THE BALDWIN BIPLANE.
The Baldwin biplane, designed by Captain Thomas S. Baldwin, the distinguished balloonist, resembles the Farman type in some features, and the Curtiss in others. It has the Curtiss type of ailerons, set between the wings, but extending beyond them laterally. The elevator is a single surface placed in front of the machine, and the tail is of the biplane type with the rudder between. The spread of the main planes is 31 feet 3 inches, and their depth 4 feet 6 inches. A balancing plane of 9 square feet is set upright (like a fin) above the upper main plane, on a swivel. This is worked by a fork fitting on the shoulders of the pilot, and is designed to restore equilibrium by its swinging into head-resistance on one side or the other as may be necessary.
The Baldwin biplane, showing balancing plane above upper main plane.
The motive power is a 4-cylinder Curtiss motor, which turns a propeller 7 feet 6 inches in diameter, set just within the rear line of the main planes, which are cut away to clear the propeller blades.