The plane proper is 31 feet in spread, to which the wing tips add 2½ feet, and is 6 feet deep, giving a total area of 200 square feet. A light framework extending 10 feet in the rear carries a tail-plane 6 feet in spread and 2 feet in depth. Both the elevator and the rudder planes are carried on a similar framework, 14 feet in front of the main plane.
The Pfitzner monoplane, showing the structure of the body; the two conical gasoline tanks above; the propeller in the rear. Lieutenant Pfitzner at the wheel.
The wings of the main plane incline upward from the centre toward the tips, and are trussed by vertical struts and diagonal ties.
The motor is placed in the rear of the plane, instead of in front, as in all other monoplanes. It is a 4-cylinder Curtiss motor, turning a 6-foot propeller at 1,200 revolutions per minute, and developing 25 horse-power.
The Pfitzner machine has proved very speedy, and has made some remarkably sharp turns on an even keel.
OTHER MONOPLANES.
Several machines of the monoplane type have been produced, having some feature distinct from existing forms. While all of these have flown successfully, few of them have made any effort to be classed among the contestants for honors at the various meets.
One of these, the Fairchild monoplane, shows resemblances to the R-E-P, the Antoinette, and the Bleriot machines, but differs from them all in having two propellers instead of one; and these revolve in the same direction, instead of in contrary directions, as do those of all other aeroplanes so equipped. The inventor claims that there is little perceptible gyroscopic effect with a single propeller, and even less with two. The propeller shafts are on the level of the plane, but the motor is set about 5 feet below, connections being made by a chain drive.
