Early Aviation History

Historic aircraft from the early 20th century, featuring bi-planes and unique designs, reflecting the pioneers of flight.

Curtiss Golden Flyer or Curtiss No 1 biplane

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 Cody aircraft mark III in an unfinished state with no elevators or rudders fitted. 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, Manchester, Worcester, Brist

Curtiss Golden Flyer or Curtiss No 1 biplane

James Frederick Cane getting into a plane. From the album: James Cane photograph album, 1929, New Zealand, maker unknown.

Thulin aircraft on the ground aircraft thulin type d on the ground.

Aviation-Aircraft. This image depicts a U.S. Coast Guard V-164 plane.

Germany -- Captured English Plane -- Avro type

Retro styled biplanes at airshow

Wilbur and Orville Wright, Charlie Taylor Putting Airplane on Launching Rail, First Army Flights, Fort Myer, Virginia, USA, Harris & Ewing, July 1909

First pictures of Pilot Baker's damaged plane in Central Australia. January 9, 1933.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Cody aircraft mark II in flight quite close to the ground. 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 thi

DH61 "Diana" at Inaugural ceremony at Archerfield Aerodrome. December 10, 1934. (Photo by Qantas Photograph).

Historical picture of an airplane

Photography from albums from Meisters-Airport companies in Gothenburg. Karl Gustaf Meister sitting in the plane.

Aviation-Aircraft. PH-2 Flying boat preparing to leave the air station.

Farman Airplane Farman HF 22, SW 10, on the ground.

A Wright's biplane departing during the 1909 Reims Air Circuit, France, photo by Farquhar, L'illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXVI, No 36, September 5, 1909.

British Aircraft Pre-1914 Sopwith Tractor three seat general purpose biplane.

Attracted Attention -- Painted a brilliant yellow, Captain Matthews' Puss Moth was a centre of interest after the aviator landed at Eagle Far yesterday.January 20, 1931. (Photo by Brisbane Daily Mail Ltd.).

G. Caproni on Caproni 5 biplane, Vizzola Ticino

MB-3A Airplane

SW 15 Lottery hunter on an airfield, winter motif: airplane SW 15 Lottery hunter marked number 827 on an airfield, winter time.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close up of a Breguet two-seater biplane. One man is stood next to the cockpit doing some work on the machine whilst two more (one sitting, one standing) are carrying out further work.

Minister Carlo Mirabello (1847-1910) on Wilbur Wright aeroplane in Rome Centocelle, April 1909, Italy, photo by Charles Abeniacar, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXVI, No 18, May 2, 1909.

The Gold Rush - This all-metal monoplane has been built for service to the New Guinea fields. The pilot, Mr. Mustard, sits above the propeller. Junkers all metal Monoplane imported by New Guinea Aircrafts for use at Lal. Salamon. Pilot mustard tap E.R. Chambers left. April 23, 1928.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Breguet biplane (F 2) on the ground with handlers.

Designed by Earl E McClary of Long Beach, California, this unusual design comprises a single wing with cabin below : the propeller turns in an opening in the wing. Date: 1929

T.O.M. Sopwith -- Airplane

James Frederick Cane standing next to plane, 1929, New Zealand, maker unknown. Gift of the family of Captain James F Cane, 2015.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War An FE 2 pusher biplane on the ground.

'Channel Wing' Plane -- Frank D. Kelley, Hagerstown, Md., commercial photographer and President of National Aircraft Corporation, sits at the controls of an unusual aircraft with "Custer Channel Wings", which resemble halves of Barrels. Kelley has flown the craft on several brief flights according to the inventor of the strange machine, Willard R. Custer. Photo, made 10 days ago, released by Kelley in Hagerstown, July 3. July 03, 1948. (Photo by AP Wirephoto).

Knatchbull M (capt the Hon) Collection B. E. 2 aeroplane just leaving No. 3 Squadron Aerodrome: Tenedos, Gallipoli, June 1915.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark V on the ground. With the help of his family and friends Cody built the mark V mainly from the remains of the mark III in just four weeks, after both the aircraft that he intended to enter in the trials were written off. It was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes it had been in. Note the triangular rudders similar to those on the monoplane. It was with this machine that Cody won both the International Division and the British Division (GBP5000 prize in total) of the 1912 military trials, a competition to find an aircraft for the army. 32 machines were entered from 21 companies in a series of tests. These tests covered areas such as rate of climb, speed (both fast and slow), glide angle, landing distance, time of assembly and ability to fly in a high wind. The aircraft had to meet certain other criteria such as having dual control and room for an obse

Louis Bleriot crossing from Calais to Dover in his monoplane, July 25, 1909

British Aircraft Bristol F.2B Fighter Design: Aircraft Bristol F.2B Fighter with English civil registration at international aviation exhibition in Gothenburg, 1923 (ILUG).

