr. Plesman. May 17, 1950. Noord-Holland, Schiphol

Poll photo collection. Report Schiphol. A plane of the Lufthansa at Schiphol. 1933. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Schiphol

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