The Monoplane Flyer. (Plate III.)
The fusellage or "backbone" of the machine is formed out of a piece of thin walled aluminum tubing having an outside diameter of one-quarter of an inch and measuring twenty-four inches long.
The framework of the planes is formed out of rattan reed, one-eighth of an inch in diameter. The main plane is 19 inches across from tip to tip. It is 4 inches deep at the centre and 5 1/2 inches at the widest point near the tips. The framework is spread near the centre of each wing by a piece of rattan reed 5 1/4 inches long. The ends of the reed are joined by rolling a small piece of copper sheet into a tube and closing it around the reed tightly with a pair of pliers.
The reed forming the frame of the plane passes through a hole in the aluminum tube.
Plate V.
The plane forming the tail is almost the same in all respects save that of size as the forward main plane.
A small vertical fin 3 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches deep is placed below the tail plane, in line with the "backbone" to act as a keel or rudder and hold the machine to a straight course.
The covering of the planes is China silk or bamboo paper coated with bamboo varnish.
The bearing is made out of sheet brass bent into the shape shown and fastened to the tube by lashing with a wire.
The propeller should be 6 inches in diameter. One or two glass beads placed between the bearing and the propeller will reduce the friction.
The motive power consists of 8 strands of 3/32 x 3/32 inch rubber connected at one end to the propeller and at the other to a hook at the rear end of the aluminum tube.
The machine is provided with two piano wire skids to protect the propeller in landing.
If the aeroplane tends to rise too abruptly when in flight, bend the rear edge of the main planes up. If on the contrary, it dips or dives, bend the rear edge down.