Reproductions of engl.-Franz.Vufphaltmaschinen.

WK-1 Jutrzenka aircraft, constructed by Wadysaw Aleksander Kozowski, 1927.

Tripoli, libya, the aircraft farman mf.7, 1913

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A medium close up of the propellor and undercarriage of a BE 1 prototype.

Colonel Lindbergh takes off for Pacific Coast on Inspection trip - Bride Accompanies him -- Colonel Lindbergh turning his plane into the wind for the take off.Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh, accompanied by the former Miss Anne Spencer Morrow, his bride of a few weeks, took off from Roosevelt Field this afternoon on a coast to coast inspection trip of the proposed air-rail routs of the Transcontinental Air Transport, for which he is technical adviser. September 01, 1928. (Photo by Underwood and Underwood).

Handley Page H.P. 42 or H.P. 45 Airplane taking off at an airport in Uganda ca. 1936.

Aircraft type.Brandenburger.

Aircraft of the Royal Air Force 1939-1945- De Havilland Dh 82 Tiger Moth. DH.82A Tiger Moth Mark II, R4922, of No. 7 Elementary Flying Training School based at Desford, Leicestershire, in flight

Flyers in front of aircraft Thulin B depicted in front of hangars in Ljungbyhed. At Enoch Thulin's flight school.

Airplane on the ground, prototype prototype to airplane FVM thumbs up outside hangar.

Wright Model A airplane on the field for Army flight trials at Fort Meyer, Virginia, in 1908. The airplane met all the requirements stated in 'Signal Corps Specification 486,' of Dec. 1907, for a 'heavier-than-air flying machine' (BSLOC_2018_2_23)

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close up of a De Havilland aircraft on the ground. The cloth capped heads of a small number of men in civilian dress inspecting the aircraft are visible behind the wing nearest the camera.

Seaplane, April 26, 1937, seaplane base in Genoa, Italy, 20th century.

The first caproni biplane. malpensa. 1910.

Model at building 193

Back view of a Hanriot HD 1 airplane; Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930); Italy; about 1916 - 1919; Gelatin silver print; 11.4 x 16.2 cm (4 1,2 x 6 3,8 in.)

British Sopwith Tabloid Biplane, Aldershot, England, UK, Bain News Service, 1915

Photograph of Maurice Farman's biplane. Maurice Farman (1877-1964) an Anglo-French Grand Prix motor racing champion, an aviator, and an aircraft manufacturer and designer. Dated 20th Century

Ö1 Tummelite at F 8 BARKARBY CA 1950-1951 Ö1 Thumbs Like landed on F 8 Svea Flight Fleet at Barkarby about 1950-1951. Photographed by Georg Eriksson, consignificant on F 8 during these years.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close of a two seater Breguet Biplane with a group of handlers. The balloon sheds can be seen in the background. Note the fuel tank clearly visible beneath the wing.

Henri Farman after winning Deutsch prize of aviation, ND Photo

British Aviation Prior To the First World War Short monoplane. Short Brothers first attempt at a monoplane.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A close up of the propellor and engine of the BE 1, sometimes known as the silent army aircraft.

Thulin fa from airplane motif: airplane Thulin fa marked number 876 out of airplane on the ground.

J 23 The prototype on the ground aircraft FVM J 23 marked 3111 on the ground with driver gärin in place.

Aeroplane in flight

PH-3 Seaplane. This image depicts a Hall PH-3 Seaplane.

Model of Shillcutt Aeroplane

Knatchbull M (capt the Hon) Collection No. 3 Squadron R. N. A. S; a Maurice Farman aeroplane; Tenedos, Gallipoli, June 1915.

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War Medium close up of the gondola of an army airship possibly Gamma with men stood inside it and around it.

Photography from albums from Meisters-Airport companies in Gothenburg. Karl Gistaf Meister.

James Frederick Cane with hand on plane, 1929, New Zealand, maker unknown. Gift of the family of Captain James F Cane, 2015.

idrocorsa macchi castoldi 72, 1937

Two pilots. Fédèle Azari (Italian, 1895 - 1930)

Juan de la Cierva (1895-1936), Spanish inventor and aeronautical scientist, piloting the first airplane built by him. Cuatro Vientos Airport, 1912.

Alan Cobham's De Havilland DH50 landing on the Tigris, Iraq, 1926. Artist: Unknown

Aircraft Bréguet B 1, about 1913. Aircraft Bréguet B 1 with Allan Junner in the backsits and unknown man in Frontsits. At the Gärdet in Stockholm.

United States: August 5, 1923 Two men with a Navy Curtis Seaplane racer with a pilot in the cockpit.

"Red Rose" (aero *****) in which his Keith Millers ***** her flew to Aust. March 20, 1928. (Photo by Central News).

4191-V111119178

Marine in Scout plane

The work of Samuel Franklin Cody in Airship, Kite and Aircraft Aeronautics 1903 - 1913 in England. Cody Aircraft Mark V in flight low over the ground with a passenger. With the help of his family and friends Cody built the Mark V mainly from the remains of the Mark III in just four weeks, after both the aircraft that he intended to enter in the trials were written off. It was powered by the 120 hp Austro-Daimler engine which was relatively unscathed from the crashes it had been in. Note the triangular rudders similar to those on the monoplane.

1 Ton Torpedoes from The Air World's Fastest Plane -- The world's greatest warplane was demonstrated yesterday at Brough Aerodrome, Yorks. Torpedoes carrying nearly one ton of high explosives were dropped into the water from this Blackburn Napier Ripon II which can carry this immense missile beneath the fuselage when going through the sir at a speed of over 3 miles per minute.Picture taken during the demonstration shows - Placing the torpedo in the undercarriage. June 29, 1928.

"An image of a two-seater pursuit plane from World War One. This aircraft is an S.E.A. 4C2 powered by a Lorraine 390 H.P. engine. It has a top speed of 129 miles at 6500 feet and can climb to 17000 feet in 21 minutes. The pilot is equipped with two fixed guns, while the gunner has two flexible guns. It has a ground consumption endurance of 2 hours and 30 minutes."

Aviator and politician Italo Balbo (1896-1940) gives the green light to the aircrafts piloted by the Italian Guazzetti and the English Evelyn Winifred Spooner on the day of the Giro Aereo d'Italia (Aerial Tour of Italy) from Aeroporto del Littorio, Rome, Italy, August 25, 1930, photo by Bruni, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, year LVII, n 35, August 31, 1930.

Lt. Gandy's damaged plane seen at Love Field in Dallas, Texas. The aircraft had a mishap and tipped over, resulting in significant damage. This photograph was taken on May 21, 1918, and is marked as not for publication, intended only for official use.

Caption: "Aircraft wreckage at Love Field, Texas photographed in 1918. The symbol indicates that the airplane hit a post during landing. The photo was taken on September 12, 1918, approximately 2 miles northwest of Bonham, Texas."

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A good view of Cody aircraft mark IV Monoplane with Cody aircraft mark III in background, outside the shed on Laffan's Plain. 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

, Aspern - airfield, with aircraft, postcard, Unknown

Germany -- Captured French Plane -- Deperdussin Type

"Photograph from 1919 showing different types of airplanes used during World War One. The image displays a variety of aircraft, indicating technological advancements made in the field of aviation. The caption mentions that this is photograph number 53441, taken by an unidentified photographer. The description states that the image captures types of airplanes, dating back to the 1890s."

Side view of a Loening Monoplane with a 300 HP Hispano motor, taken on January 28, 1919, at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio. The machine designed by Grover C. Loening of the Loening Aeronautical Corporation. Major Schroeder achieved a new world record by carrying three passengers to an altitude of 21,000 feet.

Phuket, formerly known as Talang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang, i.e. 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island there are no land boundaries. Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailands largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. The region now derives much of its income from tourism.

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

J 7 On a field, 1930s . aircraft J 7 marked 1217 associated F 1 Häslö is on a field.

Aircraft Hanno at Semach. 1931, Biplanes, Israel, Tsemaḥ

Aviation in Britain Before the First World War A Bleriot monoplane in flight over Farnborough.

Portrait and aircraft Portrait of Lieutenant in front of aircraft Albatros SW 20 No. 750. The aircraft tail is set up on tick in front of hangar on the ore.

The 'Oiseau Bleu' piloted by French WW1 air ace Charles Nungesser, with colleague Coli, at Paris before their fatal attempt to fly the Atlantic, never explained. Date: 8 May 1927

Cpl. Palumbo tests a Murray-Carns all steel aeroplane at the Acceptance Field in Detroit, Michigan. This close-up view of the completed machine was taken on October 21, 1918. The photograph was censored and released by M.I.D. censor on November 5, 1918. A.T.A notes identify the aircraft as 9025016.

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

Aircraft and Airports - Missouri. Photographs Relating to National Forests, Resource Management Practices, Personnel, and Cultural and Economic History

Antarctic Expedition - Wilkins Expedition - 1928-30. June 23, 1930. (Photo by International News Photos, Inc.).

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 quite close to the ground silhouetted over Laffan's Plain. The photograph was probably taken at dawn or dusk. 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-mark

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